Oxford just announced the 2023 Word of the Year. After 32,000 votes and discourse among language experts—“rizz” was given the honor. Oxford explains that rizz pertains “to someone’s ability to attract another person through style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.” It comes from the middle part of the word “charisma.” Rizz can be hard to explain, but is undeniable when you see it. Think Pete Davidson’s inexplicable allure to successful women or Zendaya on pretty much every red carpet. To honor the Word of the Year, we’ve created a list of beauty brands we think have rizz.
Vacation has the kind of rizz your parents had on the beach in the 70s (sorry). The aesthetic is nostalgic, fun and unlike anything else out there—plus, the products rock. The scents are intoxicating, the innovations are exciting—hello, Classic Whip SPF 30 ($22)—and the branding is some of the coolest, most rizz-filled out there.
Fenty Beauty was born into rizz since Rihanna is its Mother. The inclusivity of shade colors and the funky product names give Fenty Beauty an air of cool that’s effortless. If you know a girl with rizz, she probably owns a GLOSS BOMB ($21) or two.
It’s not surprising that the brand born from the mind of makeup artist Donni Davy, responsible for the trendsetting looks on Euphoria, is brimming with rizz, but we must talk about it nonetheless. It’s the A24 of makeup, and the quality is exceptional. It’s all about being the dreamiest, most unapologetically you version of yourself.
NARS Cosmetics has always been absolutely out of pocket—their iconic Blush ($32) comes in shades like “Orgasm” and “Sex Appeal.” NARS is more than an early adopter of rizz—they’ve had rizz since before many people using the word were even born.
Something about the understated brilliance of Dieux Skin whispers rizz. While it’s a viral skin-care brand, it still sticks to science and pushes against the industry’s incessant desire for constant launches. Everything they create is intentional and gorgeous, emitting effortless rizz.
A runner-up for the 2023 Word of the Year was “Swiftie.” A rizz queen in her own right, Taylor Swift is known for her iconic red lip—which is often from PAT McGRATH LABS. By virtue of being a dame and celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath herself is bursting with rizz, and her cup runneth over into her brand. Whenever I require a rizz boost myself, I apply LUST: Gloss ($29) in Blitz Gold—just trust me.
EADEM sets out to inspire bare skin confidence, which is the ultimate rizz. Created with women of color in mind, the products aim to brighten, never lighten skin. The founders, Marie Kouadio and Alice Lin, have perfectly curated the aesthetic of the brand and thoughtful products for all the cool girls out there.