The 20 most anticipated makeup trends expected to dominate the beauty industry in 2025 are:
- Modern-Meets-Nostalgic Eyes
- Bold Eyes
- Blurred, Feathered Lips
- “Blonzer” Blushes
- Smoky Cat Eyes (and Smoky Eyes in General)
- Unexpected Pops of Color
- Minimalist Beauty
- Vampy Lips
- A Case of The Blues
- Minimalist, Feathery Lashes
- ‘No Makeup’ Makeup
- Shimmery Shadows
- Bright and Bold Pastel Grunge
- Gothic Glam
- The Comeback of Silver
- Colorful Lashes
- Ditching The Mascara
- Natural Complexions
- Lollipop Lips
- Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Introduction
Hey there, makeup enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, seeing new makeup trends is like unwrapping a present on Christmas morning. Whether you’re a pro makeup artist or just venturing into the world of beauty, keeping up with trends is always exciting.
And guess what? 2025 is promising to be a year full of bold, nostalgic, and fresh looks that will have everyone talking!
So, are you ready to explore whatβs on the horizon?
Let’s dive in and discover the 20 hottest makeup trends coming in 2025!
2025 Vision: The Top 20 Makeup Trends To Jump On Now
Modern-Meets-Nostalgic Eyes
We’re taking a trip down memory lane, but with a modern twist! Think of your favorite eye looks from yesteryears brought back to life with a contemporary touch. For instance:
- Neon liners paired with soft, pastel shadows;
- Glitter-laden lids with sleek, cat-eye flicks;
- Smoky eyes with an unexpected pop of color;
- Classic ’60s eyeliner with bold, graphic shapes.
Bold Eyes
In 2025, it’s all about making a statement with your eyes. So, experiment with graphic liners, exaggerated lash lines, and vibrant shadows that scream confidence and creativity!
Pro Tip: Experiment and play with any/all of these 5 eyeshadow finishes!
Blurred, Feathered Lips
This makeup trend is perfect if you love a soft, romantic look. Blurred lips provide a diffused effect, making them look effortless yet chic. You can achieve this with the following 5 step process:
- Start with a lip balm to prep and hydrate your lips.
- Use a lip tint or cream and apply it to the center of your lips.
- Gently blend outward using a lip brush or your fingers for a soft-edge effect.
- Layer different shades to create dimension and a personalized hue.
- Finish with a light dusting of translucent powder to set the look.
“Blonzer” Blushes
Say hello to βblonzerβ! A chic fusion of blush and bronzer, this trend emphasizes a sun-kissed glow while adding a subtle flush of color. It’s the perfect way to achieve a radiant, natural complexion.
Smoky Cat Eyes (and Smoky Eyes in General)
A sultry take on classic smoky eyes, this makeup trend incorporates cat-eye flicks with smoky edges. As a result, you can create an intense and seductive look that’s perfect for nights out!
Furthermore, 2025 will see a continued appreciation for the smoky eye in general, too. Whether you prefer a dramatic black smoky eye or a softer, smudged effect using earth tones, there’s something for everyone in this trend. The beauty of this timeless trend lies in its versatility, as it can be tailored to suit any eye shape and personal style.
So, grab your favorite eye palette and have fun experimenting with different shades/techniques to make this timeless look uniquely yours!
Pro Tip: Check out this smoky eye step-by-step tutorial video by QC Makeup Academy alumnus, Devyn Gregorio!
Unexpected Pops of Color
Bring a splash of surprise to your makeup with vivid pops of color. It’s all about subtle yet striking accents! Think:
- A bright inner corner highlight;
- Bold, colorful liners paired with otherwise neutral makeup;
- Vibrant lashes using colored mascara for an unforeseen twist;
- A cheeky splash of blush in an unconventional hue (like tangerine or lavender);
- A bold, colorful lip paired with minimal eye makeup for a standout statement.
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Minimalist Beauty
Now, that’s not to say that 2025 will be all about bold looks. On the contrary, minimalist beauty enthusiasts, rejoice – because this year, enhancing your natural features with a “less is more” approach is definitely another makeup trend on the radar!
Imagine skin that actually looks like skin, with lightweight foundations or tinted moisturizers that give you a dewy glow. This trend is all about freshness – using just a hint of concealer where needed, a touch of mascara to open up the eyes, and a swipe of tinted balm for a hint of color on the lips.
We love this trend because this understated look celebrates individuality and self-confidence. Meaning, everyone is invited to embrace their unique beauty with minimal product interference!
Vampy Lips
Dark, vampy shades are making a comeback! Deep plums, rich burgundies, and almost black hues are perfect for adding drama to any look. We suggest pairing them with a simple eye for maximum impact!
A Case of The Blues
Remember when blue eyeshadow was all the rage in the early 2000s? We used to joke that that time in makeup history was a fever dream… But it turns out this trend is making a comeback after all!
Blue is back, and it’s bolder than ever. From pastel baby blues to electric cobalt, incorporate this versatile hue into your makeup with shadows, liners, or even lip colors.
Here are a few tricks to make the most of this trend:
- For a subtle pop, use blue eyeliner on your lower lash line;
- Create a statement look by pairing electric blue liner with neutral shadows;
- For a bolder approach, try an all-blue smoky eye for maximum impact.
Pro Tip: Learn how to best apply eyeliner based on your client’s eye shape!
Minimalist, Feathery Lashes
For a while, it was all about thick, voluminous lashes. But in 2025, natural-looking lashes are making a comeback! Think feathery, wispy lashes that frame your eyes in a subtle yet captivating way.
You can achieve this look with lengthening mascaras, as well as individual false lashes, to add just the right amount of drama without looking overdone.
‘No Makeup’ Makeup
The ‘no makeup’ makeup trend was first coined and began gaining popular back in 1986 – and as we make our way into 2025, it seems to be here to stay forever!
This trend focuses on using makeup to enhance your features with a natural, barely-there look. It’s all about looking like you woke up flawless (even if we know you spent an hour getting ready). The key is to use products that match your skin tone and blend them seamlessly for a fresh-faced finish.
And remember: Less is more! With that in mind, we recommend the following tips:
- Use a Primer: Always start with a good primer to ensure your makeup lasts all day and looks flawless. It creates a smooth canvas and helps minimize the appearance of pores.
- Match Your Foundation: Choosing the right foundation shade is critical. Test a few shades on your jawline to find the perfect match that blends seamlessly into your skin tone.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Whether itβs eyeshadow, blush, or foundation, blending is key to achieving a polished and natural look. Use a good-quality brush or sponge for best results.
- Highlight Strategically: Use highlighter on the high points of your face such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the Cupidβs bow to give your skin a luminous glow.
- Set Your Makeup: To keep your makeup in place and reduce shine, dust a bit of translucent powder over your T-zone and use a setting spray for a long-lasting finish.
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Shimmery Shadows
Get ready to sparkle! In 2025, shimmery shadows are going to add a touch of glamor to any look.
Whether it’s a subtle sheen or full-on glitter, these shadows are perfect for every occasion! For instance, you can try a neutral, shimmery shade all over the lid for an everyday look. Alternately, you can also opt for a bold, glittery color to rock at a special event.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures for a dazzling effect!
Bright and Bold Pastel Grunge
Pastel grunge first swept the beauty industry by storm in 2020, and it’s still going strong in 2025! This trend combines soft, pastel shades with edgy grunge elements to create a unique and eye-catching look. Think light pink hair paired with dark, smoky eyes or pastel purple lips with a leather jacket.
It’s all about mixing feminine and edgy for a striking result!
Gothic Glam
Dark, moody, and dramatic β Gothic Glam is back! First seen in the late 70s/early 80s, this trend embraces all things dark and mysterious, from black lips to smoky eyes. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go full-on Morticia Addams to rock this look in 2025 (though you certainly can if you want to!).
Instead, try incorporating elements of Gothic Glam into your usual makeup routine, such as a bold, vampy lip or a touch of dark eyeshadow on the outer corners for added depth.
Pro Tip: Learn what it takes to launch a career as a beauty content creator!
The Comeback of Silver
Another makeup trend making its long-awaited comeback in 2025 is silver!
From metallic eyeshadows to silver-toned highlighters, this color adds a futuristic and edgy touch to any look. It’s perfect for adding a pop of shine or creating an all-over metallic effect. Plus, it looks great on all skin tones (though, admittedly, best on those with cool and/or neutral undertones).
Want to work some silver into your makeup applications but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you:
- Try a silver eyeliner for a subtle yet striking look; it can really make your eyes pop.
- Apply a metallic silver eyeshadow all over the lid for a bold statement, perfect for nighttime events.
- Use a silver highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones for a radiant glow and a modern, futuristic vibe.
- Incorporate a touch of silver glitter on top of your regular lip color for an unexpected sparkle.
- Create a graphic eyeliner look using silver for a unique twist on traditional black, adding a playful yet sophisticated element to your look.
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Colorful Lashes
Say goodbye to basic black – another popular makeup trend we’ll see in 2025 are colorful lashes! These are set to brighten up your makeup routine, with hues ranging from bold blues to playful pinks.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to go the route of rainbow lashes:
- Choose a mascara shade that complements or contrasts with your eyeshadow for a coordinated look;
- Apply a coat of colorful mascara to the tips of your lashes for just a subtle hint of color;
- Experiment with ombrΓ© lashes by applying two different colors, blending from root to tip;
- For a more dramatic look, use a bold color like neon green or vibrant purple to make your eyes stand out;
- Remember to balance the colorful lashes with neutral makeup elsewhere to avoid overpowering your look.
Ditching The Mascara
In contrast to the last makeup trend, there’s also a growing movement in 2025 to ditch the mascara altogether! This may sound counterintuitive, but many beauty enthusiasts are embracing their natural lashes and opting for more minimal makeup looks.
Not only does this save time and money on products; it also allows for a more effortless and low-maintenance approach to beauty. Plus, with the rise of lash extensions and lift treatments, achieving long, fluttery lashes without mascara is becoming easier than ever!
Natural Complexions
Speaking of makeup trends that embrace the au naturale, natural complexions are also making a comeback in 2025. The focus is on enhancing and embracing your natural skin, rather than covering it up with layers of foundation.
To achieve this look:
- Use a lightweight, sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone without looking heavy or cakey;
- Embrace freckles and other imperfections instead of trying to conceal them;
- Opt for cream-based products instead of powder for a more dewy and fresh finish;
- Use minimal concealer, only where necessary, to avoid masking the natural texture and color of your skin.
Remember: the goal is to let your radiant skin shine through while still enhancing your features with subtle makeup techniques and products.
Lollipop Lips
Never heard of this makeup trend before? Essentially, it’s just as the name suggests; inspired by the sweet, sticky look of lollipop-stained lips. This trend is all about creating a glossy, slightly over-lined lip in candy-like shades.
Here’s how you can try out this look the next time you reach for your lip products:
- Choose a bright, vibrant shade like cherry red or bubblegum pink;
- Apply a generous coat of clear gloss over the top to create a shiny, almost wet effect;
- Overline your lips slightly with a lip liner that matches or complements your chosen shade. This will give the illusion of fuller, more pouty lips;
- For an extra playful touch, add a tiny dot of white eyeliner or eyeshadow in the center of your bottom lip to mimic the look and shine of sugar on a lollipop.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Finally, the last makeup trend we expect to dominate in 2025 focuses on saving your dimes. After all, in today’s economy, who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly option?
Here are just some of the ways you can add to your makeup kit without hurting your bank account:
- Opt for cheaper brands: Often, especially at drug stores and pharmacies, you’ll come across those lesser-known (but still reliable!) makeup brands that sell products at a fraction of the price of bigger names. Don’t be afraid to give them a try!
- Use multi-purpose products: Look for products that can pull double duty, such as a lip and cheek stain or an eyeshadow palette with versatile shades.
- Get creative with household items: Did you know that coconut oil can work as a makeup remover? Or that baby powder makes a great dry shampoo? Don’t underestimate the power of everyday household items in your beauty routine.
- Shop sales and use coupons: Keep an eye out for discounts, promos, and coupons when shopping for makeup. They can save you a lot of money in the long run!
By incorporating these budget-friendly options into your makeup routine, you can experiment with different trends and styles without breaking the bank. After all, looking fabulous doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
Conclusion
There you have it: the 20 hottest makeup trends to look forward to in 2025. Whether you’re ready to go bold with some colorful lashes or prefer the simplicity of ‘no makeup’ makeup, thereβs something for everyone.
So, why not try mixing a few trends together to create your signature style?
And remember: makeup should always be fun and expressive. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what makes you feel fabulous. Stay tuned for more insider tips and tricks, and be sure to share your own trend predictions in the comments below!
Until next time, keep slaying those looks! π
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Disclaimer: This content is purely speculative and may not accurately reflect the actual makeup trends trends that unfold in 2025.
