Our top 16 favourite beauty trends of 2024
As we look forward to new makeup and skincare trends in 2025, we’ve rounded up our top 16 favourite beauty trends of 2024 that have kept us feeling fabulous all year long. From bold makeup looks to glowing skin this year’s beauty scene was all about self-expression, experimentation, and having a little fun with our beauty routines.
Luminous skin
Glass skin, glazed skin, luminous skin... It doesn’t matter what you call it, the world’s obsession with glowing like a porcelain doll was the ultimate beauty takeover, thanks to Pat McGrath. Whether you’re a makeup artist or simply a beauty lover, looking like a glazed donut is a 2024 beauty trend we’re taking into the new year. What we love about it is its emphasis on natural radiance; it seems like your skin is glowing from the inside out, as if you’ve just stepped out of a facial–all fresh, hydrated and healthy.
’90s makeup
No matter the year, no matter the season, the ’90s era always finds its way back. Whether it’s a makeup style, hairstyle or fashion item, this aesthetic is like a time capsule that transports us back to a decade when beauty had no rules. Authentic ’90s makeup meant ultra-thin eyebrows and frosted lips; back then, celebrities and models were seen rocking everything from dark lip liner to bold, sparkly eyeshadow – and the maximalism didn’t stop there. The ‘90s trend is both simple and playful; its versatility is what makes it one of our favourite beauty trends.
Y3K makeup
Similar to the Y2K aesthetic, Y3K imagines what fashion and beauty will look like a thousand years in the future. The style is influenced by the rise of social media, AI and Photoshop. Slowly but surely gaining popularity, this makeup look is characterised by glitter or metallic eye shadows, unusual eyeliner and eyeshadow shapes, and rhinestones. Y3K makeup is inspired by digital art, science fiction, and even extraterrestrial themes. But yours should be based on your own vision of the future, which means there are no rules. For a little inspiration, we recommend checking out beauty creators @rowisingh and @lynda.florae’s makeup looks.
Blush obsession
It’s safe to say that blush was this year’s It Girl, and we’re all obsessed with her. People are wearing it, talking about it and buying it more than ever before. From boyfriend blush to sunset blush, it’s clear that people have discovered the power of a good blush. What was once seen as a subtle step in a makeup routine has now become a bold statement, with blush taking centre stage. Our blush-centred makeup routines have prompted brands to provide a diverse range of shades, from warm peaches and soft pinks to deeper hues and even more unconventional tones like lavender. As a result, blush is no longer just a finishing touch – it’s an essential element of our beauty routines.
Maximalist makeup
In a world where ‘less is more’ has reigned supreme, till now it’s been a tight race between minimalism and maximalism. But thanks to viral makeup trends, maximalist makeup has slowly but surely made its way to the makeup scene. Where bold colours and designs meet creativity, maximalist makeup has turned into self-expression and creativity, honouring your inner artist and a perfect excuse to exaggerate your makeup. Lately, many beauty influencers have been all over this makeup style, some making it their personal brand.Beauty influencers like @rowisingh and @naezrahlooks, among many, have become the faces of maximalist makeup.
Bold Lips
From fiery reds to daring purples, this year we’ve seen a lot more bold lips than we can count. Embracing vibrant shades is a trend that’s for those who aren’t afraid to add a little drama to their everyday look. The appeal lies in the trend’s versatility: you can pair it with a minimal makeup base for a striking contrast, or go full glam with a more dramatic eye look to match.
No-makeup makeup
Year in, year out, this trend never gets old. A no-makeup makeup look definitely requires makeup, and maybe even more than you’d think – the irony of this makeup look is that we prefer to look like we’re not wearing any at all. But whether you call it minimalist makeup or no-makeup makeup, the products you use should enhance your features by blending neutral shades with the soft placement of shadows and highlights to create an ‘enhanced’ natural look; the goal is to look as natural as possible.
Lashed out
Although strip lashes, cluster lashes and individual lashes can all add extra spice to your makeup look, it seems people have been going lashless – and we’re totally here for it! It’s always been a popular look for editorial shoots and high-fashion shows; we know it’s nothing new, but it is refreshing to see bare lashes in a world full of falsies. The clean girl aesthetic, which is another beauty trend we loved this year, might be responsible for popularising the no-lash trend.
Clean girl aesthetic
Are people just discovering hygiene? Well, no... the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic is about more than just a thorough shower routine. Hey, we know it’s confusing trying to keep up with TikTok trends. Clean girl is all about looking fresh, dewy-skinned, well-rested and glowing.Similar to the luminous skin and no-makeup makeup aesthetics, the goal is to look as though you ‘just woke up like this’ – as long as your makeup bag is stocked with the basics, the look is easily achievable. What we love about this trend is that it extends beyond makeup; clean girl hair and nails are also a thing.
Monochromatic look
This trend is a special favourite for us, because it simplifies makeup application. Being able to use a single colour across your eyes, lips, and cheeks for a cohesive look has gained popularity in the beauty community. It’s perfect for those who prefer a simpler makeup routine, but without compromising on style. Our favourite way to achieve this look is by using blush. Blush is quite versatile and can be used as eyeshadow, lip product... and of course blush. Alternatively, you can use different products with the same shade – for example a pink eyeshadow, pink blush, and pink lip product.
Clean beauty
In the ever-evolving world of beauty, this year has introduced a refreshing wave of ‘clean’ beauty trends that prioritise sustainability and transparency. From skincare to makeup, the focus is on mindful consumption. As we wrap up the year, sustainable beauty continues to redefine the standards of the beauty industry. With sustainability, transparency, and a focus on well-being at its core, this beauty trend enhances our beauty routines while contributing to conscious living.
Coffee-inspired beauty
The popular saying ‘You are what you eat’ is quite literally true with this makeup trend; though in this case, you are what you drink – first came latte makeup, which then morphed into mocha and then espresso makeup. Makeup looks inspired by your favourite hot beverages are often characterised by rich brown-hued coffee, toffee and chocolate tones applied across the eyes, lips and cheeks. Simply put, these are just fun terms for bronzing; whatever you call it, it’s loved for its chic and classic look.
Inclusive beauty
Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry. Whether it’s makeup or skincare products, brands are working towards representing a wide range of skin tones, skin types, body types and ethnicities. But inclusive beauty goes beyond physical appearance. Many brands are embracing the idea that beauty is also about promoting self- care and confidence. This campaigning encourages a positive relationship with beauty, focusing on feeling good in your own skin, and building mental well-being and physical appearance.
Skinimalism
Less is more, especially in the world of skincare. Skinimalism, a trend focused on simplified skincare routines and embracing natural beauty, is gaining momentum. This trend encourages individuals to prioritise skincare over heavy makeup, promoting a healthy,glowing complexion. So if you have acne scars, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines or more, you don’t have to feel like you need to hide them. This beauty trend is also about beauty-minimal skin care. Described as the new glow up, it entails minimising your skincare routine to a more simplified regimen, with less focus on multiple products and more focus on a sustainable routine. That’s less work for you and your wallet – everybody wins.
SPF innovation
While SPF is nothing new, this year we’ve seen sunscreen become more than just protective. SPF-infused makeup has been gaining popularity throughout the year, making us more aware of the importance of daily sun protection. Traditionally, sunscreen was applied separately, but now with the rise of all-in-one beauty products, it offers a convenient way of incorporating SPF in our daily routines. Because we’re in an era in which we’ve become more conscientious about preventing premature ageing and skin damage, SPF has become a key component of deciding whether we purchase a product or not.
K-Beauty
Korean Beauty continues to influence global skincare trends with its holistic approach. Koreans are known for their plump, luminous skin, and it’s safe to say they know their stuff when it comes to skincare. Not only did they pioneer the use of sheet masks; they’re also behind many other beauty trends, from double cleansing to cherry lips.