Top Makeup Trends of the Year: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Every year, a new set of makeup trends emerges, shaking up the beauty industry and transforming our beauty routines. These trends, sometimes influenced by celebrity beauty looks or shimmering off the runway, give us some fresh inspiration. Whether it’s a vibrant change from the well-known classics or a modern take on old favourites, these trends have a significant impact on how we perceive and use makeup. In this 2021 makeup trend guide, you’ll unveil what’s hot and what’s not.

The “No-Makeup” Face: Hot

In 2021, we’re observing a significant shift towards a more natural, ‘barely-there’ makeup look. This trend promotes a flawless, healthy complexion that sounds deceptive by calling it the ‘no-makeup’ look—it can actually take a couple of products to achieve. A BB cream or a tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, a hint of blush, and an amazing lip gloss set are all it takes to master this minimal aesthetic. Brands like Glossier and Fenty Beauty are championing this trend, offering products that enhance natural beauty rather than covering it.

Bold Eye Makeup: Hot

Admittedly, the pandemic’s requirement to wear masks has refocused makeup trends, putting more emphasis on the eyes – and they do say the eyes are the window to the soul. In 2021, the combination of bold, vibrant eye shadows and graphic eyeliners is setting the trend bars high. Whether it’s a vivid blue hue or a dash of neon pink, adding a pop of color to the eyes gets you into the trend.

Contouring: Not

Although contouring had a big moment a few years ago, largely thanks to Kim Kardashian, it seems this trend is phasing out in 2021. Technically advanced, some believe contouring can sometimes result in an artificial look, which doesn’t align well with this year’s push for natural beauty. However, contouring isn’t dead, just evolved. Now, it’s all about ‘soft contouring,’ a gentler version using minimal product to define your facial features subtly.

Matte Finish: Not

Glossy, glowing skin is in! The trend has shifted away from the perfectly matte skin of the past few years towards a more luminous, ‘dewy’ appearance. This glow-from-within look often uses products like liquid highlighters and hydrating primers to convey a fresh, radiant effect. The harsh matte look, it seems, is not the vibe this year.

Lip Plumpers: Hot 

With full lips remaining a coveted beauty feature in 2021, lip plumpers are popular. Often infused with ingredients to boost blood circulation and collagen production, these products give an instant ‘plump’ effect to enhance your pout. They’re an excellent alternative to invasive lip fillers.

Overdrawn Eyebrows: Not

While well-defined eyebrows are still in, the age of the overdone, heavily drawn brow is fading. This year, it’s all about naturally bushy, fluffy brows. The ‘soap brow’ technique is the new craze, which involves using soap as a setting product to give eyebrows an upward and outward direction, creating a fuller, feathered look.
From fresh faces to vibrant eye makeup, 2021 has brought some exciting makeup trends to help us navigate the new normal. The key takeaway? Less is more. Makeup should be fun, it’s an easy way to express who you are. Embrace the natural beauty trend and just enhance your favourite features. It’s about feeling good in our own skin and embracing what makes us uniquely beautiful.