Buzz
Makeup trends aren't for everyone, and some people couldn't care less about what's currently in vogue. If that's you, more power to you. Still, countless individuals are constantly on the hunt for the next big thing, spending hours glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the latest craze.
On the flip side, there are those who aspire to be trendsetters. They aim to pioneer new makeup techniques and styles that others will follow. Unfortunately, not all trends catch on. Some ideas never gain traction, and others shouldn't have even been attempted. Here are ten makeup trends that failed to make an impact.
10. Permanent Marker as Eyeliner
Taylor Swift once revealed that she used permanent markers as eyeliner, a decision she quickly regretted. She later vowed to treat her skin better. Despite her regrets, many fans and makeup enthusiasts tried to replicate her look, with some even using Sharpies for extensive facial designs.
What inspired Taylor Swift to try this? Was she frustrated with smudged makeup after sleeping? Or did she need a quick fix and grabbed whatever was nearby? Whatever the reason, using Sharpies as makeup is a terrible idea.
While Sharpies are labeled non-toxic, that doesn’t make them safe for your eyes. The chemicals in these markers are unknown and could harm your vision. Protect your eyes by sticking to products specifically designed for makeup.
9. Oreo Cookie Mascara
In 2015, YouTuber Katharine Ward created mascara using Oreo cookies. While it might sound like it would smell amazing, the goal was to achieve dark, long, and voluminous lashes. Some YouTubers praised it as a budget-friendly hack, but the costs add up when you factor in face or eye primer, the cookies, and other supplies. In the end, it’s not as affordable as it seems.
Why ruin perfectly good Oreos for makeup? They’re meant to be paired with milk, not used on eyelashes. Most who tried this trend noticed no difference between Oreo mascara and store-bought versions. Many also struggled with runny consistency and cookie crumbs irritating their eyes. Whether you want to sacrifice cookies for beauty is your call.
8. Color Pencil Eyeliner
It's baffling how this trend even began. Who, while coloring with pencils, suddenly thought, 'Hey, these would look stunning on my eyelids'? The catch is, regular colored pencils aren't skin-friendly. To make it work, you need to soak them in warm water, reapplying moisture periodically. This softens the pencil, making it usable on your skin.
This trend offers a rainbow of eyeliner options! Just ensure the pencils are non-toxic. But is it safe to use something not designed for skin? Colorful eyeliners are already available, so why resort to pencils? It's risky to use products in unintended ways, akin to using Sharpies as eyeliner. Luckily, this fad didn't catch on widely.
7. Teeth Nails
Originally a Halloween novelty, this trend appeals to those who enjoy festive nail art. If that's your style, why not? There are various methods to achieve a teeth-themed manicure. Without adding gums or yellowing, it can look quite elegant. However, it's not a look easily achieved by the average DIY enthusiast.
I’m genuinely puzzled by this trend. Sure, some of these manicures don’t look awful, but long nails are already a hassle for those unaccustomed to them. Why make them even bulkier and harder to handle? Perhaps teeth nails could double as a scalp massager, but honestly, this idea should stay confined to Halloween.
6. Nose Hair Extensions
Nose hair extensions first appeared on Instagram in October 2017, courtesy of user @gret_chen_chen, who glued fake eyelashes inside her nostrils. It’s not actual nose hair extensions but rather a clever illusion.
Before diving into this trend, consider the implications. You’re essentially sticking fake eyelashes inside your nose. Won’t real nose hairs get tangled in the glue? Removing the extensions could mean yanking out your natural hairs—ouch! Plus, what chemicals are in that glue? You’re inhaling them, potentially introducing harmful substances into your body.
What’s the point of this trend? Makeup is supposed to highlight your features, not draw awkward attention to your nose. This trend does the opposite, making it seem like you need a tissue or that a spider is crawling out of your nostril. It’s more distracting than flattering.
5. Ear Makeup
This trend has multiple originators, and it’s one I might actually consider if I were into accessorizing my ears. The concept revolves around accentuating your ear’s natural structure by painting or decorating its most noticeable features. It could look striking, especially with short hair or an updo.
That said, this trend loses its appeal if you have sensitive ears or prefer wearing your hair down. Irritation could cause redness, and allergic reactions would only make it worse. With hair down, the makeup would be hidden and might even transfer to your hair, which is particularly problematic for lighter hair or bold ear colors. While some still experiment with it, the trend hasn’t gained widespread popularity.
4. Back Neck Contouring
Once limited to the face, contouring has expanded to include collarbones and even the back of the neck. The goal is to create the illusion of a slimmer, elongated neck, adding a new dimension to makeup artistry.
Contouring the front of your neck makes sense, but the back? It’s impossible to see what you’re doing! How did the trendsetter even achieve a presentable result to share online? Did they use multiple mirrors to capture every angle? For most people, this just isn’t practical.
While front neck contouring gained traction, the back neck version quickly faded into obscurity.
3. Pimple Nails
YouTube vlogger Natasha Lee introduced pimple nails as a Halloween concept. She layers base polish, clear strengthening gel, yellow and red polish for discoloration, and hand cream to mimic pimples. All this work goes into creating a design meant to be destroyed almost immediately.
This idea works for Halloween when outrageous nail art is expected, but it’s hardly suitable for daily wear. It might satisfy a pimple-popping urge if you’re desperate, but thankfully, this trend never took off.
2. Halo Eyebrows
Hannah Lyne brought this look to life after an Instagram follower suggested it. The halo eyebrow trend is exactly what it sounds like—creating a halo shape that connects the outer ends of both eyebrows. This leaves a bold, colored halo (in your chosen shade) prominently displayed on your face.
This trend sparks an instant reaction of 'why?' It’s not the strangest beauty trend out there, but it hasn’t gained mainstream popularity—thankfully.
1. Live Ant Manicure
A Russian salon pioneered this trend, creating manicures that are guaranteed to shock the beauty industry. I’m genuinely curious about the thought process behind this idea. Just looking at pictures makes me cringe, and I can’t bring myself to watch videos—though one is available if you’re brave enough!
The salon faced significant backlash for this manicure. Despite the criticism, they defended their concept, clarifying that the ants used in the design are still alive. However, it’s unlikely that this trend will inspire people to request live ants on their nails anytime soon.
