
Over the past year, beauty trends have emerged and faded, with some leaving a lasting impact. From Taylor Swift’s iconic glitter freckles to the resurgence of vibrant lip colors, bold makeup moments made waves. The clean girl aesthetic, once dominant, is now making room for more dramatic styles. As the new year approaches, offering a fresh start, why not explore the 2025 beauty trends that makeup professionals believe will dominate the scene?
1. Rich Berry-Tinted Lips
Following a prolonged trend of nude shades and subtle gloss, berry-stained lips are returning with their romantic and universally appealing charm. “This style aligns with the growing preference for effortless beauty, providing a vibrant touch without the need for precise application,” explains Ash K. Holm, a renowned makeup artist from Los Angeles, Calif. “It’s adaptable, perfect for both daytime and evening wear. Simply apply a berry-hued lipstick with your fingertips for a soft, blended finish, and top it off with a clear balm for extra moisture.”
2. Dramatic Eye Makeup
While the “clean girl” aesthetic has had its time in the limelight, experts anticipate a move towards more daring styles. Boldness is set to take center stage.
“TikTok and Gen Z are driving the resurgence of bold, eye-catching eye makeup in 2025,” shares Alexa Persico, a celebrity makeup artist and creator of Alexa Persico Cosmetics. “Expect to see dramatic liners, vivid eyeshadows, and smoky effects making a strong return. As beauty trends lean towards self-expression and fun, bold eye looks are the next step for those wanting to make a statement.”
3. Tailored Color Choices
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve likely encountered viral videos of individuals consulting color analysts to determine their ideal “season” of hues. While this trend has primarily influenced fashion, it’s only logical to extend this concept to makeup, which directly adorns your face. Jenny Qian, a beauty expert and the founder of Astrobabe, predicts this practice will gain significant traction in 2025.
“In 2025, people are leveraging color theory to customize their beauty regimens and highlight their natural features,” she explains. “Items like pH-reactive lip glosses and blushes, which adjust to personal undertones, are becoming essentials. This movement focuses on crafting looks that are both universally appealing and uniquely suited to each individual.”
4. Reverse Cat Eye
Although the classic cat eye hasn’t fully reclaimed its 2010s popularity, the reverse cat eye is gaining momentum.
“The reverse cat eye reimagines the traditional style by emphasizing a dramatic, smudged line along the lower lash line,” says Gabrielle Barse, an editorial makeup artist and Flower Knows ambassador. “It adds a bold, modern edge to conventional eyeliner looks and has become a standout feature in trending TikTok tutorials.”
To achieve this style, Barse recommends using a long-lasting gel liner to outline the lower lash line, then softening it with a small brush for a smoky appearance.
5. Warm Neutrals
Makeup trends are drawing inspiration from Pantone’s latest Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse. “Warmer shades, such as earthy browns, muted terracottas, and creamy nudes, are replacing the cooler greys and icy tones of past years,” notes Persico. “These hues complement all skin tones and deliver a refined, natural aesthetic for both eyes and lips. Cream-based products, like lip glosses or cream shadows, are ideal for achieving the soft, smooth finish this trend embodies.”
6. Soft Focus Skin
Soft-focus skin focuses on achieving a smooth, airbrushed look that appears natural yet refined. “This trend is gaining popularity as people lean into natural beauty enhanced by advanced products like blurring primers and sheer foundations,” Holm explains. “It highlights the skin’s natural texture while subtly concealing flaws.”
To achieve this effect, she suggests starting with a hydrating primer, followed by a soft-matte foundation, and completing the look with a light application of setting powder for a velvety, seamless finish.
7. Ready-to-Wear Makeup
As people embrace bold looks while valuing convenience, ready-to-wear makeup is set to dominate 2025.
“There’s a growing demand for makeup that’s quick yet polished, fueling the popularity of ready-to-wear beauty items,” Qian explains. “Products like press-on eyeshadows, adhesive gems, and multi-purpose solutions that offer salon-quality results instantly are on the rise. With TikTok amplifying the need for speedy, high-impact beauty routines, innovations like astrobabe’s 5-second eyeshadow are becoming must-haves for everyone, from busy parents to professional artists.”
8. Futuristic Metallic Eyes
Futuristic metallic eyes are set to dominate 2025, blending AI-inspired aesthetics with bold, luminous finishes. “Expect reflective silvers and holographic hues, inspired by both runway trends and tech-driven innovation,” says Holm. “This trend offers a bold yet wearable statement. Achieve the look with creamy metallic eyeshadows for a high-impact effect, complemented by sharp black liner to accentuate the eyes without overwhelming the overall style.”
9. Micro Makeup Accessories
Tiny embellishments like stick-on pearls, miniature metallic accents, glitter freckles (recall Taylor Swift’s viral moment?), and colorful liner stencils are revolutionizing makeup. “These subtle yet striking details bring a playful, high-fashion vibe to any look, without needing expert skills,” Qian explains. “Social media is fueling this trend as users seek unique ways to stand out while keeping their beauty routines simple and accessible.”