#makeup-trends

#makeup-trends

The new sheer, barely-there reds take the boldest, most classic of makeup looks and make it muted and unselfconsciously wearable by even the faint-hearted.

Take, for instance, the grunge-y eyeliner at both Marc Jacobs and Ashlyn, where dramatic black waterlines added '90s-inspired edge. Or the voluminous hairstyles at Collina Strada and Ralph Lauren, both of which embraced the "undone" beauty movement. Many runways have also leaned into a lived-in look for hair and glam - a welcome aesthetic for cool girls and makeup novices alike.

Patrick O'Brien, retail research director at analytics firm GlobalData, said Barry M had failed to innovate and had instead been "more reactive". He told the BBC the company had also struggled as, despite being stocked in well-known retailers, it faced increasing competition from other brands at similar prices. O'Brien said Barry M had become "a small brand in a sea of new and fun names, which are generating traction through social media marketing".

The appointment of Roan all grunge glitters, colourful face jewels and clumpy mascara celebrates the experimental, edgy and playful Mac aesthetic, and signals what may be the end of what industry figures often describe as the beige buffet of post-Covid fashion and beauty. Oh, the relief in seeing the back of all-over camel, in enjoying makeup textures other than perfectly smooth and glassy, the joy in a glinty eyelid or gemstone applied haphazardly and for no other reason but fun.

Bobs, pixies, and other short cuts were the name of the hair game in 2025, and goth makeup had a major moment that is expected to continue into this year as well. This year, bold beauty looks once again graced the red carpet, but classic Old Hollywood glam was also a mainstay.

Every micro-trend is swiftly dubbed ("Italian summer nails" or some such), and the most elaborate looks are often confined to the wearer's own home - all dolled up and nowhere to go. But before some of today's beauty influencers were born (the late '80s and '90s, let's say), full beats were meant to be flaunted in public. In those years, no group burned brighter than the club kids, whose visual rebellion through makeup signaled a sense of freedom against the somber backdrop of the AIDS epidemic.

Awards season kicked off on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the Critics Choice Awards, setting the tone for what promises to be a glamorous run-up to the Oscars in March. Timothée Chalamet took home Best Actor for Marty Supreme, delivering yet another reminder of why he's become Hollywood's go-to leading man. Jacob Elordi won Best Supporting Actor for his turn as the monster in Frankenstein.

Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Travis Kelce's podcast, revealing her vibrant orange makeup, indicating her new era.

It's less about looking done-up and more about feeling something, even if it's subtle, says Kim Paige, a professional makeup artist with Black Radiance.

Brown eyeliner isn't just a trend, according to celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. 'A super versatile product, it provides a softer, undone but intentional look.'