Trend fatigue is no joke - even for those with their fingers permanently on the proverbial pulse, keeping au fait with the latest, all-encompassing beauty trends is a mammoth task. However. As much as we can appreciate the exasperation felt by some with the emergence of yet another internet microtrend overall, we think it's a joy. Granted, not all aesthetics were created equal. But some are steeped in wit, nostalgia and creativity, and it's a privilege to be able to hop on the bandwagon, if just for a fleeting moment.
If you're scrolling through all the current makeup trends on #BeautyTok and don't know where to start, we've created this handy guide on everything you need to know...
Toasty Makeup
Which comes first - bronzer or blush? According to TikTok, the answer is both. A trending technique dubbed "blonzing" combines the two, applying them simultaneously to create a radiant, naturally flushed glow. Many beauty brands are embracing the trend with hybrid products that deliver that sun-kissed glow tinged with a hint of rosy flush. Rhode’s Toasted Teddy and Sleepy Girl pocket blushes are standout picks for achieving the look.
© @haileybieberThis trend is gaining momentum for its ability to deliver a soft, diffused finish that complements all skin tones – perfect for that in-between season when we're easing into fall but not quite ready to let go of summer’s glow. The technique calls for a blush that does double duty: offering a fresh, flushed tint while adding the warmth and sculpting effect of a bronzer. The key? Choosing richly toned shades – think earthy terracottas, sun-baked mauves, and golden apricots that mimic a natural warmth.
Ghost Lashes
It might feel like leaving the house without socks under your trainers, but beauty moguls are ditching mascara in their makeup routines. The viral #FullFaceNoMascara or #GhostLashes trend embraces a fresh, unexpected twist – centering around three key elements: a flawless base, a touch of blush, and a bold, statement lip. Skipping eye makeup channels that effortless, model-off-duty vibe – echoing the fresh, bare-faced complexions often seen on the runway. This trend challenges what we've always imagined to be the 'perfect' makeup look.
© @aishapotterIndie Sleaze
As Charli XCX continues her reign over pop culture, the beauty world is diving headfirst back into 2010s indie sleaze. Dripping in rock ’n’ roll attitude and unapologetic edge, the look is defined by smudged silver metallics, heavy mascara, and understated, natural lips. The grunge aesthetic calls back to the Tumblr era defined by its deliberately unpolished, effortlessly smudged vibe. It’s all about embracing imperfections – think bushy brows, lived-in makeup, and a slightly messy finish that looks like it’s been worn all night and danced in.
Watercolour Blush
Soft, seamless, and delicately diffused – watercolour blush is the artistic flush on everyone's cheeks. Its signature? A gentle veil of color with zero harsh edges. A sheer swipe of a cherry hued shade is all you need to achieve the look. The goal is for the watercolour blush to seamlessly blend into the skin, with no visible start or end – creating a natural, edge-free glow. Choosing the right product is essential – go for semi-sheer balms, blendable creams, or delicate watery tints that melt effortlessly into the skin.
© @sabrinacarpenterUnrecognisable Makeup
While the "clean girl" aesthetic once reigned supreme on our For You Pages, a new wave of high-octane glamour is taking its place – ushered in by the "unrecognizable makeup" trend. This bold shift embraces dramatic contours, striking colour contrasts, and optical illusion techniques to completely reinvent the face. At its heart, it’s about amplifying the fundamentals of makeup – enhancement, definition, transformation—and pushing them to artistic extremes.
