Just like fashion, makeup trends are cyclical. Things that used to be in style 30 years ago are now back and the trends we followed just a couple of years ago have completely phased out.
If you’re struggling to keep up with what the “kids” are doing these days — or you’re just looking for new ways to do your makeup this year — here are the top makeup trends you should be following.
Soap Brows
If you’ve spent any time on the internet in recent months there’s a good chance you’ve heard about “soap brows.” But what does that even mean?
Well, “soap brows” are actually a specific eyebrow style in which the eyebrow hairs are lifted and set in place using — you guessed it — actual soap. Long gone are the days of thin or heavily defined brows… 2021 is all about embracing the bushy look.
All people have to do to achieve this look is pick up a bar of soap (Pears is a great option), a spoolie brush, and brush the soap into the hair using upward strokes. This will create the appearance of full, natural-looking brows.
Cream Contour Over Powder
Remember when we all used to contour our faces within an inch of our lives back in 2016? Well, those times are over. Cream contour is all the rage these days, and for good reason.
Rather than creating a harsh look, cream bronzer, blush, and highlighter give a more natural finish. People are currently obsessing over Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Wand, but there are plenty of drugstore products that work just as well (like the NYX cheek tint).
Natural Eyes…Unless You’re Going With a Bold Color
Because people are going for a more natural, sun-kissed look in 2021, the intense smokey-eye trend of yesteryears has pretty much gone out of style for good. Instead, people are just using their bronzer as eyeshadow or doing no eyeshadow at all.
However, bold and bright eyeshadow is on-trend for 2021. If you’re going to do eyeshadow, you might as well go big with bright pink, blue, or even green.
Yes to Glow, No to Matte
The matte finish was very on-trend a few years ago, but now it’s all about that glowy, dewy look.
Products such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter and L’oreal’s True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer are flying off the shelves, as people are wanting to look like they’re glowing from within. While this trend may be difficult for people who struggle with oily skin, I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
Skin Comes First
When I was a teenager I spent zero money on skincare products and all my money on makeup products. I didn’t understand that if I spent a little money helping my skin I probably won’t need to spend as much on makeup trying to cover up all my imperfections.
Well, the good news is the teens of 2021 know the importance of good skin. People are now focusing on skincare products that enhance the skin and create a beautiful base, rather than trying to cover up every inch of their face with makeup.
So, for 2021, focus on taking care of your skin. Spend a little extra on a great moisturizer or invest in a game-changing serum. And don’t be afraid to let your skin shine through your makeup!
