Makeup Trends 2025: What’s In and What’s Out?
Because your face deserves to be on the right side of history.
Introduction
Welcome to 2025, a year where makeup trends shift almost as quickly as the algorithm does. One minute, you’re deep-diving into contour tutorials; the next, everyone’s obsessing over “cloud skin” and whispering about eco-beauty. With so many trends emerging (and vanishing), it’s hard to know where to invest your time—and your wallet.
But don’t worry. We’ve cut through the clutter to bring you a curated guide to the makeup moments making waves this year—and the ones we’re finally ready to let go of. Whether you’re a makeup maximalist or a skincare-savvy minimalist, there’s something here for you.
What’s In: 2025’s Must-Have Makeup Trends
1. Cloud Skin: The Soft-Focus Finish
Say goodbye to harsh matte finishes and ultra-dewy skin. 2025 is all about “cloud skin”—a hybrid look that combines the smooth, blurred quality of matte skin with a subtle, ethereal radiance. The result? A complexion that looks like it’s been softly filtered in real life.
To achieve this, begin with a hydrating primer, then use a light-to-medium coverage foundation. Finish with a whisper of translucent powder to reduce shine without dulling your glow. Brands like Haus Labs and Charlotte Tilbury are launching cloud-skin-specific products, designed to mimic the flawless texture of a photo filter—without the app.
“It’s like walking around with your own personal ring light.”
2. Cherry Blossom Blush: Soft, Romantic Layers
Inspired by the natural blush of cherry blossoms, this trend uses multiple shades of pink to give cheeks a youthful, fresh, and slightly flushed appearance. Think petal-soft hues that blend seamlessly into the skin.
Start with a lighter pink as your base, and then apply a slightly brighter or more vivid shade to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward. The layered look creates dimension and mimics the soft, radiant flush of spring mornings.
“It’s not just blush—it’s blooming beauty in motion.”
3. Berry Lips: Rich, Fruit-Inspired Color
Classic red lips will always have a place in beauty history, but 2025 favors a juicier alternative: berry tones. These rich hues—ranging from deep blackberry to raspberry pink—bring a level of sophistication and boldness that feels fresh and modern.
Whether you prefer a satin finish or a matte liquid formula, berry lips pair best with minimal eye makeup, letting your lips lead the conversation.
“It’s like your lips just stepped out of an orchard—and straight into a Vogue spread.”
4. Brown Mascara: Effortlessly Elegant
If you’ve ever felt like black mascara was too stark or heavy, 2025 is your year. Brown mascara is taking the spotlight, offering definition without overpowering the face. It’s the go-to for the no-makeup makeup look, and especially flattering on fair complexions and lighter hair colors.
Look for mascaras with volumizing and lengthening benefits to avoid sacrificing drama.
“Think soft glam, but make it whisper.”
5. Minimalist Eyeshadow: One Shade Wonders
Multicolor eye looks are fading as we embrace simplicity and wearability. This year, a single shade—taupe, beige, dusty rose, or warm bronze—is all it takes to complete your eye look.
Cream shadows and easy-to-blend powders are key to this low-effort, high-impact trend. It ties in seamlessly with the other soft-focus elements of 2025, like cloud skin and cherry blossom blush.
“Who knew restraint could look so chic?”
What’s Out: Trends to Leave Behind in 2025
1. Overdrawn Lips: A Subtle Pout Reigns
While plump lips are still desired, the days of dramatically overlined lips are behind us. Today’s focus is on enhancing your natural shape with precision and a feathered blend.
Use a lip liner close to your natural lip color and focus on creating soft definition instead of exaggerated volume.
“We’re going from cartoonish to couture.”
2. Intense Contouring: Natural is the New Sculpted
Remember the era of intense contour maps and heavy bronzer? It’s officially over. Instead, light sculpting using cream products is now preferred, giving a more skin-like, believable dimension to the face.
Stick to one contour product and blend well, allowing your bone structure—not a bronzer stick—to do the talking.
“Subtle shadows > stark stripes.”
3. Glitter Bombs: The Age of Moderation
We love sparkle—but there’s a fine line between luminous and overwhelming. 2025’s approach to glitter is strategic: think inner-corner highlights, not eyelids covered in disco dust.
Opt for fine, light-reflecting shimmer instead of chunky glitter, especially for day-to-day wear.
“Add twinkle, not tinsel.”
4. Wild Brows: Defined, Not Dominated
From laminated to overgrown, brows had their maximalist moment. Now, we’re seeing a return to groomed, softly filled-in brows that frame the face without stealing the show.
Use a brow pencil or pen to mimic natural hair strokes, then finish with a clear or tinted brow gel.
“From beast to beautiful—one brush stroke at a time.”
5. Neon Shadows: Festival-Only Territory
Electric blues and highlighter greens were fun, but they’ve exited everyday beauty rotations. Muted, earthy tones and soft metallics are now favored for their versatility and elegance.
You can still play with color—just tone it down for a more wearable finish.
“Neon? Only if you’re headed to Coachella.”
Emerging Trends: Watch This Space
1. Sustainable Beauty
With growing environmental awareness, consumers are demanding more eco-conscious options. This includes biodegradable packaging, refillable compacts, cruelty-free testing, and ingredient transparency.
Brands that can deliver high-performance makeup without compromising sustainability will dominate.
“Green is the new glam.”
2. Skincare Meets Makeup
Expect more beauty products that multitask—foundations that treat acne, mascaras that promote lash growth, and primers with SPF. The line between makeup and skincare is blurrier than ever.
It’s efficient, cost-effective, and most importantly, better for your skin in the long run.
“Glowing skin starts with what’s in your makeup.”
3. Custom Cosmetics
Personalization is the future. Whether it’s AI shade-matching foundations or lipsticks formulated for your undertone, beauty brands are offering hyper-tailored experiences.
Many companies now allow you to custom-create products online or in flagship stores, offering results as unique as your fingerprint.
“Because you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all beauty standard.”
Conclusion
2025 makeup is all about balance—embracing the natural while leaning into individuality. It’s a year of refined expression, sustainability, and smarter beauty choices. Whether you’re drawn to soft-focus skin or eco-luxe lipsticks, this year encourages you to elevate your look without overcomplicating it.
So go ahead—update that makeup bag, try something new, and celebrate the face you’ve got. The best beauty trend? Confidence.