Makeup trends that are here to stay
We listed some of the most loved makeup styles that are popular right now, and broke down how they can be practical additions to your makeup look
My earliest memories of makeup trends, without a doubt, are thin, angular eyebrows. This trend took over the early 2000s, but eventually more natural, unkempt shapes made their way into the spotlight.
When women reminisce about these days now, you will find them slowly touching the arch of their brow, laughing about how all the plucking had altered the shape of their brows permanently.
Just like eyebrow shapes, makeup trends are ever evolving and always changing. Its ever-changing nature is especially prevalent in this day and age of social media, where content across the globe has become accessible.
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From Korea's aegyo sal (a method of contouring and highlighting the eyes) to the Bratz doll-like Y2K makeup (a revival of colourful early 2000s makeup), makeup trends have become more diverse than ever.
And while the changing styles might seem fickle, these trends have an important role to play in beauty. For one, exploring different trends can actually help you find your own style. Makeup looks, throughout the decades, are also reflective of the changes in norms and culture.
We took note of some of the most loved makeup styles that are popular right now, and broke down how they can be practical additions to your makeup look, and how you may achieve them.
Ombre blush
Ombre blushes are one of the more unique makeup trends of this time. Blush used to be a subtle detail of makeup looks, but now has become the highlight of looks.
Blushes in general provide a more youthful dimension to your look, and its placement can determine whether you want the look mature or cute. When you add shading to the mix, it can change your makeup game.
The intention behind ombre or using multiple blush shades is to replicate the face's natural shadows and highlights and accentuate them. This prevents the end results from looking too flat.
Sanam Rizvan, makeup artist and beauty influencer, believes that this blush technique is flattering for all face shapes and skin types.
"It gives you a completely fresh and vibrant appearance. After getting inspired by Sabrina Carpenter's iconic makeup looks, I was inspired to start using this technique," Rizvan shared.
According to Sabrina, to achieve this look flawlessly, all you have to do is start with a light shade of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Then, gradually layer a darker shade towards the temples.
Lip liner and gloss combo
This is one of the trends that have resurfaced from the late 1990s after a long period of bold, matte lipsticks. However, now, beauty enthusiasts are not fond of using two starkly different tones as was the norm back in the day. Now, they focus more on creating a seamless blend between the two colours.
"It creates the illusion of fuller lips, making them look more attractive. I think blending and layering products skillfully can create a polished finish that highlights features without looking overdone," said Rizvan.
Choose a lip liner and a gloss that are close in shades, but are not exact matches. Make sure the lip liner is darker than your lip gloss. While applying the liner, blend it inwards. At the end, top it off with a gloss, starting from the middle. You can also use contrast colours like a nude lip liner with a vibrant pink gloss.
Using the gloss at the end actually helps hide the texture of your lips, giving them a healthy shine.
Graphic eyeliner
Eyeliners have become much bolder now as graphic eyeliners became even more popular.
Graphic eyeliners essentially allow you to play with eyeliner to create shapes or art on your eyelids. For some, it helps accentuate the eye shape without the tedious blending of eyeshadows. For others, it is an outlet for creativity.
"They allow you to express your creativity by experimenting with various shapes and colours. I love to do graphic liner looks more than regular eyeshadows because it is very easy to do and also gives so much distinctiveness to a makeup look," said Rizvan.
This trend has no bounds—dip your liner brushes in fun and colourful shades of eyeliner and go wild. Even if you want to keep it muted, a simple double-liner effect can go a long way.
Clean makeup
Gone are the days of heavy foundation, cut-crease eyeshadow, and precisely drawn matte lips. It is time to embrace your flaws with a 'natural but better' look.
The clean makeup look focuses on emphasising natural beauty, without trying to necessarily hide your flaws. This makeup trend has gained a lot of popularity as, in essence, it promotes lightweight makeup that is more practical for everyday wear.
It is referred to as 'clean' as it does not try to drastically change your features, rather, it focuses on making you look put-together so you can feel confident in your natural beauty.
"Clean makeup emphasises on a fresh and dewy base with minimal products. This style is perfect for everyday glam as it allows the skin's natural texture to show through, creating a more authentic look," opined Rizvan.
Aside from a sheer, lightweight base, use a light blush and a nude gloss, paired with a lip liner. You can use concealer and contour as necessary, but you have to be mindful about overdoing it.
Instead of colourful or bold eyeshadow, you can use your contour shade to just accentuate your eye shape with a small winged eyeliner for your eyes. The key is to accentuate features instead of completely altering them.
