2020 Makeup Trends: Bold Colors, Playful Designs, and Modern Classics
Discover the year's boldest makeup trends, from neon accents to structured brows, pastel liners, and statement lips—your guide to 2020 beauty.
The world of beauty and cosmetics saw a sweeping burst of creativity and innovation in 2020. As social feeds and runways filled with experimental colors, graphic liners, and new approaches to classic looks, makeup lovers found themselves inspired to try playful, artistic, and statement-making styles. Whether you prefer a touch of neon or a statement pink lip, the year’s defining trends offered something for everyone.
Table of 2020 Makeup Trends
| Trend | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Neon Accents | Minimal neon pop at inner corners or as liner | Colorful, minimalist, eye-brightening |
| Pink Lips | Bold, blue-based matte pink lipstick | Universal, long-lasting, striking |
| Floating Eyeliner | Liner drawn above the crease | Artistic, modern, off-the-lash-line |
| Watercolor Eyes | Blended multi-hue pastel eyeshadow | Dreamy, soft, multi-colored |
| Structured Brows | Groomed, defined, strong arches | Polished, clear brow gel finished |
| Pastel Liner | Soft pastel shades for eyes | Gentle, subtle pops of color |
| Bedazzled Eyes | Embellishments inspired by “Euphoria” | Glitter, decals, small gems |
| Subtle Lip Stains | Soft tint for a low-maintenance look | Barely-there, wearable, natural |
| Mismatched Eyeshadow | Different color on each eyelid | Bold, creative, customizable |
| Red Smokey Eye | Smokey shadow in deep red hues | Sultry, intense, dramatic |
| Pink Blush | Bright, noticeable, allover blush | Radiant, glowing, youthful |
| Animal-Print Eyeshadow | Cheetah, zebra, or leopard motifs on lids | Graphic, fierce, creative |
| Glossy Eyeshadow | Wet-look, high-shine eyelids | Luminous, dewy, easy |
| Bright Mascara | Colorful mascara in place of black | Unexpected, fun, eye-brightening |
Neon Makeup Trend
Gone are the days of sweeping bold neon across the whole lid. The 2020 update is strategic neon accents: just a pop of electric color in the inner corners of the eyes or as a thin liner. This approach adds intrigue and vibrancy without feeling overpowering, making it appropriate both for daytime experimentation and party-ready looks.
- Apply a touch of neon green, pink, or orange right at the tear duct for instant brightness.
- Try graphic neon liner for a subtle but modern effect.
- Mix and match a neon accent with a neutral eye for a balanced style.
Bold Pink Lip Trend
Classic red took a backseat to high-impact pink lipstick, with bold blue-based shades flattering all skin tones and creating a fresh focal point. Matte formulas offered serious staying power for all-day wear, while the vibrancy of pink signaled confidence and a playful spirit.
- Pick a hot pink lipstick with blue undertones for broad appeal.
- Prep lips by exfoliating, apply lip liner, then press on the pigment for long-lasting color.
- Pair with barely-there skin and minimal eye makeup for maximum contrast.
Floating Eyeliner Trend
Challenging traditional application rules, floating liner made a statement with lines drawn above the natural crease. The trend, exemplified by modern beauty muses, reframed the eye area and added a futuristic, editorial edge to everyday makeup.
- Use a liquid or gel liner in black, neon, or metallic shades.
- Simply mark out a graphic line above your natural lid crease—no need to connect with the lash line.
- Experiment with single flicks, double lines, or geometric shapes.
Watercolor Eye Makeup
Watercolor eyeshadow offered a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic with softly blended shades melting seamlessly together. This look invited creativity—choose three or more pastel or vivid hues and blend them together on your lids for a soft-focus finish.
- Apply a light pastel shade on the inner corners, a complementary hue in the center, and a richer tone at the outer edges.
- Blend with a fluffy brush to avoid harsh lines and achieve a watercolor effect.
- Finish with minimal mascara and a neutral lip to keep the focus on the eyes.
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Structured Brows
Say goodbye to undone and bushy brows—2020 saw the rise of polished, strong, and meticulously groomed eyebrows. Think clean arches where every hair is set firmly in place, often with a clear brow gel for serious hold and definition.
- Brush brows upwards with a spoolie and set using a high-hold gel.
- Define the edges with a brow pencil or powder for a sculpted look.
- Fill sparse areas but avoid over-drawing for a natural yet bold finish.
Pastel Eyeliner
Moving away from 2019’s neon, pastel liner stole the spotlight in 2020. Light shades such as baby blue, mint, lilac, and pink brought subtle color to the waterline or as a soft graphic touch above the lashes.
- Draw a delicate line just above the upper lash line or at the waterline.
- Pair with nude shadows or a bare lid to let the color stand out.
- For extra flair, add a tiny wing or layer pastel shades for a unique effect.
Bedazzled Eye Makeup
Inspired by “Euphoria,” this trend centered on decorative accents—think rhinestones, sequins, and decals placed strategically around the eyes. Both subtle and elaborate designs made their way into everyday beauty routines, reflecting an embrace of maximalism and self-expression.
- Add a single gold stud to the inner corner for a minimalist sparkle.
- Arrange small gems or metallic pieces along the lash line or across the brow bone for full drama.
- Pair with dewy skin and muted lips for balance.
Subtle Lip Stain
The barely-there lip stain provided an easygoing wash of color for days when bold lips felt too much. Its sheer finish and low-maintenance appeal (no fuss, no mess) made it a popular pick for work-from-home days and outdoor excursions alike.
- Choose a soft rose, berry, or peachy tint depending on your skin undertones.
- Tap product onto lips with a finger for a blurred, natural finish.
- No need for touch-ups—these stains fade gracefully.
Mismatched Eyeshadow
Contrasting colors on each eyelid became a bold conversation starter. Whether opting for direct opposites (like blue and orange) or tonal variations (such as pink and purple), this look celebrated rebellious creativity and individuality.
- Apply a different eyeshadow shade to each lid; stick to similar textures for cohesion.
- For impact, choose colors from opposite sides of the color wheel (e.g., green and red).
- Keep skin fresh and lips understated to let the eyes pop.
Red Smokey Eye
The smokey eye underwent a color revamp, trading black and deep brown for lush ruby and burgundy hues. The effect: high drama and sultry warmth, perfect for evening events or making the eyes the true focus of a beauty look.
- Blend a deep red shadow along the lash line and into the crease.
- Soften edges for a hazy, smoldering effect.
- Pair with black mascara and a nude lip for balance.
Pink Blush Trend
Pink blush returned with a vengeance, overtaking peachy tones for an all-over radiant flush. More than just on the apples of the cheeks, pink was dusted across temples, browbones, and even the bridge of the nose for a fresh, dewy effect.
- Choose a vivid pink powder or cream blush, blending outwards from cheeks to temples.
- Brush lightly underneath the browbones for a cohesive glow.
- Pair with clear mascara and tinted lip balm for a soft, natural effect.
Animal-Print Eyeshadow
Wilder beauty lovers embraced animal-print designs on eyelids, channeling cheetah, zebra, and leopard motifs. This look, while high on impact, required careful technique but rewarded its wearers with a one-of-a-kind, head-turning effect.
- Outline shapes and spots with a fine-tipped brushes and contrasting colors.
- Start with a soft wash of color, then layer prints on top.
- Balance the look with neutral lips and polished brows.
Glossy Eyeshadow
Glossy lids delivered a fresh, luminous finish that caught the light beautifully. It replaced the matte trend with a more modern, editorial sheen and only required a few dabs of clear or tinted gloss over eyeshadow or bare lids.
- Use a lightweight eye gloss or blend a clear face gloss over pops of color.
- Stick to minimal mascara and forgo eyeliner to maintain the dewy look.
- Best for short-term wear, as gloss can crease over time.
Bright Mascara Trend
The classic black lash look got a fun update with colored mascaras. Vibrant shades like blue, green, purple, and pink provided a modern, playful twist—sometimes subtle at a glance, other times a full statement in their own right.
- Apply colored mascara alone or over black for a double-take effect.
- Pair with nude shadows for a stand-out flutter or tone-match liner to mascara for high harmony.
- Deep blues and greens are flattering and surprisingly wearable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I wear these bold trends for daytime looks?
A: Absolutely. Many 2020 trends can be dialed up or down: use a sheer wash of a trend color for day, and intensify it for night. Small neon accents, a single bedazzled gem, or a pastel liner are all subtle enough for daytime wear.
Q: What if I have minimal experience with makeup—are these trends suitable?
A: Many of the year’s popular looks, like lip stains, structured brows, colored mascara, or pastel liner, are beginner-friendly. Start with a single feature (like lip or brow) and experiment at your own pace.
Q: How can I make bold makeup last all day?
A: Using a primer, setting spray, and waterproof formulas for liners and mascaras will help longevity. For lip and blush looks, layering products—a stain under a lipstick, cream under powder—gives extra staying power.
Q: Which trend is most versatile for different skin tones?
A: Bright pink lipstick with blue undertones and pastel eyeliners tend to be universally flattering, but the key is to experiment with variations that complement your undertone and confidence level.
Q: Are the rhinestones and decals safe for sensitive skin?
A: Choose hypoallergenic, skin-safe adhesive products designed for makeup, avoid contact with the waterline, and always remove gently. Test any embellishment on a small area if you have concerns about sensitivities.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g29892877/makeup-trends-2020/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/makeup-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a31991841/cosmo-beauty-awards-2020/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-HGGPKNlXU
- https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cosmopolitan-uk/2020-10-29/5f9959eea3b2424488f74335
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/tags/2020-makeup-trends
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