15 Biggest Makeup Trends of 2021 You’ll Want to Try
Discover the top 2021 makeup trends—from bold blush to fluffy brows—that redefined beauty routines and inspired creative new looks all year.
2021 was a year of creative revival in the makeup world. With lockdowns easing and life slowly transitioning back to normal, self-expression flourished through bold color, multitasking formulas, and skin-loving routines. The year’s makeup landscape saw the subtle and the dramatic come together, with a strong emphasis on wearable art, healthy skin, and playful experimentation.
1. Soft, Seamless Eye Makeup
Unlike sharp cut creases and dramatic cat eyes of previous years, 2021’s eye makeup focused on soft, blended shadows. Instead of precise lines, artists used small angled brushes to create gentle flicks and diffused edges. Matte-finish dark eyeshadows, smudged at the outer corners, delivered understated definition without harshness.
Pro Tip: Achieve the soft flick with a slim, angled liner brush and matte shadow for a subtle twist on the classic cat-eye.
- Trade sharp wings for subtle, smoky flicks.
- Blend shadow outwards for a seamless transition.
- Try using pencil eyeliner, then soften with a brush for a less structured look.
2. Bold Blush: The Summer Statement
Blush became the standout product of 2021—seen everywhere across social media and dominating TikTok tutorials. Whether liquid, cream, or powder, blush was layered for extra intensity, extended beyond just the cheekbones, and often swept over temples and noses for a fresh, sun-kissed vibe.
Trend Insight: Layering different blush textures (cream first, then powder) made colors pop and last longer, especially for photos and events.
- Start with creamy or liquid blush as a base.
- Set with powder blush for vibrant, lasting color.
- Apply across cheeks, temples, and nose bridge.
3. Soft Glam: Ethereal Beauty for Every Occasion
Glam never truly disappeared, but soft glam emerged as the favorite in 2021. Think luminous, traceless base makeup, neutral eyes with just a hint of shimmer, and understated lips in nude shades. The look was equal parts elegant and approachable, perfect for both daytime and holiday gatherings.
Essential Picks: Neutral eyeshadow palettes featuring matte and shimmer shades, lightweight foundations, and nude lipsticks.
- Opt for matte neutrals on lids, adding shimmer only for special occasions.
- Apply light layers of foundation for a natural, radiant finish.
- Pair with nude lipstick for polished, effortless glam.
4. Monochromatic Makeup: Harmonious Color Stories
One of spring’s most practical and chic trends, monochromatic makeup, saw artists matching their eye, cheek, and lip hues for a cohesive mood. Simple yet striking, this approach cut down on palette clutter and made day-to-night transitions easy by just switching intensity.
How-To: Choose a multitasking product set in your favorite color family for all areas of your face.
- Pick a shade that complements your skin tone.
- Use cream sticks or sets designed for eyes, cheeks, and lips.
- Keep application sheer for day, layer up for nighttime drama.
5. Healthy, Glowing Complexions
The search for the perfect complexion peaked in 2021, with glowy, skin-like finishes replacing heavy contour lines and cakey layers. Brands released innovative tinted moisturizers and hybrid foundations with skincare benefits like SPF protection, antioxidants, and hydration boosters. The coveted look: dewy, even skin with undetectable texture.
Tip: Choose buildable, fragrance-free formulas and blend well for seamless effect.
- Layer tinted sunscreen under lightweight foundation.
- Focus on sheer coverage and blend edges into the skin.
- Skip heavy powders for a natural shine.
6. Fluffy, Brushed-Up Brows
Brow trends are always cyclical, but 2021’s favorite was fluffy brows with straight tails, inspired by the “soap brow” movement and professional brow lamination. Contrary to previous years’ sculpted Instagram brows, the goal here was fullness and a brushed-up, feathery texture.
Trick: Use clear brow gels, brow soaps, or lamination tools to create lift and hold.
What others are reading
- Brush brows upward for a fuller, feathered look.
- Maintain a straighter shape, avoiding high arches.
- Embrace sparse areas with volumizing brow pencils or fibers.
7. Fresh, Minimal Lip Looks
With facemasks dominating most of 2021, lips took a minimalist approach. Hydrating balms, subtle tints, and soft matte finishes replaced bold lipsticks for everyday wear. Nude shades reigned, often paired with matching monochrome blush and shadows for cohesion.
Advice: Moisturize lips before applying any color.
- Choose satin or matte nude lipsticks for mask compatibility.
- Use hydrating balms for comfort and sheen.
8. Skin-Loving Foundation
Foundation formulas became multipurpose, focusing on skincare benefits alongside coverage. Mineral and SPF-infused options launched to major fanfare, with brands emphasizing ingredients suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The hottest launches eliminated harsh fragrances and heavy textures.
- Look for buildable coverage with a natural finish.
- Ensure products are fragrance-free, especially for sensitive skin.
- Select foundations with SPF for daytime protection.
9. Layered Blush Techniques
Layering—applying cream or liquid blush, then topping with powder—became a TikTok-favorite technique for amplified vibrancy and extended wear. This method fixed previous complaints that blush “disappeared” in photos and gave cheeks a high-impact pop visible both IRL and online.
- Apply cream blush first and blend outwards.
- Follow with powder blush on top to set and intensify.
- Finish by sweeping remaining product over nose for cohesion.
10. Dewy, Natural Skin Finish
In 2021, “healthy skin” meant embracing the natural glow. Light-reflecting products, gentle highlighters, and hydrating mists helped achieve luminous effect without shimmer overload or artificial sheen.
Steps: Prep skin well with moisturizer, apply hydrating primer, and finish with dewy setting sprays.
- Mix illuminators into foundation for subtle glow.
- Highlight only high points like cheekbones and brow bone.
- Avoid strobing—focus on subtle, overall shine.
11. Easy, Everyday Eyeshadow Palettes
Quick, versatile palettes were a staple this year. Matte neutrals for day and shimmery browns for night allowed seamless transitions, supporting the soft glam and monochromatic trends.
- Invest in palettes with a mix of matte and shimmer shades.
- Stick to colors that flatter your undertones.
- Use lighter shades for all-over wash, deep hues for definition.
12. Soap Brows and Brow Lamination
The runways emphasized soap brows, where brows are brushed up and set with a clear soap or lamination gel for shine and staying power. This look dominated fall fashion and social feeds, delivering maximum brow lift and minimal mess.
- Use a spoolie brush to coat brows with soap or styling gel.
- Sculpt the desired shape and allow to dry for all-day hold.
- Enhance with a tinted brow gel if needed.
13. All-Day, Buildable Coverage
Stamina became vital for makeup in 2021. Buildable foundation and blush formulas allowed users to customize coverage that lasted all day while avoiding clogged pores or heaviness.
- Apply thin layers and build coverage as needed.
- Set with translucent powder for longevity.
- Refresh mid-day with hydrating mist.
14. Tinted Moisturizers and Sunscreens
Hybrid products like tinted moisturizers with SPF merged skincare and makeup. This trend focused on streamlining routines and sealing in moisture while protecting against sun damage.
- Layer tinted sunscreen for daytime coverage.
- Choose mineral formulas for sensitive skin types.
- Reapply SPF throughout the day for optimal protection.
15. Effortless, Everyday Beauty
The prevailing mood of 2021 was effortless beauty—looks that could be completed in minutes but still felt modern and professional. This included multitasking stick products, quick eyeshadow washes, and streamlined brow routines.
- Pick products you can use on eyes, lips, and cheeks.
- Opt for easy blending formulas suitable for fingers or brushes.
- Keep color palettes simple and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the biggest makeup trend of 2021?
A: Bold blush—both layered and extended over cheeks, temples and noses—was the stand-out trend in 2021, dominating both social media platforms and runway looks.
Q: How can I achieve a soft glam look?
A: Use neutral matte eyeshadows, traceless foundation, and nude lipstick; blend well and keep shimmer minimal for soft, wearable glamour.
Q: What are soap brows and how do I style them?
A: Soap brows are created by brushing brows upward with a clear soap or brow gel for fullness and hold. Use a spoolie to shape brows and let set for a feathery effect.
Q: Is monochromatic makeup difficult to achieve?
A: No. Simply pick products (or sets) designed for eyes, cheeks, and lips in similar shades, and apply as desired for a harmonized look.
Q: Why did skin finishes change in 2021?
A: Increasing focus on skin health, mask-wearing, and natural beauty led the shift from heavy contour and matte foundation to light, dewy coverage with skincare benefits.
2021 Makeup Trend Comparison Table
| Trend | Description | Key Products |
|---|---|---|
| Bold Blush | Layered blush on cheeks, temples, nose | Cream and powder blushes |
| Soft Glam | Ethereal, subtle full-face glam | Matte eyeshadow, nude lipstick |
| Monochromatic Makeup | Matching hues for eyes, cheeks, lips | All-in-one sets, stick products |
| Glowing Complexions | Healthy, blended, luminous skin | Tinted moisturizer, SPF foundation |
| Fluffy Brows | Brushed-up, straight brow shapes | Soap brows, lamination gels |
Expert Insights and Takeaways
- 2021 returned emphasis to beauty routines that showcased skin health.
- Makeup multitasking—using one product for several areas—made application quicker and easier.
- Social media platforms like TikTok strongly influenced product popularity and new techniques.
- Brands released more inclusive, skin-friendly formulas to meet evolving consumer needs.
- Evolving work-from-home lifestyles led to effortless, minimalist looks becoming more mainstream.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g34840626/2021-makeup-trends/
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g35742880/fall-2021-makeup-trends/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6CujARAxI
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a38263935/cosmopolitan-beauty-awards/
- https://www.acebeaute.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan-winter-2021-makeup-trends
- https://www.cliqonu.com/pages/cosmopolitan-magazine
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