2023’s Best Makeup Trends: From ‘90s Revival to Shimmery Glow
Experience the year’s most exciting makeup trends, from ‘90s grunge revival and viral underpainting to fresh shimmer and pastel colors.
If you’ve been itching to change up your makeup routine, 2023 is the year to experiment—and these are the game-changing trends that top makeup artists and editors can’t stop talking about. From the high-impact return of ‘90s grunge and TikTok-born hacks, to dopamine-bright pastels and barely-there minimalism, makeup this year is playful, creative, and undeniably fresh.
Contents
- ‘90s Makeup Looks
- Underpainting Technique
- Cool-Toned Eyes
- Siren Eyes
- Mid-Tone Blushing
- Minimal Makeup
- Shimmery Cheekbones
- Pastel Makeup Looks
- FAQs
‘90s Makeup Looks: The Grunge & Gloss Comeback
The influence of the ‘90s on current beauty is inescapable. In 2023, the look evolves from supermodel chic to a more lived-in, grunge-inspired vibe. Think smudged black eyeliner, sooty shadow, and lips defined with chocolate and mid-tone brown liners softened with sheer gloss. It’s less about perfection and more about attitude.
- Eyes: Smudged, sooty blacks and deep browns create a hazy, smoky effect.
- Lips: Layer chocolate or taupe liner under a clear/neutral gloss for that iconic ‘90s lip.
- Application Tip: Use your finger to blend shadow and liner for an imperfect finish.
- Best For: Anyone craving a bold but wearable throwback statement.
Underpainting: The Celebrity-Approved Skin Hack
Forget heavy layers—underpainting is the technique taking over TikTok and celebrity vanities, thanks in part to makeup artists like Mary Phillips (who works with Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner). The twist? You blend your contour and concealer first, under your foundation, not on top. This gives a seamless, softly sculpted look that appears to glow from within—no harsh lines here.
- Step 1: Blend cream contour on hollows of cheeks and temples.
- Step 2: Apply concealer to under-eyes and needed areas.
- Step 3: Gently apply foundation over the contoured/concealed skin.
- Result: Naturally defined, fresh-looking skin with undetectable blending.
- Pro Tip: Use a damp sponge for all blending steps for the softest finish.
Cool-Toned Eyes: Mauves, Pinks, and Grey Are the New Neutrals
Earthy browns dominated recent years, but 2023 shifts the focus to cool tones: think dusty mauves, blush pinks, muted purples, and smoky greys. These shades deliver a dreamy, hazy wash of color that flatters every skin tone—even as a modern alternative to classic neutrals.
- Eyeshadow Techniques:
- Apply shadow softly above and below the lash line for a “wrapped” effect.
- Blend shades in a winged shape for an elongated eye.
- Best Products: Mauve and rose-toned eyeshadow palettes.
- Extra Edge: Add a smudged winged liner in charcoal or dark plum for definition.
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Siren Eyes: Angular, Alluring, and Social Media-Ready
The siren eyes trend, often spotted on red carpets and TikTok, is all about sharp, sultry liner that elongates your gaze. It involves lining not just the outer, but also the inner corners of your eyes, creating a lifted, feline effect reminiscent of a siren’s hypnotizing stare.
- How-To:
- Dip an angled brush into waterproof black pencil liner.
- Stamp along the inner and outer corners for precise wings.
- Connect both for a continuous line, keeping the middle lash line bare for a modern twist.
- Pair With: Softly blended shadow to avoid starkness; fluttery lashes for drama.
- Why We Love It: Enhances any eye shape, offering both subtlety and boldness.
Mid-Tone Blushing: The Flushed & Airbrushed Effect
Blush steps firmly into the spotlight this year. The latest viral technique, mid-tone blushing, blends blush seamlessly with under-eye makeup to create a diffused, natural flush—banishing line demarcations for good. It gives that “I just got back from a run” freshness, no matter your skin tone.
- Method:
- After foundation, use a fluffy brush to bake your under-eyes with sheer setting powder.
- Layer a blush shade (one lighter than your initial blush) over the powder’s edges to blend and diffuse.
- The effect should look airbrushed—not patchy or overly bright.
- Trending Products: Cream and liquid blushes for a skin-like glow.
- Extra Tip: Extend blush across the nose bridge for a sun-flushed vibe.
Minimal Makeup: Flawless Skin with Barely-There Coverage
The “no-makeup makeup” movement becomes more minimalist than ever in 2023. Instead of layering on multiple products, the focus is on healthy, radiant skin using fewer, lighter formulas. It’s about celebrating individual beauty and letting natural features shine.
- Opt for skin tints or sheer foundations with a natural finish.
- Switch to lightweight, buildable concealers only where needed.
- Brows, lashes, and lips remain defined but understated.
- Finish with a touch of cream blush for a hint of color.
Why It Works: Ideal for busy mornings, it looks effortless and is comfortable to wear all day.
Shimmery Cheekbones: The “Glazed” Highlighter Revolution
Inspired by the “Gen-Z blurry selfie” and the polished gleam of glazed-donut nails, shimmery—never glittery—cheekbones define the lighting in every selfie this year. The key is a pinpointed, beam-like glow that bounces off the bone structure, perfected by camera flashes and night-time outings.
- Choose micro-fine powder highlighters in champagne, rose, and iced gold.
- Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, the tip of the nose, and cupid’s bow.
- Buff the edges for a beam effect without visible shimmer particles.
- Recommended Brands: Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath Labs.
Expert Tip: Avoid chunky glitter—look for products that mimic real skin’s radiance for that glazed, luminous finish.
Pastel Makeup Looks: Dopamine Dressing for Your Face
Pastel shades are 2023’s happiest color trend and offer an instant mood boost. These soft hues—think mint greens, lilacs, baby blue, and peach—channel dopamine-fueled joy straight to your makeup bag. Use them on lids, cheeks, or lips for a subtle yet striking touch.
- Eye Shadow: Sweep pastel tones over the lid for a wash of ethereal color.
- Liner: Add a pop of pastel with colored pencils on the lower lash line.
- Lips: Pair peach or pale pink lipsticks with a neutral face for easy trend adoption.
- For Beginners: Concentrate pastel tones on one feature and keep the rest of your makeup simple.
Makeup Trends Comparison Table
| Trend | Main Focus | Key Products | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘90s Makeup | Grunge eyes, brown lips | Brown liner, creamy gloss | Beginner to Advanced |
| Underpainting | Seamless skin | Cream contour, sheer foundation | Intermediate |
| Cool-Toned Eyes | Mauve/pink/grey lids | Cool eyeshadow palettes | Beginner |
| Siren Eyes | Winged, elongated liner | Waterproof liner, angled brush | Advanced |
| Mid-Tone Blushing | Diffused blush | Powder & cream blush | Intermediate |
| Minimal Makeup | Dewy, natural skin | Skin tints, radiance concealer | Beginner |
| Shimmery Cheekbones | Pearlized highlight | Micro-shimmer highlighter | Beginner |
| Pastel Makeup | Soft color pops | Pastel shadows, pencils | Beginner |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are ‘90s makeup looks suitable for everyday wear?
A: Absolutely. Tone down the darkness of the liner and opt for a mid-brown lip pencil for a softer, more wearable daytime effect.
Q: What is the main benefit of underpainting compared to traditional contour?
A: Underpainting gives a more blended, natural result by preventing harsh lines and keeping your foundation looking like real skin.
Q: How can I find the right pastel shades for my skin tone?
A: Stick to cool-based pastels (like lilac or mint) for fair to medium skin and warm-based (peach or soft gold) for medium to deep tones. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Q: What products help achieve the shimmery cheekbone trend without glitter fallout?
A: Look for micro-fine highlighting powders or liquid luminizers that promise a pearlescent—not glittery—finish. Tap on with your ring finger for control.
Q: Is “minimal makeup” only for people with flawless skin?
A: No. The trend is about strategic use—light coverage base, concealer where needed, and enhancing your natural features at any skin stage.
Ready to try something new? Experiment with these 2023 trends to refresh your routine, inspire your creativity, and embrace every facet of your individual beauty.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/9-best-makeup-trends-of-2023-according-to-makeup-artists
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g42781275/makeup-trends-2023/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a44892639/tiktok-beauty-trends-2023/
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g44094505/summer-2023-makeup-trends/
- https://www.lolavie.com/blogs/press/the-2023-cosmopolitan-readers-choice-beauty-awards
- https://www.women.com/1405242/outdated-makeup-trends-leave-behind-fall-2023/
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