The Most Exciting 2024 Makeup Trends: From Cherry-Cola Lips to Cyber Euphoria Eyes

Explore the bold, nostalgic, and futuristic makeup trends that will define beauty in 2024—from ombré lips to matte skin.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

2024’s Makeup Trends: The Biggest Looks Set to Take Over

As we move into 2024, the beauty world is embracing a playful era defined by expressive colors, nostalgic throwbacks, and futuristic finishes. Influenced by TikTok aesthetics and runway statements, this year’s makeup favors both bold experimentation and everyday wearability. Whether you’re after a subtle upgrade or a statement transformation, 2024 offers something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive look at the makeup trends that are set to dominate the year ahead.

Table of Contents

Cherry-Cola Lips: The Ombré Red Statement

Food-inspired makeup remains a major force in 2024, and leading the wave is the cherry-cola lips trend. More than just a red lip, this look is defined by a burnished, gradient effect that pairs brown liner with deep red tones. The result is sultry, wearable, and endlessly customizable—from a subtle blush to a full matte ombré finish. Think of classic red, but cozier, juicier, and approachable enough for both a casual brunch and a night out.

  • How to get the look: Use a long-wear brown liner to outline and slightly fill in lips, then layer with a sheer or matte red gloss or lipstick.
  • Tip: For longevity, look for smudge-proof formulas, and don’t be afraid to play with the intensity of red based on your mood.
  • Inspirations: Hailey Bieber’s signature ombré lips and runway looks from Saint Laurent.

Red continues to be fashion’s “it” color, infusing everything from bags to hair highlights—it’s only fitting for lips to get their time in the spotlight this year.

Espresso Makeup: Rich, Dimensional Neutrals

The espresso makeup trend trades last year’s barely-there bronzed skin for deeper, more defined neutrals—think lush, roasted brown hues across eyes, lips, and cheeks. If you swoon over rich lattes and toasty undertones, this look is for you. Espresso makeup blends warm brown shadows, strategic contour, and glossy nude lips, delivering sculpted dimension without overpowering natural features.

  • Eyes: Deep brown shadows smudged at the lashline and blended into the crease.
  • Complexion: Bronzed contours (without orange undertones) and diffused blush for soft warmth.
  • Lips: Choose brown-based nudes or mocha glosses for cohesion.

The effect is simultaneously subtle and sultry, with a wearable edge perfect for everyday glam or a chic evening ensemble.

Office Siren Makeup: Sleek, Understated Allure

For those who crave a return to elegant, slightly subversive makeup, the “office siren” aesthetic is a revelation. Drawing inspiration from ‘90s heroines and power-dressing heroines, this look combines precision and confidence.

  • Eyes: Soft neutral shadows with a hint of winged liner—nothing overly dramatic, but subtly defined.
  • Skin: Matte or demi-matte foundations paired with minimal blush or bronzer.
  • Lips: Muted nudes, beige-pinks, or soft browns—pencil-defined for an intentional, polished finish.

A “cool girl” vibe without fuss or overt ‘90s nostalgia, perfect for the office—and everywhere else.

Black Lips: Modern Gothcore for Every Day

If you’re ready to embrace your dramatic side, black lips are emerging as a powerful countertrend to spring pastels. Spotted on the 2024 runways at Comme des Garçons and Marni, this look is about depth, edge, and subversive glamour. Unlike classic goth, 2024’s take is less camp and more couture, often paired with softly defined skin and minimal eye makeup.

  • Application tip: Start with a precise black liner to prevent bleeding, then use an opaque matte liquid lipstick for high-impact definition and staying power.
  • Pairing: Keep eyes and cheeks subtle to let lips steal the show.
  • Who can wear it? Anyone—it’s all in the confidence and attitude!

Modern, unexpected, and refreshingly versatile, black lips are set to go mainstream in 2024.

Blue Eyeshadow: Decades of Cool, Reimagined

One of the year’s most-searched trends (as forecasted by Pinterest) is blue eyeshadow, with interpretations spanning every era:

  • ’60s & ’70s: Pastel aquas and powdery baby blues, worn across the full eyelid for a retro vibe.
  • ’80s: Metallic or shimmery sapphires—think prom night nostalgia.
  • Y2K: Frosted blues with silvery touches, straight from your favorite early-2000s pop videos.

Application advice: Whether you go bold or subtle, pair blue with black or brown mascara and consider matching your jewelry’s undertone (silver or gold) for a cohesive finish. Use either a single wash for a modern take or build layers for vintage drama.

Matte Skin: The Return of the Velvet Complexion

Move over, dewy glass skin—matte complexions are sweeping runways and timelines once more. But the new matte isn’t chalky or flat. Instead, it emphasizes smooth, refined texture and long-wear comfort, resisting the midday shine without masking natural dimension.

  • Foundation: Opt for lightweight, buildable formulas with oil-absorption properties.
  • Powder: Translucent or ultra-fine pressed powders to set your look without cakeiness.
  • Blush & Bronzer: Matte finishes that add depth without shimmer.
  • Finish: Spot-highlight highpoints of the face for dimension only where needed.

This trend offers a polished, pore-blurring effect that feels especially fresh after seasons dominated by radiance and gloss.

Grungecore Liner: Smudged, Smoldering Eyes

The grungy eyeliner revival is officially upon us. Forget precise, perfectly flicked wings; 2024’s “grungecore” is all about imperfection. Think smudged kohl, undereye shadow, and the kind of raw, lived-in finish that would make any early-2000s rocker proud.

  • Technique: Use a black or charcoal eyeliner pencil to rim the eyes, then blur the edges with a small brush or finger. Layer with matching shadow for intensity.
  • School of style: Borrow inspiration from the likes of Avril Lavigne or modern muses found across TikTok’s viral makeup tutorials.
  • Wear it with: Bare skin, matte lips, or a touch of clear gloss for contrast.

Effortless, versatile, and packed with attitude, grungecore eyes are an antidote to overly perfect beauty.

Cyber Euphoria Eyes: Futuristic Color Play

Social media’s love for playful, euphoric beauty has spawned the “cyber-euphoria” eye: multi-chrome shadows, vibrant pastels, floating liner, and glossy/lacquered finishes all qualify. If you can imagine it, you can wear it in 2024.

  • Shadows: Iridescent, metallic, or color-shifting pigments applied liberally to lids and inner corners.
  • Liner: Graphic shapes, floating lines above and below the crease, and neon/white accents.
  • Finish: Top everything with a touch of eye gloss for that “just-danced-all-night” look.

This is a trend about joyful experimentation and self-expression—try a new color every week or layer multiple trends together.

Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Top Makeup Trends

TrendColor FocusKey FeatureWearability
Cherry-Cola LipsReds, brownsGradient ombré lipsDay & Night
Espresso MakeupDeep browns, neutralsContoured, toasty finishEveryday
Office SirenSoft neutralsSubtle definition & polishWork & Casual
Black LipsBlackMatte boldnessStatement
Blue EyeshadowPale to bright bluesDecades-inspired shadowCustomizable
Matte SkinN/ASmooth, velvet textureAnytime
Grungecore LinerBlack, charcoalSmudged, imperfectCasual & Evening
Cyber Euphoria EyesMulticolor, pastelsIridescent, expressivePlayful

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which makeup trend is easiest to try at home in 2024?

A: Cherry-cola lips and matte skin are the most accessible, requiring only a brown liner, red gloss, and a good matte foundation—no advanced skills needed.

Q: Will matte skin replace dewy finishes for all skin types?

A: Matte skin is trending, but you can blend both by using matte foundation where needed and adding natural glow to cheeks or brow bones for balance.

Q: Are bold blue eyeshadows suitable for mature skin?

A: Absolutely—opt for modern cream textures and sheer washes of color, applied above the crease to lift the eye area and avoid settling into fine lines.

Q: How do I make black lipstick last all day?

A: Prep lips with balm, line fully with a black pencil, and apply a matte liquid lipstick. Blot and layer until you achieve even opacity. Avoid oily foods!

Easy Steps: How to Recreate the Top Trends

  • Prep and prime your skin for a matte finish or a lasting base for colorful looks.
  • Choose your focus trend (lips, eyes, or complexion) to avoid competing statements.
  • Layer products for depth: Ombré lips work best by blending liners and gels, while matte skin benefits from a light dusting of powder.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to blur lines with your finger, stack trends (like blue eyes with cherry lips), or break “rules.”
  • Finish with a setting spray to keep your look fresh—especially for high-impact or all-day wear trends.

Final Thoughts: Beauty with No Boundaries

2024’s makeup trends celebrate self-expression, joy, and confidence. From season-defining ombré lips to the playful resurgence of blue shadows and bold black lipsticks, the message is clear: there’s never been a better time to experiment. Whether you prefer polished office siren elegance or cyber-inspired color explosions, these trends welcome all.

Head to your vanity and make 2024 the year of expressive, fearless beauty!

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete