The 11 Biggest Makeup Trends to Try in 2025
From soft sculpting to bold metallics, discover the transformative makeup trends shaping beauty in 2025.
The landscape of beauty is always shifting, and 2025 is set to be a year of both daring expression and subtle enhancements. From softly sculpted skin to vibrant metallics and artistic eyeliner, this year’s trends celebrate individuality, wearability, and a healthy dose of playfulness. Below, discover the trends that will define makeup in 2025—and how to wear them now.
1. Soft Sculpted Cheeks
Chiseled, softly-blended contours are back, but this time without the harsh lines of old-school contouring. Think natural definition that enhances bone structure without looking stamped-on.
- Aim for diffused bronzer, blush, and highlighter instead of sharp stripes.
- Apply cream products and use a dense brush or damp sponge to melt them into the skin for a seamless finish.
- Layer soft taupe or bronze hues beneath cheekbones, across the forehead, and along the jawline.
- Finish with a luminous blush high up on the cheekbones for a lifted effect.
2. Amplified Glow
Radiant, healthy skin is the base of every major look this year, but forget the glass-like, wet finish of years past. Instead, 2025’s glow is all about achieving that lit-from-within effect through strategic highlighting:
- Use skin-prep as your first step: hydrating serums and lightweight moisturizers set the stage for luminosity.
- Mix a liquid highlighter with foundation for an all-over glow, then build up extra radiance on the highest points of the face (cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow).
- “Filter” powders help blur texture and impart a candlelit finish—think of them as the real-world version of FaceTune.
3. Matte, Blurred Lips
The super-dry matte lips of the 2010s are out. For 2025, lips are matte but also soft, pillowy, and effortless. Velvet, blurred, and airbrushed finishes are the goal.
- Choose formulas that feel whipped or creamy, not chalky or stiff.
- Use fingertips to dab color onto the center of the lips, then blur the edges outward.
- Try wearable shades: taupe, terracotta, peachy nudes, or dusty rose for everyday. Amp up the look with a velvety bold red or berry for night.
- Key technique: Avoid sharp lip liner lines. Instead, let the color fade naturally into your skin for a modern, wearable stain.
4. ‘90s Neutrals
Brown, taupe, and sandy shades are in focus for eyes, cheeks, and lips. This nod to ‘90s minimalism feels fresh when paired with glowy skin or a touch of shimmer.
- Layer matte taupe shadow all over the lid for easy definition.
- Use a fluffy brush to blend brown eyeliner for a subtle, smudged effect.
- For lips, apply creamy brown or beige lipstick, slightly darker than your natural tone. Top with a clear or tinted gloss for added fullness.
- Keep brows natural—groom and define but avoid heavy sculpting.
5. Eyeshadow Renaissance
Eyeshadow is making a major comeback in 2025, replacing years of “skinimalism” and barely-there neutrals. Both rich, smoky and color-wrapped eyes are on trend.
- Experiment with cool-toned smokey eyes, soft washes of color, or metallic finishes.
- Try mixing matte and shimmer textures on the lid for dimension.
- To channel the season’s runway looks, wrap shadow under the lower lash line as well as across the lid.
- For a retro edge, look to ’60s beauty inspiration—think mod shapes or color harmonized across the whole face.
6. Metallic Lids
High-shine eyes give a bold, futuristic touch to your makeup. This season’s metallics aren’t only reserved for parties; they’re wearable for daytime, too, with the right placement and tones.
- Khaki, bronze, olive, and rose gold are versatile options.
- Apply with a damp brush for an intense, foiled effect, or pat onto lids with fingers for a diffused sheen.
- Add metallics just to the center of the lid or the inner corner for a pop, or sweep across the whole lid for drama.
- Pair a frosted metallic eye with soft matte lips and glowing skin for balanced glamour.
What others are reading
7. Graphic and Smudged Liner
Artistic liner is still going strong, with looks split between graphic flicks and soft, smudged shapes. The key for 2025 is to keep things less precise, more spontaneous.
- Try floating liner, double wings, or unexpected colors (olive, burgundy, navy) to upgrade a classic cat-eye.
- For a grungier vibe, smudge pencil or gel liner along the lash line and waterline, blending outward for a smoke effect.
- Pair graphic shapes with minimal shadow for contrast, or team smudged liner with metallic shadow for depth.
8. Playful Pops of Color
2025 welcomes neon flashes and unexpected bursts of bright color. Whether you go bold or subtle, this trend invites experimentation.
- Bright pastel blue, lavender, punchy pink, or lime green shadows make a statement on lids.
- Neon mascara or colored mascara on the tips of lashes transforms the entire look.
- If you’re shy about color, try a pop on the lower lash line or inner corner only.
- Work with minimal base makeup and let the color shine.
9. Glossy Accents
Gloss is no longer just for lips. In 2025, glossy sheens appear on eyes, cheeks, and even brows, adding light and dimension.
- Sweep a clear or lightly tinted gloss over eyeshadow for a dewy, editorial finish.
- Layer cream blush and then add a dab of gloss on the cheekbones for extra gleam.
- Brush a little brow gel or gloss onto brows for a healthy, groomed look without heaviness.
10. Romantic Rosy Flush
Flushed, sun-touched cheeks remain a favorite. This year’s take is more refined—think subtle strawberry or rose stains, applied high on the cheeks and even across the nose for a natural warmth.
- Use creamy, blendable blushes for “just-pinched” color.
- Layer powder blush on top for longevity, focusing color above the apples of the cheeks toward the temples.
- For added cohesion, blend a little blush across your eyelids or into your lipstick.
11. Barely-There Brows
This year, brows are soft, fluffy, and natural. Say goodbye to ultra-sculpted arches; the goal is to work with your natural shape, enhancing what you already have.
- Gently fill in any sparse areas with thin, hair-like strokes using a brow pencil or pen.
- Brush upwards with a clear or tinted gel to lift and set brows in place without stiffness.
- Embrace gaps, asymmetry, and imperfection—2025 beauty is about personality.
Pro Tips for Nailing 2025 Makeup Trends
- Layering is everything: Start with creams for a seamless base, then set or enhance with powder textures for longevity.
- Prep skin: Hydrated, well-prepped skin makes every trend more wearable and effortless.
- Mix textures: Combine matte with sheen, powder with cream, flat with glossy for modern dimension.
- Experiment! Trends are a guide, not a rulebook—blend influences to find your own signature style.
Table: Top Makeup Trends at a Glance
| Trend | Main Features | Key Products |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Sculpted Cheeks | Diffused contour, seamless blush, dewy highlight | Cream bronzer, cream blush, liquid highlighter |
| Metallic Lids | Foiled shadows, high-shine, wearable intensity | Metallic eyeshadow, damp brush, shimmer palette |
| Blurred Matte Lips | Whipped texture, diffused outline | Soft matte lip cream, blurring lipstick |
| Playful Pops of Color | Bright shadow, neon liner or lashes | Colorful eyeshadow, colored mascara |
| Barely-There Brows | Natural shape, fluffy, lightly filled | Brow gel, thin pencil, brow pen |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I make metallic eyeshadow suitable for daytime?
A: Stick to neutral or muted metallics like bronze, khaki, or taupe and apply just to the center of your lid or the inner corners for a subtle pop of light without overpowering your look.
Q: What’s the key to achieving the blurred lip look?
A: Start by dabbing a small amount of velvety matte lipstick onto your lips with a fingertip, focusing on the center. Gently blend outward toward the edges—skip or barely use liner for a soft, faded finish.
Q: Are bold eyeshadow looks practical for every day?
A: Absolutely. Pair bold shadow with bare skin and minimal lips for a balanced look, or keep the color to one feature (like a swipe of blue along the lash line) for a more laid-back approach.
Q: How do I avoid harsh lines when sculpting my cheeks?
A: Use cream formulas and blend with a dense brush or sponge. Work in layers, building depth gradually and blending up toward the temples for a lifted effect.
Q: Which trend is easiest for beginners to try?
A: Soft sculpted cheeks and romantic rosy flushes are easy, beginner-friendly trends that enhance your features with little risk. Focus on gentle blending and choosing shades close to your natural undertones.
Final Thoughts
2025 makeup trends are all about versatility and individuality. Whether you’re craving high-impact shimmer or everyday wearability, there’s a trend (or three) waiting for you to make it your own. Have fun experimenting, and remember: the best look for any season is the one that feels most authentic to you.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a66129041/eyeshadow-makeup-trend/
- https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/fall-2025-makeup-trends/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g64890594/summer-makeup-trends-2025/
- https://pocketmags.com/us/cosmopolitan-magazine/feb-march-2025
- https://hourshaircare.com/blogs/all-articles/full-time-is-a-cosmopolitan-2025-holy-grail-beauty-award-winner
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
