Spring 2020 Makeup Trends: Fresh Faces, Pastel Eyes, and Glossy Lips
This season, experiment with bold eyes, radiant skin, and playful accents drawn straight from the runway.
Spring 2020 Makeup Trends: The New Beauty Mood
This spring signals a return to bold self-expression, luminous skin, and playful experimentation with texture, color, and embellishment. Runways and social feeds alike have exploded with fresh-faced minimalism, dreamy pastel eyeshadows, and creative details meant to be seen. Whether you’re ready to try a rhinestoned eyelid or simply swap matte lips for gloss, the season’s trends offer effortless looks and statement finishes alike.
Table of Contents
- Fresh-Faced, Glowing Skin
- Feathered, Undone Brows
- Dreamy Pastel Eyeshadows
- Pearl and Gem Embellishments
- Glossy, Wet-Look Lips
- Graphic & Floating Eyeliner
- Neon and Watercolor Accents
- Rainbow and Multi-Tone Eyes
- Structured and Polished Brows
- Bright Colored Mascara
- Expert Tips & Product Picks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fresh-Faced, Glowing Skin
Minimal, dewy bases continue to dominate the beauty landscape. This trend emphasizes hydrated, healthy-looking skin—think a natural finish with just a hint of luminescence. Rather than heavy matte coverage, makeup artists favor sheer foundations, BB creams, or tinted moisturizers that let real skin glow through. To achieve this look:
- Prep skin with a nourishing moisturizer or hydrating primer for a plump, smooth canvas.
- Apply a lightweight foundation or tint, focusing on blending outward from the center of the face.
- Add a liquid or cream highlighter to high points—think cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose—for radiant dimension.
- Embrace barely-there blush in petal pinks or subtle peaches for a natural flush.
This fresh, glowing complexion sets the stage for the more expressive elements emerging this season.
Feathered, Undone Brows
This spring, full, feathered brows replace the polished arches and heavily defined shapes of previous years. Inspired by runway looks at Mugler, Haider Ackermann, and Balenciaga, the brow is brushed up and softly filled, creating an airy, unstructured effect. How to master this trend:
- Use a brow gel and spoolie brush to comb hairs upward and outward, exaggerating natural growth.
- Fill sparse areas with light flicks of brow powder or pencil, mimicking real hairs.
- Avoid harsh lines and over-sculpting. The goal is an undone, bushy vibe—think ‘model off duty’ brows that look healthy and soft.
Even those with naturally sparse brows can achieve this look with the right product and technique.
Dreamy Pastel Eyeshadows
Nothing says spring like a sweep of pretty pastel. On runways and Instagram, all-over pastel eyeshadow—from mint green to lavender, baby blue to peach—evokes a sense of optimism and playfulness. Key details:
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- Shades of mint, lilac, buttery yellow, and peach are most on-trend.
- Blend eyeshadow across the entire lid and even into the crease for a wash of fairy-tale color.
- Pair with nude, glossy lips and fluttery lashes for a look that’s whimsical yet wearable.
Brands such as Huda Beauty and ColourPop have released dedicated pastel palettes, making it easy to recreate these looks yourself.
Pearl and Gem Embellishments
Spring 2020 brings a wave of pearl and gem accents adhered to the eyes, brows, and even lips. A nod to festival beauty and Euphoria-inspired creativity, this trend transforms the face into a work of art. How to try it:
- Use tiny craft pearls, rhinestones, or face gems; adhere them with a small amount of lash glue for easy removal.
- Apply gems along the brow bone, at the inner and outer corners of the eye, or scattered around the lid.
- For a subtle effect, keep pearl sizes small and application sparse; for drama, go for clusters and mixed textures.
This look is perfect for special occasions or when you want to make a playful statement, with minimal application skills required.
Glossy, Wet-Look Lips
This spring, matte lips take a back seat in favor of ultra-glossy, wet-look pouts. The effect is juicy, fresh, and instantly modern.
- Dab your favorite pink or red lipstick at the center of the lips, then diffuse outward for a blurred, just-bitten finish.
- Layer a clear or lightly tinted gloss on top for glass-like shine.
- To enhance fullness, apply gloss just to the center of the lips and the Cupid’s bow.
From barely-there shades to statement pinks, gloss is the season’s most versatile lip accessory.
Graphic & Floating Eyeliner
Traditional winged eyeliner gets a modern remix with floating shapes and negative space designs above the crease. This trend—a favorite on runways and red carpets—delivers major impact with minimal effort. Key aspects include:
- Draw eyeliner across the lid ‘floating’ above your crease, rather than hugging the lash line.
- Experiment with smooth arcs, delicate loops, or geometric zigzags for an avant-garde finish.
- Choose black, white, or neon liner for added drama, or use pastels for a softer effect.
Pair with an otherwise bare eye to keep the look modern and fresh.
Neon and Watercolor Accents
Neon colors bring a pop-art edge to spring’s pastel softness—especially when concentrated in unexpected places like the inner eye corner (the “mermaid tears” look) or dotted along the lash line.
- Swap a heavy neon wash for a targeted placement of color, such as a dab of lime green, electric pink, or burnt orange at the tear duct or lower lash line.
- For a watercolor effect, blend several dreamy, sheer colors together on the lid—blue, pink, yellow—for an ethereal, painterly result.
- Don’t worry about perfection; the soft-edged, abstract finish is part of the appeal.
These experimental takes on color invite you to personalize the trend to your preference and comfort level.
Rainbow and Multi-Tone Eyes
Why choose one shade when you can have them all? Rainbow eye looks swept the season, from softly blended multi-color gradients to striking stripes.
- Use a flat brush to apply distinct stripes of color across the lid, or blend complementary hues into a seamless transition from inner to outer corner.
- Accent just the brow bone or liner, or go all-in with bold, blocky swathes of color.
- Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let the eyes take center stage.
This cheerful burst of color brings instant energy to any look.
Structured and Polished Brows
While feathered brows reign for their effortless charm, structured, polished brows are also in. Instead of wild or overly natural, brows are brushed up, neatly trimmed, and set in place for a strong, defined look.
- Use a clear brow gel to shape and hold hairs in a uniform direction.
- Define the lower edge of the brow with a precise pencil or powder.
- Avoid overly blocky shapes; keep arches soft and flattering.
This style works beautifully for those who prefer a more refined, put-together makeup aesthetic.
Bright Colored Mascara
Colored mascara returns in vibrant shades—think cobalt blue, emerald, or magenta. It’s an easy, subtle way to experiment with color or add a hint of playfulness to your routine.
- Layer colored mascara over black for a multidimensional effect, or wear color alone for a bold impact.
- Try shades that contrast with your eye color: blue or green mascara enhances brown eyes, while purple or burgundy flatters blue and green eyes.
- Keep the rest of the face understated to let the lashes pop.
Expert Tips & Product Picks
- Hydrate First: The key to luminous, fresh skin is diligent skincare. Always moisturize prior to makeup for smooth, even application.
- Pastel Palette Must-Haves: Look for creamy, pigmented formulas to avoid chalkiness. Gel and cream shadows deliver maximum payoff with easy blending.
- Precision Tools: Use angled brushes for brow detail, flat brushes for liner, and a damp sponge to blend cream products seamlessly.
- Gloss Smarts: To prevent feathering or gloss migration, apply a clear liner around your lips before gloss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I make pastel eyeshadow look vibrant on my skin?
A: Use a dedicated eyeshadow primer or a light-colored base to intensify pastel pigments. Creamy formulas tend to appear more vibrant, especially when applied with your finger or a dense brush.
Q: What’s the best way to apply gems or pearls to my eyes?
A: Use cosmetic-safe adhesive like eyelash glue and a pair of tweezers for precision. Always remove carefully and avoid getting glue in your eyes.
Q: Is colored mascara suitable for everyday looks?
A: Absolutely! Opt for deeper jewel tones if you want a subtle pop that still feels work-friendly, or layer vibrant colors for events.
Q: Can I wear glossy lips without them feeling sticky?
A: Modern gloss formulas are lightweight and non-sticky. Choose nourishing, hydrating glosses, and avoid over-applying for best comfort and shine.
Q: How can I achieve feathered brows with sparse hair?
A: Use a tinted brow gel with fibers to add volume and definition. Then, fill gaps with hair-like strokes from a micro-tip brow pencil.
Conclusion
Spring 2020 makeup trends are about celebrating individuality, color, and healthy radiance. Whether it’s trying a swipe of pastel shadow, dotting pearls on your brow bone, or perfecting the ultimate glossy lip, the season gives you permission to experiment—no advanced skills required. Embrace a new beauty mood and let your creativity blossom.
References
- https://www.lilyengland.com/blogs/news/spring-2020-makeup-trends
- https://florida-academy.edu/spring-makeup-trends-of-2020-instagram/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/makeup-trends-youre-about-to-see-everywhere
- https://teddiekossof.com/blog/spring-2020-makeup-trends
- https://www.cosmopolitan.in/beauty/features/photo/bollywood-celebrities-show-us-how-wear-8-major-spring-2020-makeup-trends-660473-2020-02-12
- https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/make-up/g28896933/spring-2020-makeup-trends/
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