Three Essential Makeup Looks to Try Right Now: Trends, Tips & Ulta Beauty Finds
Step-by-step guides and expert tips for three versatile makeup looks, plus pro product picks, trend inspiration, and Ulta Beauty shopping insights.
Three Versatile Makeup Looks & How to Achieve Them
Whether you’re seeking an everyday natural glow, a glowing skin-focused style, or dramatic flair for a special night out, mastering a few go-to makeup looks is essential for any beauty lover. Inspired by trending techniques, top products, and the vast selection at Ulta Beauty, this comprehensive guide walks you through three complete makeup looks: Classic Glam, Fresh-Faced Dew, and Bold Impact. Dive in for step-by-step tutorials, creative tips, and expert advice for all skill levels.
Contents
- Classic Glam: Day-to-Night Elegance
- Fresh-Faced Dew: Effortless Radiance
- Bold Impact: Statement Eyes and Lips
- Pro Tips for Perfect Application
- Ulta Beauty Shopping Guide
- Beauty Trend Forecast
- Frequently Asked Questions
Classic Glam: Day-to-Night Elegance
The Classic Glam look is a timeless favorite that transitions seamlessly from office hours to after-hours events. Think flawless base, softly defined eyes, sculpted cheeks, and a statement lip that can be toned down or amped up as you like.
Step-by-Step: Classic Glam
- Primer
Start with a hydrating or blurring primer to ensure makeup longevity. Pay extra attention to the T-zone to minimize shine and create an even canvas.
- Foundation
Choose a medium-to-full coverage foundation that delivers balance—glowy yet slightly matte—for that lit-from-within effect. Blend thoroughly from face to neck for a seamless look.
- Concealer
- Brighten under-eyes with a lightweight, high-coverage concealer.
- Spot-correct any blemishes or redness.
- Eyes
- Apply eye primer to lids for a crease-free base.
- Use a neutral-toned shimmer shadow all over the lid for subtle glow.
- Define the lash line with gel eyeliner in espresso or black.
- Add 1-2 coats of volumizing mascara focusing on both upper and lower lashes.
- Brows
- Fill in brows with a fine-tip pencil, using hair-like strokes for natural definition.
- Brush upwards and lightly set with a clear or tinted brow gel.
- Contour and Highlight
- Sculpt with a sheer bronzing powder under cheekbones and along the jawline.
- Sweep a subtle illuminator on the tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, and cupid’s bow.
- Blush
Choose a soft apricot or mauve blush for a timeless flush that complements most skin tones.
- Lips
- For day: Try a soft matte nude, rose, or peach.
- For night: Swap to a bold berry or classic red for instant drama.
- Setting
Finish with a fine mist of illuminating or mattifying setting spray as needed.
Best Ulta Beauty Picks for Classic Glam
- Ulta Beauty Collection Hydrating Face Primer
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
- L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
- MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo (for statement lip)
Fresh-Faced Dew: Effortless Radiance
This minimalist look is all about letting your natural skin texture shine, celebrating glow and healthy radiance. It’s the modern approach for busy mornings, skincare devotees, and anyone who loves the “no-makeup-makeup” vibe.
How to Get the Fresh-Faced Dew Look
- Skin Prep
Invest time in skincare: gently exfoliate, hydrate liberally, and apply a moisturizer or primer with dew-boosting ingredients.
- Sheer Base
- Swap heavy foundation for a tinted moisturizer, BB/CC cream, or skin tint with SPF.
- Blend with fingers or a damp sponge for a skin-like finish.
- Spot Conceal
Apply concealer only where needed: under the eyes, around the nose, or to cover any spots.
- Cream Blush and Highlighter
- Use a creamy blush (peach, coral, rose) on apples of cheeks, blending upwards.
- Dab a liquid or cream highlighter on cheekbones and temples for luminous lift.
- Brows
- Brush and shape into place; add minimal color if needed with a tinted brow gel.
- Lashes
- Curl natural lashes and apply a single coat of mascara, focusing on separation rather than volume.
- Optional: Skip eyeshadow, or choose a taupe/soft shimmer wash for subtle lid glow.
- Glossy or Tinted Lips
Finish with a nourishing lip oil, balm, or sheer gloss—choose clear or a barely-there tint.
Fresh-Faced Dew: Top Product Picks
- Ulta Beauty Tinted Juice Infused Lip Oil
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream
- Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush
- Benefit Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
- Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
- Tower 28 SuperDew Highlighter Balm
Bold Impact: Statement Eyes and Lips
For those feeling adventurous or prepping for a big night, the Bold Impact look is your ticket to creative expression. Experiment with vivid colors, graphic lines, or a dramatic lip balanced with clean skin. This look is inspired by seasonal trends and runway innovation.
Step-by-Step: Bold Impact Makeup
- Prepping the Base
Build on hydrated, well-prepped skin. Use a mattifying or grip primer for longevity if you have oily spots.
- Foundation & Concealer
- Choose foundation for your preferred finish (matte, radiant, or satin). Spot-conceal blemishes.
- Statement Eyes
- Apply a vivid, bold eyeshadow—think aquamarine, emerald, or jewel tones—using both powder and cream formulations as desired.
- Experiment with colored eyeliner or a graphic wing. For extra drama, layer a metallic or glitter shadow at the center of the lid.
- Apply spiky or volumizing mascara, or even try colored mascara for a futuristic touch.
- Brow Definition
Keep brows clean and polished; don’t overdo if your eye look is especially bold.
- Contoured Cheeks & Glass Skin
- Sculpt cheeks with bronzer and add a glassy blush—try mixing blush with a clear balm or serum for dewy impact on cheeks.
- Lips
- If eyes are vibrant, choose a nude or soft rose lip.
- If keeping eyes minimal, opt for a bold, rich lip color (think cherry, burgundy, or hot pink).
- Finishing Touches
Set with translucent powder or a setting spray targeting only oily areas to keep the look fresh but not cakey.
What others are reading
Pro Picks for Bold Impact
- PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership Eyeshadow Palette (for vibrant pigments)
- NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner (for sharp graphic lines)
- Kulfi Underlined Kajal Eyeliner (in teal, purple, or classic black)
- about-face Cheek Freak Blush Balm
- Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly
Pro Tips for Flawless Application
- Always start with a well-moisturized face for smoother makeup application.
- Layer creamy products under powders for enhanced longevity and a natural finish.
- Use light, upward strokes for brows and blush for a subtle, lifted effect.
- Set your under-eyes with a light dusting of powder to prevent creasing, but avoid over-powdering for a fresh glow.
- Mini beauty sponges are excellent for flawless concealer blending, especially in precise areas.
- Store beauty tools and makeup in a clean area to avoid bacteria buildup and skin irritation.
Your Ulta Beauty Shopping Guide
Ulta Beauty is a one-stop-shop for drugstore favorites, premium brands, and exclusive launches, making it the perfect destination for updating your beauty kit. Here’s how to maximize your in-store or online haul:
- Sign up for the Ultamate Rewards program to earn points on every purchase and enjoy special discounts.
- Follow Ulta Beauty’s sale calendars—major events like the 21 Days of Beauty Sale offer up to 50% off top brands and collections.
- Check out “Gift with Purchase” promotions for extra value. These often include deluxe mini products or beauty bags.
- Explore Ulta’s curated beauty bundles, which combine trending products at a special price for an instant makeup refresh.
- Remember to restock core staples—like primer, concealer, or setting spray—during sale seasons or when your favorites are on promotion.
2025 Makeup Trend Forecast
Looking ahead, the biggest makeup trends are equal parts minimalist and experimental. Here’s what’s dominating current and upcoming seasons according to expert predictions and Ulta Beauty’s most-wanted products:
| Trend | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Butter Skin | Satin-finish, blurred complexion with featherweight setting powder. |
| Clean Glam | Flawless skin, natural brows, minimal eyes, and a hint of highlight. |
| Matte Cloudy Blends | Sculptural soft-focus eyeshadow blending, often with neutral or ashy tones. |
| Aquamarine Eyes | Turquoise shadow, cream & powder formulas for vibrant, graphic eyes. |
| Glass Skin Cheeks | Dewy, glossy cheeks using serums and cream blush blends. |
| Neon & Colored Lashes | Vivid mascara in blue, purple, or teal for a playful contrast. |
| Spiky Lashes | Long, graphic, separated lashes for a dramatic ’70s-inspired look. |
Whether you’re into skin-centric minimalism or ready to experiment with eclectic color, keep your kit updated with multitasking products and creative shades. Don’t be afraid to explore limited-edition palettes or invest in essentials that fit your personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the easiest way to transition a makeup look from day to night?
A: Intensifying the eyes with deeper shadow or liner and switching to a more dramatic lipstick are simple ways to elevate your look for evening.
Q: Are bold eyes and lips wearable for daily looks?
A: Yes—with balance. Pair a statement eye with nude lips, or a bold lip with simple eyes for modern sophistication that feels fresh, not overwhelming.
Q: How do I keep my makeup looking fresh all day?
A: Prep skin with a long-wear primer, use setting spray or powder as needed, and keep blotting papers or a travel-size mist handy for quick midday touch-ups.
Q: What are today’s most popular summer and fall makeup shades?
A: For summer, expect sunlit bronze, peach, vivid coral, and turquoise. Fall welcomes berry, rich mauve, cocoa, and jewel-tone pigments on eyes and lips.
Q: How do I pick the right blush for my skin tone?
A: Fair skin glows with light pinks and peaches; medium skin pops with coral and warm rose; deep skin radiates with berry, brick, or vivid orange blushes. When in doubt, opt for buildable cream formulas for customizable color.
Discover more expert makeup tips, trend inspiration, and product guides at Ulta Beauty—your destination for every look you want to try this season and beyond.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn6RZcjp6Ow
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/a63194697/2025-makeup-trends/
- https://www.accio.com/business/make-up-trends
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/inside-ulta-beautys-mega-middle-east-launch
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a62882419/what-to-gift-your-bff-from-ulta-beauty-based-on-how-online-they-are/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a64514082/holy-grail-beauty-awards-2025-makeup/
- https://www.marketingdive.com/news/ulta-blends-with-perfect-for-in-store-beauty-try-ons/545813/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
