Are You a Trendsetter or a Rulebreaker?
Makeup looks come and go with the wind, and it’s hard to know which look can withstand beauty standards’ fickleness. Don’t worry, we’re here to break down which ones belong in the past and which ones aren’t going anywhere!
1. Intense Blush
Everyone loves a natural flush in their cheeks, but there’s a right way and a strange way to achieve the look. Not so long ago, we used to slap on the blush and leave our cheeks candy pink all day—a look that was neither natural nor necessary.
2. Overly Filled Brows
Block brows are a thing of the past and we ought to leave them there. We all remember frantically penciling them in before a night out, a makeup look that attempted fuller brows but just made us look silly.
3. Spider Leg Lashes
This makeup trend made its way back to 2024 and we’re not sure how to feel. The idea is you apply several coats of mascara to create clumped and spiky lashes. The look was already phased out once, which is all we need to avoid the bandwagon a second time.
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4. Excessive Eyeliner
We’ve all struggled to perfect a cat eye, but some makeup gurus applied excessive eyeliner on purpose. From overdoing our water line to slathering black on our lash line, we’re glad to see this trend abandoned for more natural looks.
5. Bronzer Overload
You remember this dark era—a time when we applied enough bronzer to rival Oompa Loompas. For some reason, we let this look ride for a good year or so before coming to our senses. While there’s nothing wrong with a little glow, this wasn’t the way to do it.
6. Excessive Highlighting
Of course, it wasn’t only excessive bronzer. When we first learned about highlighter, our faces were coated in the stuff. Rather than achieve that stunning glow, we instead looked greasy and far too shimmery.
7. Matte Lipstick
Matte lips are all the rave, and they deserve recognition as a timeless makeup trend—when done properly. For a while there, no one prepped their lips with any scrubs or balms, instead earning themselves a cracked look. At least the colors were nice.
8. Overly Tweezed Brows
No brows were just as bad as filled ones. Though not a makeup look per se, we unfortunately succumbed to the beauty standard of overly tweezed brows. We were all left with wispy little ghosts and no one batted an eye.
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9. Too Much Lip Liner
When applied correctly, liner gives a rich fullness to our lips. Applied incorrectly, however, and we’re left with a completely unnatural look. With today’s makeup trends pivoting towards neutrals, we’re glad to leave excessive liner in the past.
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐃 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞- 𝐮𝐩 & 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞 on Pexels
10. Excessive Contour
Who doesn’t love a little contouring? Notice we wrote “a little,” not the war paint people once smeared on their skin. Not only was contour in overdrive, but those stripes weren’t even blended properly and left a lot of faces with mismatched pallets.
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Now that we’ve said goodbye to some awkward makeup trends, it’s time to explore all those timeless looks we can’t get enough of.
1. Red Lips
It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s not going anywhere—it’s red lipstick! Everyone needs a good tube of it in their makeup bag. The look complements everyone, has withstood all the beauty trends, and is simultaneously simple and seductive.
2. Cat Eye
Some say it’s on its way out while others, like ourselves, think it’s here to stay. Classic cat eyes extend the lash line and leave a lasting impression anywhere you go. Whether a dramatic flair or a subtle swish, it’s an easy look anyone can achieve.
3. Natural Lips
Though red lips can stop traffic, neutral hues have just as big an impact. It might take some time to nail the right shade, but a natural lip blends into every look. They also draw more attention to bolder brows or eyeshadow.
4. Full Lash Line
Why fuss over faux eyelashes when you can fill in your lash line at home? This timeless trend isn’t going anywhere! Full lash lines provide more flair, volume, and length to your lashes, leaving you with a look that’s subtle yet sultry.
5. The Smoky Eye
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more oomph, smoky eyes are always an option. This bold look never left the party; it allows us to blend different shades and play with various styles. It’s also one of the only options that lets us combine dark and neutral shades.
6. Natural Foundation
Excessive contour is out and natural foundation is in! The latest trend is only using what you need—rather than cover your face with foundation, you touch up certain areas instead. You’ll achieve a more breathable look and save plenty of time in your routine.
7. Dark Lip
We love red and we love neutral, but there’s something special about a vampiric lip. This timeless option lets you rock deep shades of purple or red and matches most makeup looks. Dark lips are particularly stunning in matte colors too.
Anastasiya Lobanovskaya on Pexels
8. Subtle Glow
Give your skin the subtle glow it deserves. Highlighter drops or a dash of powder adds that touch of shimmer to your face without going overboard. Best of all, they’re easy to apply and seamlessly blend with any makeup style.
9. White Tightline
Though some people turned their back on this trend, we recognize it for the showstopper it is. Say hello (again) to white tightlines, a classic trend revived from the ‘90s that gives your eyes the perfect pop. Just remember to keep it on the subtle side for better results.
10. Splash of Color
We can’t help it—we love a good, bold lip! Dark and red shades are amazing, don’t get us wrong, but a nice magenta burst or pretty pink hue can dazzle, too. Don’t be afraid to rock those bold colors in style, especially since the look isn’t going anywhere.
