Makeup trends tend to reflect where we are as a society. Given that many of us barely
left our houses in 2020, a move closer to the "no makeup" look makes a lot of sense.
From dewy skin to untamed brows, here are the makeup trends experts say you'll be trying
in 2021.
Good news for all the skin care lovers: natural skin will be the thing in 2021. Given that
many of us haven't put on a full face of makeup in months, this is great. According to Harper's
Bazaar, the natural skin look was all the rage at the spring 2021 fashion shows, where
models wore makeup that was subtle and relaxed.
Worried that your skin needs a new skincare routine? Try products like gentle face cleansers
and Vitamin C serums that will help with brightness and scarring. Staying home has given us the
perfect opportunity to improve our skin, and it looks like 2021 will be the year to show
it off.
A cat eye has been a staple trend in the makeup world for decades, and rightly so. If done
well, it looks effortless, chic , and sophisticated. But the cat eye has been done so many times
that it was in need of a reboot. Thanks to iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath, the look
has been completely revamped.
During the Paco Rabanne spring 2021 show, the redefined cat eye was all the rage — though
instead of the sharp and highly-pigmented trend we're used to, the new look featured
blurred lines, giving off a subtle vibe that still felt rocker chic.
So why has the cat eye stuck around for so long? It reportedly dates back as far as Ancient
Egypt, when legendary ruler Cleopatra was purported to wrap dark liner around her eye.
According to Vogue, eyeliner wasn't just a beauty statement, but a way to ward off curses.
So take it from Vogue – practice your eyeliner skills and try out this new cat eye trend
for 2021 to protect you from the evils of the world.
"Not today, Satan. Not today."
Instead of opting for the clumpy mascara look of the early 2000s, or the dramatic addition
of full-on false eyelashes, you may find that "fluttery lashes" with a more natural finish
will be all the rage in 2021.
Nour Agha a national makeup artist for YSL Beauty, told Harper's Bazaar that eyelash
extensions will complement the "no makeup, natural glam" look nicely, and will keep the
overall aesthetic of the 2021 makeup trends "clean and sweet."
While Agha predicts that eyeliner and a touch of mascara will continue to be a constant
in everyone's makeup routine, the expert also says you should be prepared to invest in some
eyelash extensions in the new year.
The Parisian look has always had a place in the world of makeup trends — we've all tried
to master the red lipstick and the effortless cat eye.
Going hand-in-hand with the other more natural trends on the horizon, you can expect this
trend to be big in 2021 as well, thanks to its attributes of less eye makeup, less foundation,
and a heavier focus on the lips.
Think about this scenario as you get ready for the day — instead of spending half an
hour on foundation and contouring, you instead throw on a BB cream and a hint of mascara.
Then, spend the rest of your time in front of the mirror perfecting an effortless red
lip.
Sharing her expertise for a feature in Vogue, French makeup artist Violette said that red
lips are basically a beauty accessory, and a look that's best worn without much else
on the face. So couple that look with a pair of your favorite jeans and a t-shirt, and
you'll be the trendiest person this side of Paris.
Given that the summer of 2020 consisted more of staying indoors and entertaining ourselves
rather than going to the beach in Cabo , it's no wonder if our skin is looking a little
pasty. And it's clear that designers and makeup artists have picked up on that, because the
makeup trend of rosy cheeks is set to take hold in 2021.
Speaking in an interview with Vogue, makeup artist Romy Soleimani said that dewy, color-popped
cheeks will be the latest look for face makeup in the new year. But instead of a powder blush
that typically dries out the skin, Soleimani said that a creamy rouge will be the way to
go, claiming,
"[It gives you] the most natural, non-cosmetic effect, adding an awoken quality to the skin."
Honestly? We needed to hear that, because 2020 has robbed us of both sleep and sunlight
— and a little bit of rouge might be just the thing we need.
Thanks to the minds of great makeup artists, the '80s bold lip is coming back in a big
way in 2021 — and we're 100 percent ready for it. YSL Beauty makeup artist Nour Agha
told Harper's Bazaar that even though nude shades will be the biggest lip trend in 2021,
bright and bold shades will also be able to carve out their own eye-catching place during
the year.
The return of this makeup trend that was initially made iconic among the likes of David Bowie
can be credited to more modern rock stars like Miley Cyrus pushing the fashion envelope
both forward -- and a little backward -- at the same time.
When it comes to makeup, bold colors are often known to exist mainly in eyeshadow palettes.
When you think Kylie Jenner's eyeshadow looks or James Charles' insane eyeshadow palettes,
it seems like color really only belongs on our eyelids and nowhere else. But don't think
you need to restrict yourself to red lips or a bare look. In 2021, don't be afraid to
go bold.
Fashion designers like Kunihiko Morinaga are forecasting big, bright, unusual colors in
the year to come, and the trend appears to be catching on. So for 2021, trade out that
tired, dusty pink lipstick and go for a bright blue or green on your lips. And before you
say "I could never pull that off," just remember that it's confidence that turns heads and
serves trend-setting looks.
"You got this, okay? You are a smart, confident woman who's in charge of her own destiny."
When we think of bold, cartoon-inspired eye makeup, the first person who comes to mind
is Twiggy. Known for her large, animated eyes and distinct mascara/eyeliner look, Twiggy
became synonymous with bold eye makeup. But as trends have evolved, so too has cartoon-inspired
eye makeup, and 2021 will bring the latest mix-up to the forefront.
Makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench was the creative vision behind the animated eye look that dominated
the Giambattista Valli 2021 fashion show, which added such a huge dimension to the overall
aesthetic. A similar eyeliner look was also sported by models during Paris Fashion Week.
So if you're handy with the eyeliner and are down to experiment with this bold eye design,
listen up: you'll want a trusted black eye pencil, a lot of makeup wipes for your eyeliner
mistakes, and most likely a pigmented black eyeshadow to create the look. Opt for simple
lips and natural skin, as the eye design should be what stands out. This reimagined look will
definitely be one of the best makeup trends in 2021!
Designer Giambattista Valli not only included daring eyeliner looks into his spring 2021
collection, but working with makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench, the makeup trends he served
up verged into the androgynous arena — and we're completely here for it.
Valli told Vogue that the aesthetic he created was a result of "introspection," and that
he was mindful of "taking care of one's soul and psyche" while putting together the looks.
Valli wasn't the only designer with gender non-conforming looks in mind; Prada opted
for very androgynous outfits on their 2021 catwalk. According to Vogue, they also incorporated
very simple makeup looks in their collection. Additionally, makeup artist Pat McGrath opted
for perfecting foundation and a hint of taupe eyeshadow for the designer label's look.
If you want to adopt this makeup trend for the coming year, you'll want to think less
is more. Select a foundation with a matte finish, use concealer only when necessary,
and give your brows a sculpted look. The lines of masculine and feminine makeup looks are
only merging, so this trend is definitely on track to be among the best of 2021.
The makeup queens of the early 2000s know that chunky glitter was all the rage back
then. And luckily for us, the makeup trend has come back in a much more refined way,
in part due to the success of the HBO show Euphoria.
Doniella Davy, head of the show's makeup department, told The Hollywood Reporter that she drew
inspiration for the show's makeup looks from Gen Z social media accounts. She said,
"Gen Z is completely redefining what makeup can and should be used to do, by embracing
a total freedom in expression and defying beauty and makeup norms. I love seeing how
these young artists and humans are flipping the whole idea of beauty and makeup on its
ass."
"I was thinking, 'We need to use more glitter, more rhinestones, brighter colors -- if we're
using blue, it has to be electric blue. If we're using pink, hot pink. We have to really
go for it."
The bold, glittery looks were on full display during all of the 2021 fashion weeks, with
many designers opting for a stunning, sparkling eye look. So bust out your wallet and head
over to your local craft store, because glitter, sequins, and sparkle -- with a hint of moodiness,
a la the characters of Euphoria -- will be one of the best makeup trends in 2021.
Let's be honest, things kind of went downhill in 2020 — including some of our self-care
habits, grooming schedules, and lipstick routines. But honestly, designers may have picked up
on this, because untamed brows will be a makeup trend in 2021. That's good news for those
of us who haven't been able to get our eyebrows threaded since March of 2020.
According to Elle, designers like Blumarine opted for their models to have a very wild,
untamed brow look on the 2021 fashion runways — and we're kind of here for it. Think Frida
Kahlo meets glam, and that's the look that they went for.
Makeup artist Isamaya French shared a very similar untamed brow look she did on herself
on her Instagram page as well, solidifying that big brows will be one of the best makeup
trends in 2021. So don't worry if you can't make it to that eyebrow appointment, or think
that your natural eyebrow shape is too crazy for this world. Help bring this trend to the
forefront, and you won't be disappointed!
Wearing face masks to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is the new normal, and
makeup trends have changed to accommodate it. Some people are just putting makeup on
the top halves of their faces, while others are focusing strictly on eye makeup — and
some are saying goodbye to makeup altogether.
But if you're looking for a way to keep your makeup look on point, follow the lead of designer
Anna Sui and go for this look she put together. In her 2021 collection, the models had small,
delicate floral designs painted around their temple and forehead area, as well as around
their eyes. The subtle brush work turned out beautifully, and since a lot of us have more
time on our hands than ever before, you can definitely practice your skills before rocking
this new makeup trend.
All in all, 2021 is about being bold in your looks and embodying the confidence to pull
off a blue lipstick, an untamed brow, or a face painting. It'll be the year to push the
envelope in a way that hasn't been done before, so just go for it!
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