Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! It’s your girl Sarah here, and boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news for you! The beauty world is buzzing with fresh trends that are turning heads and dropping jaws everywhere. From subtle tweaks to major makeovers, this year is shaping up to be one of bold choices and stunning transformations. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into the 8 hottest beauty trends that are setting the world on fire right now!
Contouring: Sculpting Your Best Self
Alright, let’s kick things off with a classic that’s gotten a major upgrade – contouring! Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sarah, contouring? That’s so last decade!” But trust me, honey, contouring in 2024 is a whole new ballgame.
Gone are the days of harsh lines and obvious shadows. The new contouring is all about subtlety and enhancing your natural features. It’s less about drastically changing your face shape and more about gently sculpting and defining what you’ve already got.
Here’s what’s new in the contouring game:
- Cream contours are having a major moment. They blend like a dream and give you that “I woke up like this” glow.
- Multi-dimensional contouring is in. Instead of just using one shade, we’re seeing people play with 2-3 shades to create more natural-looking depth.
- Contouring isn’t just for cheekbones anymore! People are contouring their noses, foreheads, and even their collarbones for a full-body sculpted look.
My favorite trick? I love using a slightly cooler-toned contour shade just under my cheekbones, and then layering a warmer bronzer on top. It gives such a natural, sun-kissed look that’s perfect for everyday wear.
And here’s a pro tip: Don’t forget to blend, blend, blend! The key to modern contouring is making it look seamless. I like to use a damp beauty sponge to really work the product into my skin for that “is she born with it?” look.
Remember, contouring should enhance your features, not mask them. Embrace your natural bone structure and use contouring to highlight what you love about your face. Trust me, once you master this new approach to contouring, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Highlighters: Let Your Inner Glow Shine
Next up, let’s talk about something that makes my heart skip a beat – highlighters! If contouring is about creating shadows, highlighting is all about bringing light to your face. And this year, it’s all about that glass skin glow, baby!
The highlighter trend has evolved from a subtle sheen to a full-on luminous finish. We’re seeing people embrace their inner glow and really let it shine.
Here’s what’s hot in the world of highlighters:
- Liquid highlighters are having their moment in the spotlight. They give such a natural, dewy finish that looks like your skin is lit from within.
- Multi-colored highlighters are all the rage. Think iridescent finishes that shift colors as you move – it’s like having a personal rainbow on your cheekbones!
- We’re highlighting more than just cheekbones now. The tip of the nose, cupid’s bow, inner corners of the eyes, and even collarbones are getting the glow treatment.
My absolute favorite way to use highlighter? I love mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into my foundation for an all-over glow. It gives me that “I just got back from vacation” look, even when I’ve been binge-watching Netflix all weekend.
And here’s a little secret – highlighter isn’t just for the face! I love using a shimmery body highlighter on my shoulders and décolletage for special occasions. It catches the light beautifully and gives such a gorgeous, ethereal look.
Remember, when it comes to highlighter, a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and build up gradually. The goal is to look radiant, not like a disco ball (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, shine on, you crazy diamond!).
False Lashes: Flutter Your Way to Fabulous
Okay, let’s bat those lashes, because false eyelashes are having a major moment! Gone are the days when falsies were reserved for special occasions. Now, we’re seeing people rock fabulous lashes on the daily, and I am here for it!
The false lash game has seriously upped its ante. Here’s what’s trending:
- Magnetic lashes are the new holy grail. They’re easier to apply than traditional glue-on lashes and they last longer too. Plus, no more messy glue!
- Customizable lash strips are becoming popular. You can cut and style them to fit your eye shape perfectly.
- Individual lashes are making a comeback for a more natural, “your lashes but better” look.
- Colored lashes are not just for costume parties anymore. We’re seeing subtle colored tips or even full-on rainbow lashes for those who want to make a statement.
Now, I know false lashes can be intimidating if you’re new to them. But trust me, with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. My top tip? Trim your lashes to fit your eye shape before applying. Nothing gives away false lashes like ones that are too long for your eyes!
And here’s a game-changer – lash primers! Using a lash primer before applying falsies can help them stick better and last longer. It’s like hairspray for your lashes!
Remember, false lashes are meant to enhance your natural beauty, not overshadow it. Choose a style that complements your eye shape and doesn’t overwhelm your face. And most importantly, have fun with it! Lashes are an easy way to dramatically change up your look without committing to anything permanent.
Bronzer: Sun-Kissed Glow, No Sun Required
Alright, sun goddesses, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite way to fake a tropical vacation – bronzer! The bronzed look is hotter than ever, but with a twist. We’re moving away from the overly tanned, orange look and embracing a more natural, sun-kissed glow.
Here’s what’s new in the world of bronzing:
- Cream bronzers are taking center stage. They blend seamlessly into the skin for a natural, “I just got back from the beach” look.
- We’re seeing a shift towards cooler-toned bronzers that mimic real tans more accurately.
- Bronzing isn’t just for the face anymore. People are bronzing their bodies too, especially collarbones, shoulders, and legs for an all-over glow.
- Bronzer-highlighter hybrids are becoming popular for those who want a glowy bronze in one step.
My favorite bronzing hack? I love using my bronzer as eyeshadow too! It ties the whole look together and gives such a beautiful, cohesive warmth to the face.
And here’s a pro tip – don’t forget to bring your bronzer down your neck and onto your chest a bit. Nothing gives away a faux glow like a bronzed face and a pale neck!
Remember, the key to bronzing is to mimic where the sun would naturally hit your face. Focus on the high points – forehead, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and a bit on the chin. And as always, blend, blend, blend!
Brow Shaping: Frame Your Face Like a Pro
Let’s face it, eyebrows can make or break a look. They frame our faces and can dramatically change our appearance. And this year, brows are bigger (figuratively) than ever!
The trend we’re seeing now is all about embracing your natural brow shape while enhancing it to its full potential. Here’s what’s hot in the world of brows:
- Fluffy, brushed-up brows are having a major moment. It’s all about that “model off duty” look.
- Brow lamination, a treatment that sets your brows in place for weeks, is becoming increasingly popular.
- We’re moving away from super-sharp, Instagram brows and towards softer, more natural-looking arches.
- Colored brow gels are trending for those who want to experiment with their brow look without committing to dye.
My go-to brow routine? I love using a brow pen to draw in hair-like strokes where I need a bit more fullness, then setting everything in place with a clear brow gel. It gives such a natural, yet polished look.
And here’s a game-changing tip – try brushing your brows upwards and outwards instead of following their natural growth pattern. It can really open up your eyes and give you a mini eye lift!
Remember, brows are sisters, not twins. Don’t stress if they’re not perfectly symmetrical – a little asymmetry looks more natural anyway. The goal is to enhance your natural brows, not draw on entirely new ones.
Lip Liner: The Comeback Kid
Guess who’s back, back again? Lip liner’s back, tell a friend! That’s right, ladies, lip liner is making a major comeback, and it’s better than ever.
Now, before you start having flashbacks to the 90s with its harsh, obvious lip lines, let me assure you – modern lip liner is all about enhancing and defining your natural lip shape.
Here’s what’s trending:
- Overlined lips are still in, but with a more subtle approach. It’s about creating the illusion of fullness without looking obvious.
- Ombre lips are having a moment. People are using lip liner to create dimension and depth in their lip color.
- Clear lip liners are becoming popular for those who want the staying power of liner without the color.
- We’re seeing a rise in lip liner and gloss combos for a juicy, defined pout.
My favorite lip liner trick? I love filling in my entire lip with liner before applying lipstick. It helps the color last longer and prevents that awkward ring around your lips as your lipstick fades.
And here’s a pro tip – always have a lip liner that matches your natural lip color. It’s a game-changer for creating a “your lips but better” look or for fixing any lipstick mistakes.
Remember, the key to modern lip liner is blending. No harsh lines here! Use your finger or a lip brush to soften the edge of your liner for a more natural look.
Eyeshadow: Color Outside the Lines
Eye makeup lovers, rejoice! This year is all about bold, creative eyeshadow looks. We’re seeing people really express themselves through their eye makeup, and I am living for it!
Here’s what’s hot in the world of eyeshadow:
- Graphic liner looks are everywhere. Think bold shapes, unexpected colors, and artistic designs.
- Pastel eyeshadows are having a major moment, especially for spring and summer looks.
- We’re seeing a lot of contrast between matte and shimmer finishes in the same look.
- Monochromatic eye looks, where the shadow matches the outfit, are trending.
My favorite eyeshadow trend right now? I’m obsessed with the “halo eye” technique. It’s where you put a lighter, shimmery shade in the center of your lid and darker mattes on the inner and outer corners. It makes your eyes look bigger and brighter!
And here’s a little secret – don’t be afraid to use your fingers to apply eyeshadow, especially shimmers. The warmth of your finger can help the shadow apply more smoothly and intensely.
Remember, there are no rules when it comes to eyeshadow. Want to wear a bold blue on a Tuesday afternoon? Go for it! Makeup is all about self-expression, so have fun with it.
Blush: The Cherry on Top
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the trend that’s literally making everyone blush – blush! That’s right, rosy cheeks are back in a big way.
But forget everything you know about blush placement. The new trend is all about draping your blush for a natural, youthful flush.
Here’s what’s trending:
- Cream and liquid blushes are taking over for their natural, dewy finish.
- We’re seeing blush placed higher on the cheekbones and even across the nose for that “just came in from the cold” look.
- Monochromatic makeup looks, where the same color is used on eyes, cheeks, and lips, are super popular.
- Blush is being used to contour! It’s a softer, more natural-looking alternative to traditional contouring.
My favorite blush hack? I love applying a bit of blush on my eyelids for a cohesive, sun-kissed look. It’s especially beautiful with peachy and coral shades!
And here’s a pro tip – if you’ve gone a bit heavy-handed with your blush, don’t reach for the makeup remover just yet. Try buffing a bit of your face powder over the top. It’ll tone down the color without removing it completely.
Remember, blush should make you look naturally flushed, not like you’re running a fever. Start with a light hand and build up the color gradually.
Wrapping It Up: Your Beauty, Your Rules
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? From sculpted cheekbones to fluttery lashes, glowing skin to bold eyes, this year is shaping up to be an exciting one in beauty.
But here’s the most important thing to remember – these are trends, not rules. The best makeup is the makeup that makes YOU feel confident and beautiful. Whether that means embracing all of these trends or none of them, the choice is yours.
Remember, makeup should be fun! It’s a form of self-expression and creativity. So don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and step out of your comfort zone. You might just discover a new favorite look!
And most importantly, true beauty comes from within. All the highlighter in the world can’t outshine the glow of someone who’s kind, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. So rock that red lip, flutter those false lashes, or go bare-faced – whatever makes you feel like the queen you are!
Here’s to a beautiful year, inside and out. Now go forth and slay, you gorgeous creatures!
