The Best Makeup Trends You'll Be Trying In 2020
What makeup trends does 2020 have in store for us?
One of the things we look forward to most with each new year is the outpouring of the trends. From killer new haircuts to reinvented fashion, there are a ton of ways to freshen up your look in 2020. But if you're not into assembling a whole new wardrobe or going for a drastic haircut, there's another area to consider: makeup. After all, switching up your beauty products is a hell of a lot more affordable than updating all your clothes, and, unlike chopping your locks, it's far less risky, too.
The new year is also a perfect time to comb through your makeup and toss anything that may be expired — especially those dried-out, bacteria-harboring mascaras. And, if you've been relying on the same makeup routine for years, 2020 is as good a time as any to try a new trend. Curious about which products should replace your outdated makeup? Here's what beauty experts and influencers say to expect in 2020.
Soft brows will be a major makeup trend in 2020
As we move into 2020, the bold, overly-defined eyebrow makeup trend is expected to get left behind. "I've had lots of clients going for more of the 'undone' look than the full on 'Instagram Brow,' which is showing us that the all-natural look is making its mark," Diana Melendez, certified microblading expert and owner of the threading and microblading studio Accentuated in Scottsdale, Ariz., revealed to The List.
Makeup artist Christina Flach similarly predicts a more natural-looking brow — "soft brows" — to take center stage in 2020. But, just because bold brows are going out, that doesn't mean these natural-looking brows are going to look sparse. Flach said soft brows will still involve "enough definition to frame the eyes." Melendez, too, says brows will be keeping their fullness. "I personally love to keep the brows full," she continued, "especially [since] we tend to lose our brows as we get older. "
In 2020, bushy brows will be a makeup trend worth considering
What if your natural brows are on the bushy side? According to the pros, you should flaunt 'em. Diana Melendez, certified microblading expert and owner of the Arizona-based brow studio Accentuated, confirmed to The List that "full bushy brows" will be a "major trend" in 2020.
The best way to maintain your thick brows is to "take a minimalistic approach," according to Melendez. "Only pluck away from brow lines to clean up a bit and leave the rest to an eyebrow specialist like myself." Why? "Shaping can be very hard if you don't know what [you're] doing and one hair can change the whole brow shape," Melendez explained. "It is something I am sure we have all done it before — the situation where you pluck one wrong hair out and then it's all downhill from there!"
If you want to embrace the bushy or full makeup trend but your brows aren't currently up for the challenge, Melendez recommends trying LiBrow Purified Eyebrow Serum or, if you don't want to try a serum, castor oil, which is a natural hair growth stimulant.
The look of a classic timeless face will be a 2020 makeup trend
"Because we are leaving the '10s, which was the whole Instagram, YouTube, 'YASSS Queen' era, I think things are going back to more of a natural beauty," celebrity makeup artist Chris Lanston told The List. Well, not entirely natural. "Not quite like an Amish natural," he clarified, "but like a classic timeless face like Audrey [Hepburn] and Marilyn [Monroe]."
Compared to the glam makeup trend of the 2010s, Audrey Hepburn's makeup could be considered minimalist in 2020. However, to get her iconic look, much attention should be paid to the eyelashes. Hepburn's makeup artist, Alberto de Rossi, used an untraditional trick to create the actress' famous doe eyes. According to Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers, a book penned by Hepburn's son Sean Hepburn Ferrer, it was "a slow process of applying mascara and then separating each eyelash with a safety pin." Of course, false lashes would be a much safer method to use today.
The no-makeup look will reign as a makeup trend in 2020
If using full-coverage foundation and applying light contouring to your face is not your thing or if you're looking for even more natural-looking makeup trends for 2020, you're in luck. Celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach told The List, "I see a more natural, less dramatic look coming in 2020 and in the spring!" Flach is just as excited as we are that some of the looks from the 2010s are on their way out. She shared, "I think the over exaggerated contouring is — thank the Lord Jesus —on its way out!" Hallelujah.
Noting spring and summer 2020 runway trends, Harper's Bazaar revealed that "'no make-up' make-up" was indeed "a fashion week fixture." Although this look requires no foundation, you'll still want to make good use of a little concealer and well-placed highlighter, according to Byrdie. In doing so, you'll have a fresh-faced appearance as opposed to a truly au naturel "I woke up like this" face.
Healthy dewy skin will definitely be in when it comes to 2020 makeup trends
If you're planning to rock the no-makeup makeup trend come 2020, celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach believes "healthy dewy skin" is necessary. Sure, you can add some more glow to your skin with the use of highlighter, but there's really no faking healthy skin. The expert told The List, "The healthier the skin is from the inside, [the more] it will reward you on the outside!" Flach personally swears by green juice and celery juice.
Celeb nutritionist Kimberly Snyder agrees that some veggie-based juices are great for the body, including the skin. "Celery is 95 percent water," she explained to Vogue. "When it comes to skin, hydration is key." The natural sodium in celery also increases stomach acid, making it good for the gut and also useful for both lowering stress and literally brightening skin. In addition to taking care of your skin internally, a good exterior skincare routine is also vital.
A dark lip will be a popular makeup trend in 2020
A variety of natural styles are expected to be popular throughout 2020, but there's plenty of bolder makeup trends for those of you who like a bit more color. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin told The List that "dark lips" are expected to be a fun trend to try. "An almost purple or black lip looks surprisingly modern right now and looks good with all skin tones," she explained.
Christopher Macken, makeup artist and global creative director of Ready To Wear, agrees. "Instead of that bright pink try a dark blood red or navy lip to really set your look on the right track for the new year," he told The List.
If you're intimidated by a dark statement lip or aren't experienced in applying dark shades, bareMinerals' international makeup artist SJ Froom recommends starting with a lighter shade and working your way up. "I would always recommend choosing your shade to match your skin tone but if you are a beginner, go for a softer more mauve tone as opposed to a rich deep berry tone until you have perfected your lipstick application," he explained to Cosmopolitan.
This shade of eyeliner will be a big makeup trend in 2020
A bright white eyeliner can be stunning. "[It's] not just for your water line," Christopher Macken, makeup artist and global creative director of Ready To Wear, told The List, "though you can still use this trick to brighten and pop those beautiful eyes." Why not try white eyeliner as a "fun and festive" upper liner? Macken promises a "show-stopping" look once you try out the "stark trend."
A liner in this shade is basically magic. "White eyeliner not only makes your eyes look larger, but also makes you look more awake," makeup artist Geo Brian Hennings confirmed to Cosmopolitan. And, as Macken highlighted, it's super versatile.
"Lining your waterline with white liner is probably the easiest way to use white eyeliner," Hennings further told the publication of the 2020 makeup trend. "It instantly makes your eyes look brighter, like you're ready for the day." If you'd rather rock a bolder look, Hennings advised, "Just trace your upper lid with a white pencil and flick the pencil toward the outer corner of your eye, like you're drawing a check mark."
Flirty colors and daring combinations will be big makeup trends in 2020
While makeup artist and global creative director of Ready To Wear Christopher Macken advises us to "fight the urge to go too bright" when it comes to lip colors in 2020, that rule certainly does not apply to the eyes. In fact, the expert exclaimed, "The rules are, there are no rules!"
Macken expects all sort of contrasting eyeshadows and liners to be makeup trends in 2020. "The trends are turning and showing us fun flirty colors and daring combinations," he explained. "It is like the '80s and '90s decided they will pay us a visit." He continued, saying, "Bright pink on your waterline? Maroon on your upper lid ... go for it!"
Don't be afraid of pairing your bright eyes with a dark lip, either. While it may sound taboo, it can work. L'Oréal Paris even recommended pairing violet shadow with "a darker lipstick in a berry tone for a stand-out makeup look."
Get ready for purple, purple, and more purple when watching for makeup trends in 2020
As great as purple eyeshadow is, this color doesn't have to stay confined to just shadows. "Purple makeup is still trending," L'Oréal Paris confirmed. Yes, this isn't the first time purple has been a hot color for makeup. The brand listed the shade as "one of the most popular colors for 2018." It just keeps getting more and more popular as a makeup trend — and it's easy to see why. "Purple shadow, purple lips, violet liner — this color is so versatile it can go from the club to a wedding without skipping a beat," celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin told The List.
Ketonya Bankston, makeup artist, stylist, and founder of the fashion site Style Stalkers, has also noticed the growing interest in this shade. "Variations in berry colors and purples have been reintroduced to the world of beauty and cosmetics," she confirmed. And, luckily, berry and purple shades make a perfect pair.
Glitter eyes will be a huge 2020 makeup trend
New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Chris Lanston foresees glitter eyeshadow, such as Stila Cosmetics' Glitter & Glow and Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows, and glitter liners being a big makeup trend in 2020. In fact, they tend to have a moment annually, according to beauty influencer and makeup artist Kenny Screven. "Glitter eyes are a trend every year and [it's] not going anywhere anytime soon," he told The List. "Glitter eyes are just so much fun and fabulous."
Before you dive into the glitter trend, though, you should first know how to remove it when it inevitably comes time to take your makeup off. If you were to cleanse your face like normal, StyleCaster said you're "just going to spread it around like a grease fire." Instead, the publication recommends using scotch tape ("like a lint-roller") to take off the majority of the glitter. Then, using a cotton pad dipped in either makeup remover or skin-safe oil, press down on the glittered areas. Once you've loosened the glitter sufficiently, you can wash your face with your preferred facial cleanser and washcloth.
One 2020 makeup trend is gloss... all of the gloss
Kenny Screven, makeup artist and beauty influencer, predicts that "glossy looks" will be en vogue in 2020. "You see celebrities like the Kardashians and Beyoncé rocking the gloss look all over," he continued when discussing the 2020 makeup trend. "Glossy lips, glossy eyelids, and dewy skin."
Thankfully, glossy doesn't necessarily have to mean sticky. A glossy lid look can be accomplished in just two steps, according to Byrdie. First, you'll want to apply a fine shimmer eyeshadow. Next, apply a light balm. Byrdie recommends Glossier's Balm Dotcom. Even though this gloss product is not very sticky, you'll still want to avoid putting it along the crease of your eyelids.
Face gloss, on the other hand, is great for an all-over application. But you'll still want to be mindful of the sticky factor. When wearing this look, it's best to keep your hair pulled back.
Colorless mascara will be everything as a makeup trend in 2020
While dark mascara will always have a place in our beauty routines (and hearts), you might want to consider a totally different kind in 2020. New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Chris Lanston told The List it's time to say hello to "brushed brows and [a] little clear mascara."
Although black and clear mascaras work in much the same way, the colorless variety is much more subtle. "Clear mascara helps your lashes hold a curl and gives them definition. It looks clean and fresh," celeb makeup artist Brittany Spyksma told Byrdie. Daniel Martin, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City, added, "I'll use clear mascara if I'm putting my client in a statement lip. Like a bright, bold matte red lipstick or even a deep oxblood. The clear mascara still gives definition to the lash without overwhelming depth because I want the lip to be the focus."
Even if you end up not being a fan of clear mascara as a 2020 makeup trend, it's worth keeping the tube on hand considering that it also works well as brow gel and mascara primer, according to the experts.
Contouring the '90s way will be a notable 2020 makeup trend
Although heavy contouring isn't expected to be popular in 2020, contouring as a whole isn't being done away with. "I believe the '90s trend of makeup is coming back," New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Chris Lanston explained to The List. "The Iconic Kevyn Aucoin looks: lined lips and contour." Think less Kim Kardashian and more supermodel from the 1990s Calvin Klein fragrance ads, Lanston added of the 2020 makeup trend.
As Byrdie highlighted, contouring in the '90s wasn't about overly-chiseled jaws and "harsh lines." The "super model sculpt" was instead "all about naturally defining the cheeks and lids." As this look comes back in style, you'll want to make sure to really blend in that contour powder. The publication also recommends "adding a nude gloss to finish the look."
Chic Studios School of Makeup echoes that sentiment and recommends "contour[ing] with caution" for a '90s style. When lining your lips, the school recommends using either a shade lighter or darker than your lipstick, which should be either "dark, neutral, or even flesh-toned."
Rosy cheeks will be a beloved makeup trend in 2020
If you're not used to wearing blush, 2020 is certainly going to be an adventure. Kenny Screven, makeup artist and beauty influencer, predicts this product will see a resurgence. "I've noticed that a lot of people skip the blush step in their makeup routine," he told The List, "but there's something about a pink rosy cheek that yells, 'I'm a porcelain doll that was hand-crafted by the best factory.'" Blush also has the ability to change your entire vibe. "Blush can help intensify or calm down makeup looks, which is why its going to be a HOT trend in 2020," Screven continued.
When picking out a blush for this makeup trend, you only have to consider two things: your skin tone and your skin type. "Blush is all about making the rest of the face brighter and fresher," celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno revealed to Byrdie. "The goal is to pick a shade that matches the color of your cheeks when you have a natural flush." If you have oily skin, powder is advised. On the other hand, a cream blush will work well with for "clear skin and darker complexions."