We're already nearly a whole half of the way into 2024, and I'm already noticing what the next 6 months will have in store in terms of trends. As a beauty editor, I've been reflecting on the skin, hair, makeup and nails trends that we saw last year, and wondering what will come next. The past 12 months have seen several trends come and go, all thanks to the power of TikTok and Gen Z's influence. Take summer's "strawberry girl" makeup, which saw dewy, light berry tones on lips and cheeks. Or underpainting—the technique of applying your concealer and contour first and your foundation on top for a seamless result. And then there were the several beauty aesthetics and makeup microtrends like latte makeup and cherry cola lips that seemed to crop up almost weekly. If there's one thing for certain, makeup trends are popping up faster than ever before, with no sign of stopping as we head into 2024.
Curious to know what makeup trends will shape 2024, I asked expert makeup artists to share the looks and innovations that they believe will set the agenda—and no doubt TikTok—on fire this year.
Makeup Trends 2024
1. Makeup-Matching AI
As artificial intelligence gains momentum, we're seeing benefits in technology when it comes to makeup personalisation. From precisely matching foundation shades to trying on makeup virtually, in 2024 we can expect AI to pioneer the way we buy makeup. "AI-driven, personalised makeup is a trend I can definitely see being impactful in 2024," says Aarti Pal, makeup artist and DEI committee member of the British Beauty Council. "AI is changing the game, with brands like Dcypher who are at the forefront, helping consumers find their perfect shade effortlessly, saving them money and avoiding colour-matching mistakes. This will be particularly excellent for skin tones that are under-represented," she says.
Shop AI Beauty:
Dcypher's personalised foundations are matched exactly to your skin tone and allow you to customise the coverage and finish.
Il Makiage's extensive matching process means you'll get a shade that perfectly matches your skin—no in-store visit required.
YSL Beauty allows you to try on its makeup online, whether it be foundation, lipstick or eye shadow.
2. Hybrid Concealer
As the demand for pared-back foundations and skin tints increases, we can expect to see more skincare-makeup hybrids that conceal and treat the skin simultaneously. "The emergence of a 2-in-1 concealer, offering full coverage precisely where needed, stands out as a transformative trend," says Pal. "This technique not only effectively conceals blemishes, dark circles and uneven skin tone, but also achieves a second-skin effect with makeup that is virtually undetectable."
Shop Skincare-Infused Concealers:
Haus Labs' concealer contains arnica, which helps to heal the skin as you wear it.
This lightweight, tinted under-eye serum can be mixed with concealer or worn alone for a radiant finish that plumps the skin around the eyes.
Working as both a concealer and eye cream, this ultra-hydrating and radiant formula helps to hydrate and brighten dark circles whilst concealing.
3. Blurred Lips
Blurry lips are set to have a moment in 2024, says Chanel makeup artist and Hunger fashion and beauty director Marco Antonio. "When thinking about blurred lips, almost think of a soft-focus picture," he says. "This makeup technique creates a gradient effect on the lips, with colour fading from a darker shade in the centre to softer and more diffused edges." The best way to achieve the look? "Apply the lipstick to the centre of the lips, avoiding the outer edges. You can use a soft brush but I prefer to diffuse it with my fingers," says Antonio. "Then, soften the edges with a cotton bud or a clean brush, making the transition from the lipstick to your skin seamless."
Shop Soft-Focus Lipsticks:
This matte lip tint-lipstick hybrid is perfect for patting onto lips for a soft flush of colour.
Matte lipsticks work brilliantly for this trend, and Chanel's Rouge Allure formula has many chic shades to choose from.
Yolaine's kit comes with a lip mousse and brush to help create a soft, blurred lip look.
4. C-Sculpt Blush
You've no doubt seen blusher placement rising from the cheeks to the cheekbones all over your TikTok FYP, and the technique isn't going anywhere in 2024. "High blush is essentially contouring with blush versus bronzer; the pigment lifts the face, giving the look of high cheekbones," says Antonio. "To achieve the look, you apply blush in a 'C' shape, starting from the temple area and down towards the cheekbones, then up and slightly over the outer edges of your brows to create this dramatic look. I normally create this look with one of my favourite Chanel palettes: Le 4 Rouges Yeux Et Jones Exclusive Creation in 957 Tendressse" (£70).
Shop Blushers:
For a sheer veil of colour, this cream blush delivers a subtle result.
This is so pigmented and creamy and comes in lots of chic shades.
The creamiest, most luxurious blusher you'll ever meet.
5. Glossy Lips
Lip gloss is back in a big way. From tinted glosses that nurture lips to multi-dimensional finishes, glossy lips will be a big makeup trend in 2024. "Lips will take centre stage, with light-reflecting colours as demonstrated by products such as Pat McGrath's LiquiLUST and Laura Mercier's High Vibe Lip Colour, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your makeup look," says Pal.
Shop Lip Glosses:
Rhode's tinted Peptide Lip Treatment imparts a glossy sheen and a hint of colour.
Refy's cult lip gloss is so chic in the red shade.
Pat McGrath's lipsticks are second to none.
6. Statement Colour
"As we could see during S/S 24 fashion week, both eyes and lips were painted in bold colours," says Chanel makeup artist Ninni Nummela. "Solid, block eyeliners in red, indigo blue and emerald green are super complementary and add intensity," she says. "This is more of a one-element look, so choose to enhance your eyes or lips and leave the rest of the look fresh-faced with a soft sweep of blush. If you choose to go for a lip, go bold with perfected vinyl lips in bright red or dark wine colours."
Shop Colourful Makeup:
The prettiest olive green eyeliner.
Violette_Fr's statement liquid lipsticks give a matte finish that looks amazing with pared-back skin.
Adds a chic, glossy sheen to lips and comes in so many wearable colours.
7. Eye Shadow Revival
"I can see the evolution of bold eye makeup for 2024," predicts Pal. "From daring graphics to vibrant liners and even rhinestones for special occasions, eyes may become the most versatile, standout accessory, allowing an exciting expression of individuality," she says.
Shop Eye Makeup:
Merit has fast become a beauty-editor favourite, and its matte cream shadows are foolproof for patting onto the eyes for an easy, effortless look.
Winged eyeliner can be used to define the lash line, or winged out for a dramatic effect.
Byredo's curated eyeshadow palettes have a mixture of wearable colours and statement hues.
8. Balletcore Makeup
The older, chicer sister to the "clean girl" of the early 2020s, balletcore makeup is minimal and subtle, with satin-finish skin that glows like a ballet slipper. "I interpret it as a highly polished, ultra-chic yet extremely natural look," says Chanel makeup artist Kay Montano. "It’s more about hair being pulled back and very tidy and a fresh face where makeup is minimal and very singular. Skincare-meets-cosmetic products work well here—think sheer, polished skin, using products with subtle luminosity, then all you need is mascara on your top lashes and lots of brow gel to sweep eyebrows up. Finish the look with N°1 De Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm in Lively Rosewood (£38), with perhaps gloss on the mouth, finished off with a powdered T-zone."
Shop Balletcore Makeup:
Adds the perfect flush of colour to cheeks.
Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter lends skin an ethereal glow.
A slick of mascara is all you need to complete the look.
9. Gen Z Post-Perfectionism
With Gen Z's collective spending power predicted to be in the trillions, Montano predicts we'll see even more influence in the makeup space. "There’s a 'post-perfection' movement with Gen Z and a coolness attached to the idea of frugality. The avatar-assisted shopping that’s revolutionising beauty retail and marketing is also bound to influence beauty and makeup trends," she says. "Like millennials, they will continue to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and are embracing a raunchier, sex-positive outlook, with more hedonistic, gritty aesthetics," she adds, noting hashtags such as #NightLuxe, which showcases late-night party makeup looks. "It's a freer, more expressive attitude towards makeup; messier and more imperfect. [It's about] using makeup more emotionally, choosing self-expression over prescriptive ideals, so looks [will follow these] trends," says Montano.
Shop Gen Z-Inspired Makeup:
A lightweight base like Ilia's lets your natural skin shine through.
TikTok's favourite blush comes in so many flattering shades, and the formula is second to none.
E.l.f's affordable formulas are game-changing, and this primer grips on to makeup like no other.
10. Pared-Back Skin
"Skin will be a huge focus for 2024, especially healthy-looking skin," says Nummela. "This trend is moving away from heavy cover-up and instead focuses on making skin look as radiant and perfect as possible using minimal makeup. A consistent skincare routine is key, paired with a luminous foundation and a creamy, light-catching highlighter."
Shop Radiant Makeup:
Whether worn alone or mixed with base makeup, this lends skin a beautiful glow.
If you want an SPF that delivers a glowing tint to the skin, you have to try Supergoop!'s Glowscreen—the entire Who What Wear UK team are sold.
Chanel's coveted highlighters give skin a glossy, dewy finish.
11. Ombré Lips
"'90s ombré lips have been around for quite some time and are here to stay," says Antonio. "With the help of lip pencils, this look can help define and emphasise the natural shape of the lips, making them appear fuller and well-defined as well as giving longevity and versatility if you're adding lipstick," he says. Antonio has some key steps to ensure this look is flawless. "Start by preparing and moisturising your lips, make sure the lip pencil is freshly sharpened and begin carefully outlining along the natural lip line," he says. "I normally start at the cupid’s bow and work my way to the corners of the mouth using short and precise strokes for a clean line. And if you frequently change your lipstick shades, opt for a clear or neutral lip liner."
Shop Lip Liners:
This clever product combines a coloured liner and clear sealant-gloss hybrid in one tube.
Hailey Bieber swears by Makeup Forever's lip liners.
Pull the look together with a slick of tinted lip oil.
12. '90s Monochrome
Our infatuation with '90s minimalism is continuing to extend to our makeup bags, and like the latte makeup trend, we can expect to see more neutral tones appearing in makeup. "The '90s monochromatic colour palette of neutral, latte shades are here to stay," says Nummela. "Think eyes enhanced in matte taupe and earthy hues paired with creamy brown and reddish-ochre lips," she says. "This look is perfect for every day and can be easily elevated with deeper, darker tones of Bordeaux for the evening. The new lipstick by Chanel—31 Le Rouge (£140)—is the ultimate texture and comes in a beautiful range of colours perfect for this trend."
Shop '90s-Inspired Makeup:
Chanel's latest formula in the shade Rouge Coromandel is the perfect '90s brown-red.
The only eyeshadow palette you will ever need.
This sheer balm bronzer ties together the tonal look whilst adding a hint of warmth to the cheeks.
Next Up: I Asked the Experts—These 7 Hair Trends Will Dominate in 2024
