A look back, even to the early 2010s, shows that makeup and beauty trends have changed dramatically in a very short period of time. Many argue that the prevalence of social media – including the quick dissemination and sharing of new trends, products, and techniques, has accelerated an industry that previously might take decades to evolve. Now in 2024, a time when you can watch a number of TikTok makeup tutorials and beauty product hauls, then order those products for next-day delivery, it’s pretty clear to see why things are changing so quickly. Here’s a quick look at what’s trending right now…
If this is the first time you’re hearing about plant milking, don’t worry – you’re not alone! This game-changing technology is making waves in the beauty world. Essentially, it’s a way to extract powerful compounds from plants without causing any harm, which means we can harvest these benefits over and over while keeping the plants happy and healthy. Not only is this process a huge win for the environment, but it also boosts the effectiveness of beauty products, making it a dream come true for eco-conscious shoppers. As more people start to care about the impact of their choices, plant milking is set to become a major player in the beauty scene, offering sustainable, high-quality ingredients that we can all feel good (and look good!) using.
“There’s an app for that!” It’s a phrase we’re all familiar with in 2024, and it’s just as true in the beauty world. Technology is seriously shaking things up, and this year we’ve seen a surge of tech-driven innovations that make beauty routines more personalised than ever. From AI-powered skincare diagnostics to virtual try-on tools, tech is helping us customise our beauty routines to suit our individual needs perfectly. One of the arguably most useful advancements? AI in product recommendations. These smart algorithms analyse everything from your skin type to your specific concerns, offering up product suggestions that are practically made just for you. And those virtual try-on apps? They’re getting so advanced that you can experiment with endless makeup looks without stepping foot outside. As tech continues to blend seamlessly into our daily lives, the beauty industry is set to deliver even more personalised, effective, and accessible solutions.
Gone are the days when a single makeup trend dominated an entire season. In 2024, beauty is all about self-expression and celebrating individuality. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic sparkle of Y2K-inspired glitter or the soft glow of minimalist looks, there’s something out there just for you. This year’s runways and Instagram feeds are brimming with a mix of makeup styles—from bold and daring to soft and subtle. Cool-toned makeup, featuring shades like dove gray and lilac, is making a strong comeback, offering a fresh alternative to the warmer palettes we’ve seen for so long. And for those who want to make a statement, deep, vampy cranberry lipstick is the way to go. The best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to makeup in 2024. Everyone’s encouraged to experiment and discover what makes them feel fabulous. This freedom to explore and express individuality is what makes this year’s beauty trends so exciting – and social media, more often than not, can act as a powerful tool for self-esteem.
As we all become more skincare-savvy, ingredient transparency has moved to the top of the list of what we’re looking for in products. Now, we want to know exactly how and why these products work. This shift is driving the popularity of products that clearly lay out their benefits, like anti-aging serums with retinol or moisturisers packed with niacinamide. Across the industry, this ingredient-focused approach from growing numbers of people reflects a broader trend toward informed, mindful consumption. Now, we’re all more likely to choose products that combine clinical results with affordability, making sure we get both value and efficacy. As this focus on ingredients continues, it looks to be set to play a major role in how we choose our skincare, with people leaning into products that are both effective and trustworthy.
What’s coming in 2025? Find out our predictions for next year and beyond.
