With a new year comes a fresh set of anticipated makeup trends to look forward to. Of course, beauty has been in a weird place in these many past months but the silver lining in this cloud was all the time it gave us at home to experiment with. While we’re super excited for what the year brings we’re also anticipating plenty of curveballs. After a year of erratic trends, predicting which trends will take centre stage in 2012 is no easy task. The past year saw many either stick to minimalism and skincare or dive headfirst into more statement-making trends to break the monotony.

Playing around with makeup can be a cathartic and fun activity for many. Plus its transformative abilities allows so much freedom artistically and gets those creative juices churning. For now, as constant mask-wearing is still a part of our reality these conflicting viewpoints will continue to drive and influence the beauty world. While it can go either way we’ve listed out a few key trends we feel will make their mark this year. So if you’ve been looking for something new to dive in to, have your brushes at the ready and keep scrolling:

1. Nostalgic Makeup

Retro fashion and beauty trends have been a thing for a few years now with a huge emphasis on the ‘90s. This will continue into the year but we already see a shift to the ‘60s being a major trend. Take Ariana Grande’s recent ‘60s inspired look in her Positions music video. Not to mention the Twiggy inspired looks we’ve been seeing on the ‘gram lately. But don’t count out influences from other throwback decades either.

2. ‘80s Hues

Speaking of throwback decades there’s also going to be a big resurgence of ‘80s inspired looks making a comeback. Think bright hues and playing with a texture like metallic and wet lids. With rocker vibes and bold lips coming back in a big way. Even though nude lips continue to be a big trend, the push for these bright hues and vibes can be credited to celebs like Miley Cyrus’s recent glam rock transformation.

3. Less Is More

Skincare was a huge priority last year. And in terms of makeup trends we more people either going barefaced or opting for minimal makeup looks. Basically, many are embracing their natural skin and avoiding heavy makeup techniques like baking and harsh contouring. Fresh clean glowing skin is in. Expect to see real, unfiltered skin everywhere.

4. Fun Eyeliner

With masks continuing to cover our faces this is one trend that’s brought over from the last year. From floating liner, neon hues, and graphic shapes, don’t be afraid to experiment. In fact, the fiercer the look, the better. Don’t be afraid to play with glitter or mismatched colours either, even moving things to the lower lash line is fun. Just remember to opt for a budge-proof formula for your bold looks. Smudging is not an option.

5. Bold & Bright Eyeshadow

While we mentioned more minimal makeup looks trending, on the other end of the spectrum technicolour lids will also be on the rise. Creative eyeshadow looks from all the colours of the rainbow with unique designs and styles. The sky is the limit, be as expressive as you want to be. In fact, we highly encourage it!

6. Sky-High Eyelashes

Undoubtedly by now, you can tell its all about the eyes! The eyes are the windows to the soul of course. Especially if that’s all you can see. In this particular case, the longer and more lifted the lashes, the better. This may see the rise in popularity of lash extensions, bold false lashes and releases of new mascara formulas by major beauty brands.

7. Stained Lips

There definitely has been a shift of focus from our lips but that does not mean there might not be a major lip movement in 2021. There are still plenty of virtual calls, meetings, dates to do and Instagram pics to take. Here, long-wearing lip stains and tints will reign supreme. They allow you to wear bold colours without smearing it all over your face when you inevitably end up putting a mask. The goal is here would be to find a formula that works for you personally and sticks around without drying your lips out.

8. Monochrome Moment

Simple and versatile, monochromatic makeup is not going anywhere. It’s a great way to elevate no-makeup makeup or minimal makeup looks while keeping them subtle. Just grab yourself a multi-use stick and have fun. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with boring colours either. For the more bold, brush electric pink neon hues on the eyes and lips for the spring/summer and intense burgundy or pumpkin orange shades for the fall season.

9. Fluffy Brows

Gone are the heavy overly structured brows. This year the full but naturally fluffy brows shift more into focus. One only needs to think of the brushup soap brows effect. If you already have thick bushy brows this technique will keep them and place. Those of you with finer brows aren’t to be left behind either. Create the illusion of thicker strands by going in with hair-like strokes with an eyebrow pencil and clear brow gel.

Which of these makeup trends are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!

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