By Haylee Thorson
With absolutely zero places to be due to 2020’s unfortunate turn of events, one might think that the need for makeup would have withered away along with people’s motivation to do pretty much anything. Well, it’s actually been quite the opposite. You see, the sheer amount of time on everyone’s hands has led to unprecedented amounts of boredom—and with boredom, comes creativity! Makeup lovers from around the nation have taken this time to develop new trends and perfect the old ones. Whether they’re loading up their face with rosy blush or fluffing up their brows with soap, beauty gurus have proven that trends will never cease to exist—even in the middle of a pandemic! No matter your preferences when it comes to makeup, here are eight trends that are bound to pique your interest during this crazy time.
1. Radiant Rhinestones
Even though the HBO series “Euphoria” popularized the chic rhinestone look back in 2019, the trend’s legacy continues to thrive in 2020. Whether shimmering jewels line the lids in a sharp cat eye formation or are spread sporadically below the brow bone, gemstones can help you achieve next-level glam. If you’re wanting to achieve a look that is reminiscent of “Euphoria’s” Maddy Perez, start by applying Stila’s Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow with an eyeliner brush to create a thin wing. Then, apply small silver rhinestones that mimic the wing’s shape using lash glue. Complete the look with a pair of falsies and a glossy lip and you’re good to go!
2. Novel Neon
An unexpected pop of color on the eyes can completely transform a whole look. Whether it’s a dash of electric blue on the inner corners or a swipe of hot pink on the lash line, neon eyeliner is the perfect mix of eccentric and cool. If you’re searching for an incredibly pigmented liner that won’t break the bank, check out NYX’s Pride Edition Vivid Bright Liner. It comes in vibrant shades of blue, purple, red and yellow and has a silky formula that makes it easy to draw designs. Not only that, but it is also water resistant and cruelty-free! So the next time you’re trying to elevate a simple look, remember to be bold and add a dash of neon.
3. Bangin’ Blush
You can thank the e-girls of TikTok for this next beauty trend. While blush was once the product most commonly neglected by makeup fanatics, it has now become an absolute staple in most beauty routines. Heavy blush across the cheeks and nose creates a sweet, sunkissed look and works well on just about everyone. Whether you prefer shades of bashful bubblegum or moody magenta, you’ll have no trouble finding a product you absolutely love. If you’re looking for a blush that is blendable with a dewy finish, try out Glossier’s Cloud Paint. Or if powder blush is more your style, check out Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blush. It’s available in 13 shades and lasts for up to 12 hours!
4. Plush Pastels
Nothing says summer like soft pastels. Lavender, mint, periwinkle, you name it—a swipe of pastel across the lids can do wonders for your look. Whether you choose to be daring and pack on the product or choose to be subtle and add on just a tad, there are hundreds of palettes out there that will exceed your expectations. If you go crazy for vibrant shades of blue, green and everything in between, you have to check out ColourPop’s Mint to Be shadow palette. If pinks and purples are more your vibe, then ColourPop’s Baby Got Peach or Lilac You A Lot are sure to tickle your fancy. Pro Tip: Pastel eyeshadow always looks killer alongside some bangin’ blush.
5. Bushy Brows
When it comes to brows, bigger is usually better. While not everyone is blessed in the eyebrow department (myself included), there are lots of ways to up your brow game without resorting to drastic measures. As fluffy brows take the beauty industry by storm, makeup lovers have found a way to perfect these natural-looking brows without breaking the bank. All you’re going to need is an eyebrow spoolie and unscented glycerin soap. To achieve these model-esque eyebrows, simply damp your spoolie, coat it in soap and brush your brows straight up. And just like that, your brows will look thicker than Brooke Shields’ in the ’80s!
6. Levitating Liner
Perhaps the funkiest trend on this entire list, floating eyeliner has completely transformed the makeup industry. With countless models and influencers rocking brightly colored graphic liners above their creases, this is one trend that is bound to stick around. Because this look is a bit bolder than your everyday mascara and gloss, work your way up by playing around with neutral tones like black, brown or white first. Then once you’ve built up your confidence a bit, try going for a glittery teal or a highlighter yellow! No matter what your style preference is, this makeup look is a fun one that you absolutely need to try.
7. Whimsical Watercolor
Similar to the pastel trend, watercolor eye makeup is soft, subdued and downright stunning. Whether you’re combining multiple colors or just sticking to one, this look strives to make the eyes look like ethereal watercolor on a canvas. This look is actually quite simple to achieve because it only requires a bit of water and the shadows of your choosing. If you really want your eyelids to look like a work of art, try using the Zulu Eyeshadow Palette by Juvia’s Place. Then, dip your brush in some water and get to work. The water will help create the perfect balance of vibrancy and softness, as well as blend all of the shadows together.
8. Playful Prints
This final beauty trend is one unlike any other. As of lately, more and more animal-inspired makeup looks have been appearing on social media, as well as in and around the beauty industry. More specifically, cheetah print lids have generated quite the buzz. The cool thing about this trend is that it’s pretty customizable. You can use a gold/bronze palette like the Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow by Marc Jacobs and a bit of liquid liner to create a look that stays true to the colors of an authentic cheetah print. Or, you can get a little crazy with it and try using unique colors that will bring an entirely new meaning to the pattern.
Haylee Thorson is an editorial writer who specializes in beauty, culture, and travel. Follow her on Instagram.