Beauty Trends 2022: These Are Going To Be The Biggest

While 2021 has been challenging in many ways, one thing that has been a constant source of joy has been the beauty trends that have emerged. We’ve had 90s nostalgia and Y2K hair, meta-skin and the Boy Band Bob, and not forgetting the endless weird and wonderful makeup hacks and viral skincare moments from TikTok.

Looking forward to 2022, it seems there are many more joyous beauty trends coming up. From next year’s must-have hues, to the return of big and bold perfumes, to the rise and rise of ‘nailspaces’ nail art and statement post-pandemic hair cuts, we take a deep dive into what’s coming…

PURPLE HAZE

If there’s one colour that will define next year, it is undoubtedly purple. Trend forecasters WGSN predicted “Digital Lavender” as their Colour Of The Year, and similarly, Pantone announced Very Peri as theirs – both being variations on a soft blue/purple shade with violet-red undertones and both encouraging a sense of tranquility, hope and expression of imagination. For some, the purple craze has already begun, according to retailer John Lewis, who have seen sales of purple blusher increase by 91%, lipstick by +101% and eyeshadow +60% year on year.

“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the truster and beloved blue colour family,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of The Pantone Colour Institute. “Very Peri displays a joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

FRAGRANCE COMEBACK

2020 prompted a perfume pause for many of us while we were navigating a new homebound existence, and then in 2021, we all found comfort and familiarity in our trusted signature scents. 2022, by contrast, will mark the return of bigger and bolder scents, with notes of 20s glamour and intense decadence.

John Lewis has seen sales of perfume rise by 24% compared to the previous year with triple-digit growth of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum, a heady floral woody scent with notes of jasmine, saffron and cedar. Other top sellers include Givenchy L’Interdit Rouge, Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia and Acqua Di Parma’s Oud & Spice, each as opulent and moreish as the other.

STICK-ON EVERYTHING

We’ve already seen the rise of face stickers as well as stick-on makeup (with eyeliner being the biggest group within the category), but 2022 will bring a whole new level to the stick-on trend. Searches for tooth gems are up by 85% on Pinterest, crystal eye makeup is up 110% and rhinestone pedicures are up by a whopping 150%. In part a continuation of the 90s throwback, the trend for stick-ons bridges the gap between makeup and costume jewellery for a blinging display of hedonistic fun and lavishness.

POST PANDEMIC CHOP

Whether you’re marking the end of a bad breakup or embracing a new job, it’s a very common reaction to acknowledge a new chapter in life with a dramatic haircut. Following the end of the Harry Potter films, Emma Watson promptly had her hair styled into a pixie cut, Rihanna used her hair as the focal point in a total image transformation to release her album Good Girl Gone Bad, and Selena Gomez revealed a shoulder length, choppy bob after her breakup with Justin Bieber. And in 2022, we’re all going to subconsciously yet ceremoniously break up with the pandemic by way of a statement chop.