17 Beauty Trends Set to Be Big in 2022

As we continued to grapple with the realities of the current climate, 2021 saw the rise of a plethora of makeup trends. There was an explosion of Y2K nostalgia, as makeup artists embraced frosted eyeshadow and high-shine lips. There was an emphasis on bold, geometric eyes, as individuals sought to draw attention to the only area visible above their masks. And there was a movement towards healthy, glowing skin, as wellness became the new luxury in our pandemic world. But what will beauty look like in 2022? We asked the experts for their trend predictions.

Meta-realness skin

“Gorgeous meta-realness skin, blush draped contours, and vinyl lips.”

Bleached brows

“I reckon we will see bright colors again, and also more people will start experimenting with brows! I am sure that in 2022, people will be ready to bleach their brows because there is nothing to lose at this point with COVID, and people want to break free! Rebel.”

Easy beauty

“I personally care less about makeup trends, and more about when you look in the mirror two minutes before you go out—and what you can do in those two minutes with a couple of products to make yourself look a bit less shit. That is basically the unofficial tagline of [my brand] Jones Road.” 

Lipgloss

“2021 was all about bulletproof matte lipsticks, so I predict a lipgloss resurgence. My universal go-to is Mac Lipglass in Clear for the ultimate mirror-like shine that layers over everything.”

Colored eyeliner

“Colored eyeliner. We’ve seen how most colored liners, especially brightly colored ones, can really accentuate the eye. This trend will definitely carry on into the new year!”

Stickers and tattoo transfers

“I think 2022 is going to be all about the notion of play, and using non-conventional decorative pieces of art like stickers, tattoo transfers, and face gems for unique forms of self-expression.”

Optimistic beauty

“I don’t follow trends per se, I think you make your own trends and come up with your own ideas, but I definitely think that we are heading into a really exciting and interesting phase in beauty. Although we’re not completely out of the darkness yet, there will continue to be a celebratory feel to make-up—lots of shine, color and embellishment. I’m excited to see how people embrace their beauty looks, and to see the creativity that comes out.”

Sustainability 

“Innovation in packaging, underpinned by sustainability, is also something that I’m excited to see more of. From refillable lipsticks to reusable eye masks, true luxury will ultimately and importantly be about 100 percent sustainability. There’s a great deal of work to do, but I’m seeing some incredible innovations, which is extremely exciting.”

Clean beauty 

“I hope there will be a wider movement towards clean beauty, with ethically made products and sustainable packaging. Charlotte Tilbury is already doing refillable lipsticks, and Byredo is doing refillable brow products.”

Bold, bright and graphic 

“I also think there is truth in what has been said about this COVID period: I think people have been expressing themselves in bolder, brighter, and more graphic ways. I think this will only continue. People will express themselves more vividly and loudly with makeup—mixing colors, textures and shapes. Beauty will be about fun and expression without boundaries.”

Effortless cool

“Quality over quantity pretty much sums up my prediction for makeup trends in 2022. It’s going to be more about attitude than the generic ‘full beat’ that dominated the last decade. Whether it’s a ’90s stripped back grunginess or a luxurious glam, what I think will prevail is the idea of a certain nonchalance and effortlessness. 2022 will see the return of cool.”

Loud colors

“My makeup trend predictions for next year are definitely bold and colorful. Having spent so much time at home because of the pandemic, I feel people will want to go very loud on their makeup.”

The natural look

“Recently my clients are asking for a more natural look, embracing their unique faces and stepping away from the homogenous “Instagram” makeup trend, which I am thrilled with. Look after your skin, showcase your healthy complexion and then play with makeup, as there are so many fun and brilliant products out there. Don’t be shy!”

Silky skin

“My makeup trend predictions for 2022 are around color and formulas. I believe everyone will be pushing the formulas and packaging to be more conscious of the planet, limiting excessive packaging and pushing the boundaries of what we expect from textures. I think silky skin will be very much in—a hybrid between dewy and fresh. People are leaning towards better skincare routines, and access to more actives than ever before.” 

Unexpected colors

“I believe colorful eyes will be making a strong comeback, in a more unusual color palette (terracottas, khaki mixed with royal blues). I think there will be a real elevated playfulness, chic but with a hint of color.”

Neon brights

“I think for 2022 we are going to see a lot of beauty trends we saw on the runway this year: lots of neon and pastel-colored eyeshadows, bold statement eyeliners and pouty high gloss lips.”

Bridal beauty

“‘Health signalling’ has leapfrogged from being an Instagram status symbol to a social necessity. The new beauty currency is going to be about exuding health and optimism from every pore. To that end, I see the wholesale annexation of bridal beauty into our everyday looks for at least the first half of the year. That is, before its saccharine sweetness drives consumers to subvert and divert their creativity with a more fanciful escapist feel, with more color play for summer.”

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