As we move through 2024, makeup trends are evolving in exciting new directions. This year is all about balancing artistic expression with wearable looks, and our team of professional visagistes has been tracking the runway shows, red carpet events, and social media to bring you the most current trends. Here's what we're seeing dominate the beauty landscape this season.
1. Luminous Skin with Strategic Highlighting
The era of heavy, matte foundation is firmly behind us. In 2024, skin that looks like skin—but better—is the gold standard. We're seeing a focus on creating a luminous base with strategic highlighting that mimics how natural light hits the face.
How to achieve it: Start with a hydrating primer followed by a sheer to medium coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer. Apply cream highlighter to the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupid's bow) before setting with powder. This sequence locks in the glow while maintaining longevity.
Pro tip: Mix a drop of liquid illuminator into your foundation for an all-over radiance that looks lit from within.
2. Monochromatic Color Stories
Coordinating your eyeshadow, blush, and lip color in the same color family creates a sophisticated, cohesive look that's dominating both everyday and editorial makeup this year. The key 2024 palettes include:
- Spring: Soft corals and peaches
- Summer: Vibrant berry tones
- Fall: Warm terracottas and burnished golds
- Winter: Cool-toned mauves and plums
How to achieve it: Choose products that can multitask—cream blushes that work on eyes and lips simplify the process. Vary the intensity across features (perhaps stronger on the eyes, softer on the cheeks) to create dimension while maintaining harmony.
Monochromatic makeup using warm terracotta tones across eyes, cheeks, and lips
3. Bold, Graphic Liner
While classic winged liner never truly goes out of style, 2024 is taking eyeliner to new creative heights. Graphic liner shapes, double-winged looks, and unexpected pops of color are appearing everywhere from social media to high fashion editorials.
How to achieve it: For those new to graphic liner, start with a felt-tip liquid liner with a precise point. Practice your shape with a pencil first, then trace over with liquid. Don't be afraid to use scotch tape as a guide for crisp edges.
Pro tip: Keep the rest of your makeup minimal when experimenting with bold liner to let your eye statement shine.
4. "Transparent" Makeup
Building on the "clean girl" aesthetic that gained popularity in previous years, "transparent" makeup takes minimalism to a new level. This trend focuses on barely-there coverage that enhances rather than masks, paired with glossy textures and subtle definition.
How to achieve it: Focus on skincare first to create the best possible canvas. Use concealer only where needed rather than all-over foundation. Define brows with a clear gel. Add dimension with cream bronzer and translucent highlighter, finishing with a tinted lip oil or gloss.
5. Statement Lips Make a Comeback
After years of mask-wearing diminished the focus on lips, bold lip colors are staging a triumphant return in 2024. We're seeing a particular emphasis on:
- Rich, blue-based reds
- Deep, statement burgundies
- Vibrant fuchsias
- Unexpected colors like terracotta orange and plummy brown
How to achieve it: The key to a perfect statement lip is precision. Use a lip liner in a matching or slightly deeper shade to outline and fill in the lips before applying lipstick. Blot and reapply for longevity. For ultra-matte finishes that last, apply a thin layer of translucent powder between lipstick applications.
A perfect statement lip in vibrant fuchsia paired with minimal eye makeup
Adapting Trends to Your Personal Style
While trends provide inspiration, the most important aspect of makeup is wearing what makes you feel confident. Here are our tips for personalizing these trends:
- Consider your coloring: Adapt color trends to complement your skin tone, eye color, and hair color.
- Respect your features: Work with your natural facial structure rather than against it.
- Balance intensity: If you're trying a bold trend, pair it with more subtle elements elsewhere in your look.
- Start small: Introduce trends gradually—perhaps with a subtle colored liner or sheer wash of a trendy color.
At Amber Folio, our visagistes specialize in helping clients find the perfect balance between trend-forward makeup and personalized looks that enhance natural beauty. Whether you're looking to refresh your everyday makeup routine or prepare for a special event, we can help you incorporate these 2024 trends in a way that feels authentically you.
Interested in learning how to adapt these trends to your unique features? Contact us to book a personal makeup lesson with one of our expert visagistes.
