Pearl skin to Blue beauty: Top 10 beauty trends for 2024, revealed by makeup gurus

Thanks to social media, the trends in the realm of makeup and beauty are evolving rapidly. As the calendar flips to a new chapter, the world of beauty is gearing up for a wide array of trends. From intricately crafted contours to the enduring appeal of flawless red lips, the beauty landscape in 2024 resembles a captivating fusion of modern techniques and classic styles.

This year, experts are predicting the marriage of ageless aesthetics with cutting-edge methodologies and revolutionary beauty tools. For those eager to stay ahead of the curve in the world of makeup, you have arrived at the right spot. We dialed up some of the industry's most revered makeup and beauty experts to unveil the looks, techniques and nuances poised to captivate the beauty segment in 2024.

Read on to discover the secrets they're excited to share and the transformative beauty experiences that lie ahead.

Pearl Skin

At MAC, National Artist - Leiya Phinao Ningshen, sheds light on the prevailing dominance of skin-focused trends in 2024. According to her insights, the emphasis will lean towards a minimalist approach to foundation, with a notable shift towards serum-based formulations.

This departure from heavy coverage signals a commitment to a more natural and radiant complexion. Additionally, the beauty industry is set to witness a resurgence in skincare-centric makeup, with a particular emphasis on achieving a luminous "Pearl skin" effect.

Ningshen's forecast underscores a significant move towards prioritising skin health, encouraging makeup enthusiasts to embrace a more holistic and nourishing approach to their beauty routines in the upcoming year.

Attesting to this forecast is global beauty creator, Malvika Sitlani, who remarks, "I think looks that truly show and highlight skin are set to dominate 2024. Additionally, Keeping and highlighting things naturally with glowy and gloss-like finishes, that truly showcase one's complexion will make appearances."

Blue beauty

The Blue Beauty makeup trend for 2024 is set to make a striking statement with its Galactic Cobalt tones, remarks Ningshen. Drawing inspiration from elemental blue hues showcased in significant fashion events like Givenchy, The Row, Balenciaga and Isabel Marant during SS24, the trend encapsulates a fusion of extended realities and cinematic influences.

Films such as Buffalo 66, The Love Witch, Daisy Jones and The Six and even the iconic Barbie serve as muses for this captivating trend. Get ready to embrace the mesmerising appeal of Galactic Cobalt, as this trend takes center stage, marrying futuristic elements with nostalgic cinematic references for a truly captivating makeup experience.

Clean beauty

Step into a new era of beauty as the eco-conscious and clean beauty trend takes center stage in the ever-evolving beauty landscape. This season marks a significant shift in consumer preferences, with individuals increasingly prioritising beauty products that go beyond skin-deep care, aligning with eco-friendly values, shares Dr Chytra Anand, dermatologist and founder, SkinQ & Kosmoderma Clinics

Departing from traditional beauty norms, this trend embraces the use of organic, non-toxic ingredients, fostering skin health while championing environmental sustainability. The emphasis extends to sustainable packaging and a steadfast commitment to cruelty-free practices, shaping a beauty movement that embodies conscientiousness, ethics and a harmonious integration with the principles of environmental responsibility.

The demand for clean, ethically sourced and sustainable beauty products will continue to bloom. Dr Dinyar Workingboxwalla, Skin Guru and Co founder, Beauty by BiE suggests brands like BiE that prioritise healthy ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing practices.

Multipurpose sticks and Peach Fuzz

Ranadeep Sinha from Clinique shares, "Perhaps the biggest industry trend which will dominate in 2024 is using a product at multiple locations on the face - on cheeks, on lips and on the eyelid to create monochromatic looks. Bold, red lips are not fading away from the 2024 calendar it will be one of the most staple makeup looks we will see this year. Moreover, the Pantone color of the Year - Peach Fuzz will be seen sported by teenagers to adults, but with customisation - everyone has a perfect peach suited to their skin tone and we will see individuality through this color."

Sustainability and convenience will be key. Look for multi-use products that can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks, reducing clutter. "Tinted balms, cream shadows and liquid lipsticks with a hint of blush will be your best buddies," remarks Workingboxwalla.

Classic Red

The timeless charm of red lips remains a classic, capturing attention as celebrities, models and influencers appear adorned with this iconic look. Whether complemented by minimalist eye makeup or paired with a daring, smokey eye, the versatility of red lips is a testament to its enduring appeal. It effortlessly straddles the line between understated elegance and bold glamour, solidifying its status as a perennial classic in the realm of makeup.

According to Sitlani, if 2023 was characterised by the prominence of the colour pink in beauty trends, she anticipates a notable resurgence of red in the coming year. Drawing from her experience in curating holiday red lips content for her audience, Sitlani suggests that red lips are not just a passing trend but are poised to make a lasting comeback.

She envisions a beauty landscape where a luscious red lip, paired with a light and dewy base makeup, will be the epitome of chic and fashionable.

Retro comeback

Retro makeup is set to steal the spotlight in 2024. According to expert insights by Ningshen, the looks from the 90s and 2000s makeup trends is poised for a major comeback, creating headlines and turning heads. The upcoming year will witness a revival of iconic beauty looks from these two influential decades, offering a fusion of bold colours, graphic liners and distinctive styles that defined the era.

Ningshen's observations indicate a collective embrace of the past, as makeup enthusiasts seek to recreate the timeless glamour and edginess that characterised the 90s and 2000s. From grunge-inspired eye looks to Y2K lip trends, retro makeup is set to make a powerful statement, ushering in a wave of excitement and celebration of beauty trends that stood the test of time.

Glitter is back

Prepare to dazzle as glitter makes a triumphant return to the forefront of makeup trends. The upcoming year is set to witness a resurgence of shimmer and shine, with a particular emphasis on embracing a mermaid-inspired aesthetic, opines Sitlani. Glitter will take center stage, adorning eyes in captivating blues, purples and greens, creating a mesmerising and ethereal effect reminiscent of enchanting underwater hues.

The trend extends beyond just eye makeup, as glitter is set to enhance the overall look, especially when paired with a dewy skin finish. Anticipate a wave of sparkling creativity sweeping through the beauty community, as makeup enthusiasts embrace the magic of glitter to elevate their looks to new, dazzling heights.

Inclusive beauty

he beauty industry is poised for a transformative shift towards inclusivity, spearheaded by a commitment to diversity and representation. According to insights provided by Anand, the emphasis on inclusive beauty is set to become a major focal point. This encompasses a broader range of shades meticulously curated to suit all skin tones, an expanded array of products catering to diverse beauty needs and a push for more inclusive representation in advertising.

The trend signifies a profound acknowledgment of the varied and unique characteristics of the consumer base within the beauty market. More than just a trend, inclusive beauty in 2024 signifies a paradigm shift towards personalised products that go beyond the conventional 'one size fits all' approach.

Dewy skin

Sitlani forecasts that a radiant skin revolution is set to take center stage in 2024. Embracing an era of effortless and easy beauty, the trend shifts away from the elaborate techniques of baking and over-contouring, placing a premium on the natural beauty of healthy and dewy skin.

She envisions a transformative approach where minimal makeup becomes the key, strategically highlighting the inherent beauty of one's skin. The emphasis is on achieving a luminous complexion that exudes health and vitality, signaling a departure from heavy makeup routines. The coming year promises a renewed focus on celebrating one's real skin, reflecting a shift towards a more authentic beauty aesthetic that effortlessly captivates the onlooker.

Soft groomed brows

In 2024, soft-groomed brows are poised to dominate the beauty scene, marking a departure from the bold and defined arches of previous years, remarks Ningshen. This emerging trend, characterised by a more understated and natural approach to brow grooming, signals a shift towards softer lines and a feathered aesthetic.

Expert forecasts anticipate a move away from overly sculpted brows, as beauty enthusiasts embrace a more relaxed and effortlessly chic look. This trend emphasises the importance of a soft and groomed appearance, striking a balance between a polished finish and a more organic, less structured feel.

Balletcore fairy makeup

The balletcore fairy makeup is set to prevail in the beauty scene in 2024, inspired and popularised by celebrities like Hailey Bieber. This ethereal trend draws from the delicate and graceful world of ballet, infusing it with a fairy-like whimsy. Anticipate a palette dominated by soft pastels, iridescent shimmer, and a touch of fantasy.

Balletcore fairy makeup embraces a dreamy aesthetic, incorporating elements like dewy skin, fluttery lashes and subtle yet luminescent highlights.