Seasonal Makeup Trends for 2024

As we move through 2024, the makeup world continues to evolve with exciting new trends that celebrate individuality, creativity, and self-expression. As professional visagistes, we're constantly monitoring these shifts to bring you the most current and wearable techniques. Let's explore the top makeup trends of this season and how you can incorporate them into your routine.

1. Glazed Skin: The New Glow

The era of heavy matte foundation is officially behind us. This year, it's all about "glazed skin" – a luminous, hydrated complexion that looks naturally radiant rather than artificially highlighted.

How to achieve it: Start with thorough skincare. Use hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid and follow with a facial oil pressed into the skin. Choose lightweight, sheer-to-medium coverage foundations or tinted moisturizers with a dewy finish. Apply with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural effect. Finally, use cream or liquid highlighters rather than powders, focusing on the high points of the face.

Pro tip: For longevity without losing the glow, selectively powder only the areas that tend to get excessively oily (typically the T-zone), leaving the high points of the cheeks and temples dewy.

2. Graphic Liner: Artistic Expression

Eyeliner has evolved from a simple defining tool to a medium for artistic expression. Graphic liner – characterized by bold shapes, unexpected placement, and creative colors – continues to dominate in 2024.

How to achieve it: For beginners, start with a basic cat-eye and then add a small geometric detail, like a disconnected line above the crease or a small accent at the inner corner. Use a fine-tipped liquid liner pen for precision. If you're feeling more adventurous, try colored liners in complementary or contrasting shades to your eye color.

Pro tip: Map out your graphic liner design with a light pencil first, then trace over it with liquid or gel liner. Keep cotton swabs and micellar water handy for clean-up and precision.

3. Blush Draping: Sculpting with Color

Blush has moved beyond the apples of the cheeks. "Blush draping" – a technique where blush is used to sculpt and lift the face – has replaced harsh contouring as the preferred method of face sculpting.

How to achieve it: Apply blush higher on the cheekbones, extending it up toward the temples in a lifting motion. You can also bring it lightly across the bridge of the nose for a sun-flushed effect. Cream or liquid blushes work best for this technique as they blend seamlessly into the skin.

Pro tip: Layer different blush tones for dimension. Start with a deeper shade in the hollows of the cheeks and a brighter shade on the high points, blending where they meet for a gradient effect.

4. Laminated Brows: Controlled Fullness

The bushy, brushed-up brow trend continues to evolve. This year, we're seeing a more refined version – "laminated brows" that have a sleek, controlled fullness rather than a wild, untamed look.

How to achieve it: Use a clear brow soap or a strong-hold brow gel to brush brows upward and slightly outward. Fill in any sparse areas with fine, hair-like strokes using a precision brow pencil. The key is maintaining a natural look while adding definition and shape.

Pro tip: For special occasions, try a professional brow lamination treatment for a semi-permanent brushed-up effect that lasts several weeks.

5. Lip Oils and Stains: Effortless Color

Heavy liquid lipsticks have given way to more comfortable, hydrating options. Lip oils and stains that provide a wash of color while nourishing the lips are the preferred choice for 2024.

How to achieve it: Apply a lip stain as a base layer for longevity, then top with a tinted lip oil for shine and hydration. Focus the color on the center of the lips and blend outward for a soft, diffused effect.

Pro tip: Prep lips with a gentle scrub and hydrating balm before applying any color. This ensures smooth application and prevents the stain from clinging to dry patches.

Final Thoughts

What makes the 2024 trends particularly exciting is their adaptability. These techniques can be dialed up for bold, editorial looks or subtly incorporated into everyday makeup. The focus is on enhancing your natural features rather than masking them, celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a single standard of beauty.

Remember, trends are meant to inspire, not dictate. Take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't. The most important trend of all is wearing your makeup with confidence and making it your own.

Need help perfecting these techniques? Consider booking a personal makeup consultation with one of our professional visagistes who can tailor these trends specifically to your features and style.