5 Major Beauty Trends to Expect in 2021
After a year like 2020, much of which was spent (by most of us) with unwashed hair and minimal makeup, who isn't looking forward to a 2021 beauty renaissance? As we emerge from our quarantine cocoons, we shall be butterflies. Here, the makeup, procedures, and beauty trends experts predict that we will be embracing as the new year unfolds.
Bold Eye Makeup
In a typical year, we would have Fashion Week and celebrity makeup trends to guide us. Not so much in 2021. This year will be all about using what we learned while we retreated from socializing—ie, the natural makeup look we perfected for Zoom calls—celebrating diversity, and exploring new frontiers. In fact, many experts predict two very different paths: We could either skew minimalist, having discovered that a pared-down aesthetic suits us, or we might go bold and over-the-top. Maybelline Global Makeup Artist Erin Parsons is betting on the latter: "For me, beauty trends in 2021 will be embracing uniqueness, originality and art,” she says. “After a heavy year, we're looking for visual stimulation and inspiration. Because people are wearing masks, the only way to stand out is by over-expressing unique style." It’s time to have fun with makeup again: Think colored mascara, ultra-emphasized lashes (maybe even trying some falsies from Jenna Lyons’ new Loveseen collection), kaleidoscopic eyeshadow, and graphic eyeliner.
Transfer-Proof Lipstick
No, the masks aren’t going away any time soon. But neither is our love of lipstick. The savvy among us will have already a few work-arounds (go for a stain instead of a gloss, pat down color with a tissue pre-mask, etc), but 2021 will bring enough new stay-in-place lip shades for all of us to find our comfort zone.
Clean Skincare
The new sweet spot in skincare is “cleanical”—that is, products that deliver clinically proven benefits without any potentially harmful ingredients. At the forefront of this movement, expect to see a lot more plant-based skincare, with sophisticated formulas that harness the innate power of botanicals and deliver it in unique and powerful new ways. There will also be a continued emphasis on protecting the microbiome, especially as constant mask-wearing can disrupt the optimal microbial balance on facial skin, causing the dreaded “maskne.” Look for products calibrated to protect and fortify the delicate skin barrier, while also feeling lightweight and breathable.
Gadgets
2020 was surely the year that the at-home gadget came into its own, as face rollers provided instant stress release—and a quick jaw-unclenching assist—just as often as they de-puffed eyes before video calls. Now that we’re all accustomed to being our own facialists, dermatologists, hair stylists, and nail techs, even more hi-tech DIY gizmos will become part of our regimen, with options that do everything from delivering collagen-boosting red light and circulation-revving microcurrent to evening our complexions with invisible foundation, like the new Opte Precision System.
Bounce-Back In-Office Treatments
The pandemic saw a surge in cosmetic tweaks, largely driven by Zoom and our collective desire to rid ourselves of perceived double-chins and eyebrow furrows. Experts predict that this trend will continue, but even more body work will enter the game, as we seek to shed any unwanted bulges that may developed as a (worth it) side effect of Bridgerton binges and Quarantinis. “2021 will be a year of welcome back to the world,” says board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare, Dr. Ellen Marmur. “We’ve seen a surge of bookings for full body makeovers including muscle tune ups for stomachs, butts, and thighs plus laser liposuction for trimming and tightening every area you can imagine. We’re using Cooltone, Sciton Allura, Thermage, Restylane, and world class skincare. People are going to party, celebrate, and socialize like never before!”
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