If you’re eager to update your beauty routine and look younger and more on-trend, it’s time to bid farewell to these eight makeup trends that belong firmly in the early ’90s and mid-2000s.
The 8 Makeup Trends to Retire in 2025
1. Full Coverage Foundation
Gone are the days when full-coverage foundation reigned supreme. Previously, consumers were bombarded with options promising a ‘full beat’ look, especially for those struggling with skin concerns like dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Today’s beauty landscape prioritizes natural, skincare-focused makeup. Modern trends lean towards light-to-medium coverage foundations, skin tints, and tinted moisturizers that allow your natural skin to shine through.
2. Excessive Concealer Application
Makeup artists like Katie Jane Hughes have revolutionized our understanding of concealer application. The days of slathering thick layers of product under the thinnest parts of your face are over. The new approach emphasizes minimal, strategic concealer use that enhances rather than masks your natural features.
3. Prolonged ‘Baking’ Technique
While setting powders remain a makeup staple, the extended ‘baking’ method—leaving powder untouched for over 10 minutes—is becoming obsolete. This technique can lead to creased makeup and disrupt your entire look. Instead, opt for light, strategic powder application that sets your makeup without compromising its natural finish.
4. Exaggerated Lip Lining
Lip liners can be a fantastic tool, but overdrawing your lip line is a trend best left in the past. The key is to follow your natural lip shape, creating a more authentic and subtle enhancement. For those seeking fuller lips, lip-plumping glosses offer a more natural alternative to excessive overlining.
5. Overtweezing Eyebrows
The ultra-thin eyebrow trend is a definitive no in 2025. While some individuals naturally have thinner brows, intentionally tweezing them to near-invisibility is considered outdated. If you’re tempted by this look, consider more contemporary alternatives like using skin-toned powder to soften brow appearance or reserving such extreme styles for themed events.
6. Excessive Highlighter
Highlighter should enhance, not overwhelm. The trend of applying so much shimmer that you resemble a disco ball is passé. Modern highlighter application focuses on creating a subtle, natural glow that complements your overall makeup look. A light dusting on the high points of your cheeks can provide a radiant, youthful appearance.
7. Heavy Contour and Bronzer
While the sculpted look remains popular, heavy-handed contour and bronzer application can quickly become unflattering. The key is subtlety—choose the right shade and apply with a gentle touch. Overpowering contour can distract from your natural features and create an artificial appearance.
8. Completely Matte Makeup
Matte makeup was once the holy grail for those with oily or combination skin. However, the beauty world has shifted towards celebrating skin’s natural luminosity. Dewy, healthy-looking skin is now the gold standard, replacing the previously sought-after completely matte finish. Invest in skincare that addresses underlying skin concerns, such as Vitamin C serums, to achieve a natural, radiant complexion.
By embracing these updated makeup trends, you’ll not only look more current but also allow your natural beauty to shine through. Remember, makeup should enhance, not mask, your unique features.