13 Makeup Looks To Try In 2021

The new year is all about starting fresh. However, after the craziness of 2020, you may not be planning on any major changes—like moving to a new city—in 2021. Instead, you may want to do something on a smaller scale, like try a new makeup look. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place because we’ve rounded up some of the top makeup trends for 2021. Keep reading for gorgeous makeup looks to try in the new year (and be sure to stuff your bag with all the eye shadows, highlighters, and lipsticks you’ll need to create these looks). We have a feeling you’re going to find your new favorite amidst our list.

MAKEUP LOOK #1: BRONZE SMOKEY EYE

No rule says that a smokey eye look has to be done with gray and black eye shadow, so switching things up with a bronze hue is a perfect way to make a statement in 2021. Use the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Bronze Light to get the look. Apply this metallic shade all over your lid, in your crease, and on your lower lash line. Just don’t forget to blend!

Editor’s tip: If you have fair skin and light eyes, you’re likely to find that smoky eyes wash you out—but this one won’t.

MAKEUP LOOK #2: GOLD HIGHLIGHTER

Highlighter has become really popular in the last couple of years (hello strobing!). And lately, one shade in particular has been getting major attention: gold. It’s chic, looks playful, and adds bling to your look. One easy way to add a touch of this ritzy hue to your face is by swiping the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter in Gilded Glow or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Galaxy Stick in Galaxy Gold onto your cheekbones.

If you’re not too sure this look is for you, we’ve got you covered. There’s a gold highlighter out there for every skin tone. To see for yourself, refer to our article, How To Wear Gold Highlighter on Every Skin Tone.

MAKEUP LOOK #3: SUPER-DARK LIPSTICK

The vampy lip is another makeup trend that shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. In fact, it's been seen throughout various editorials and on beauty gurus and YouTubers alike. Use a liquid lipstick with a wine-inspired hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Dare, to get the look. You’ll also want to make sure to keep a micellar water for waterproof makeup on hand to remove your liquid lip at the end of the day.

MAKEUP LOOK #4: ULTRA-GRAPHIC CAT EYE

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that a black cat eye will always be in style. However, a new year naturally calls for a change. Consider upping the drama in 2021 by creating a seriously graphic version of a cat eye using liquid eyeliner. We love the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Black. Use it to draw thick lines on your upper and lower lids, connecting them with flicks at both the inner and outer corners of your eyes.

MAKEUP LOOK #5: EXTREME LASH VOLUME

Bold lashes were always in, and they continue to reign supreme thanks to one of our favorite types of mascara: fiber mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara features a black primer on one end and a fiber-infused mascara on the other to give you the appearance of major volume and length. Just use the primer, then follow up with the mascara. Keep the rest of your makeup simple so that all eyes are on your gorgeous lashes.

MAKEUP LOOK #6: METALLIC LIPSTICK

Metallics are in for 2021 in a big way, in fashion and beauty. So, it’s only right to hop on the glitzy trend with metallic lipstick. The L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Voodoo is a gorgeous berry-inspired shade that flaunts a pinkish-purple hue with specks of glitter. Pair it with a gold highlight, and you’ll have yourself a chic, pulled-together look.

MAKEUP LOOK #7: FULL-LOOKING BROWS

Don’t forget about your brows in the new year! Full-looking eyebrows help to frame your face and give your beauty look extra oomph. Get in on the trend by using the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to thicken the appearance of your brows. Start by lightly applying the product to fill in sparse areas. Use the angled brush to outline and define your brow shape and arches with feather-like strokes. Finish up by combing through your eyebrows with a spoolie.

MAKEUP LOOK #8: ORANGE EYE MAKEUP

Embrace bold color in the new year by sporting an orange eye makeup look. Orange makeup hues are a chic way to add some color to your beauty look while stepping outside-of-the-box. Experiment with your eye shadow or eyeliner to get in on the trend. Click through to our articles, 12 Orange Eyeshadow Looks For Fall 2020 and How To Pull Off Bright Orange Eyeliner, to get some inspiration.

MAKEUP LOOK #9: SILVER EYELINER

We’re all about adding popping accents to eye makeup looks, and silver eyeliner just so happens to be an on-trend way to do that in 2021. There’s no need to reserve this makeup trend for New Year’s Eve! Rock a silver eyeliner look for your next virtual girl’s night. Head over to our article, How To Do a Silver Eyeliner Makeup Look, for everything you need to know.

MAKEUP LOOK #10: SHEER SMOKEY EYE

While we love a traditional smokey eye, the sheer remix has truly stolen our hearts this past year. It’s the perfect eye makeup look that’s flattering for both day and night—and it’s super easy to recreate. Learn how to get the look in our article, How To Create a Sheer Smoky Eye.

MAKEUP LOOK #11: FELINE EYES

A classic cat eye makes for a gorgeous makeup look, but it can be difficult to master. Instead of struggling to create the perfect flick, rely on the feline eyes trend to bring your winged makeup dreams to life. Feline eyes involve using a rich blue eyeshadow to create an angular effect that emulates the cat eye. All it involves is a simple swipe of the shade across your eyes to score a winged appearance with ease. Start by sweeping your lid and lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu. Be sure to extend the color outward to create that winged shape.

MAKEUP LOOK #12: PASTEL GOTH

Goth makeup was a popular fixture in the ‘90s makeup scene, and now it has reemerged with a stylish twist: pastel goth makeup. This trend involves matching the pastel goth girl aesthetic with soft eye shadow shades, sparkly eyeliner, and face gems. It’s all about softening up your traditional goth makeup, leaving you with a sweet-meets-gloom look. Check out our article, How To Do Pastel Goth Makeup, for a step-by-step tutorial.

MAKEUP LOOK #13: NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP

If there is one makeup trend that you should try in 2021, the no makeup, makeup look tops our list (even if it’s, more literally, last on the list). This look allows you to boast dewy skin and flushed cheeks without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup. Click through to our article, The Easy Way To Get The No Makeup Look, for more information.

Next up: If you’re ready to raise your beauty game even more in the new year, read our article, These 44 Hair Color Trends Will Spice Up Your Mane All Through 2021.