The Biggest and Best Makeup Trends for 2020
January 03, 2020
The new year is upon us, and there is no better way to kick things off than with a makeup reboot. Just as trends come and go in the fashion world, makeup trends are always evolving—and sporting the hottest trends circulating on social media can seriously upgrade your beauty look. Beyond focusing on your resolutions, we think taking your 2020 makeup look to the next level should be a top priority for the new year. To help you do just that, we’re introducing you to 31 of the biggest and best makeup trends for 2020.
1. BLUSHING NOSES
Can’t get enough of a rosy flush? Well, based on this 2020 makeup trend, neither can the world of beauty and makeup gurus alike! While you may be accustomed to dusting your favorite blush over the apples of your cheeks, this 2020 makeup look offers up a different placement, one you may not have thought to try before. What is it? Dusting blush across the bridge of your nose!
Get the look: Should You Wear Blush on Your Nose?
2. GRAPHIC EYELINER
Who says eyeliner has to be applied just to your lash line? We love stepping outside of the beauty box, and graphic eyeliner will surely take you there. Already seen on red carpets and catwalks, we’re expecting statement-making liner to be the norm pretty soon.
Get the look: How to Create a Negative Space Cut Crease
3. MONOCHROMATIC MAKEUP
Monochromatic makeup—the trend of wearing one hue on your eyes, face, and lips—isn’t new for 2020. But, we’re sure you know by now that trends are constantly being refreshed and revived, and the monochrome look definitely deserves a spot on this year’s must-try list.
Get the look: 4 Monochromatic Makeup Tutorials
4. FULL LIPS
While we’ll always be fans of a swipe of color on the lips, 2020 is all about enhancing and playing up the shape—not the hue—of your lips. We’re talking a fuller, pillowy pout. Aside from using a lip plumper, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick, Sheer Lipstick, there are a few other tips and tricks worth trying to achieve a plumped pout.
Get the look: How to Make Your Lips Look Bigger
5. COLORFUL MAKEUP
Prefer to rock a statement makeup look? You’re in luck! There's still a special place in our hearts for natural makeup, but 2020 has brought bright and bold makeup shades front and center. Put your nude makeup palettes (temporarily) to the side and opt for a colorful alternative to get in on the trend.
Get the look: How to Pull Off Bright Eye Makeup and 6 Standout Lip Colors to Wear When You're Feeling Bold
6. ‘90S MAKEUP
Remember when we mentioned how trends are constantly resurfacing? While it may be 2020, ’90s makeup looks are making a huge comeback. From grungy eyeliner to glitter eye shadow, these blasts from the past are back in a big way.
Get the look: 20 '90s-Inspired Makeup Trends to Try Now
7. THIN BROWS
While most people vie for thick and luscious arches, thin brows are set to be a major trend in 2020. This will come in handy for those who struggle to grow out their brows, but before you reach for your tweezers, we’d recommend booking an appointment with a pro who can help you shape your brows to perfection.
8. PASTEL EYESHADOWS
Pastels were everywhere last year, and you can bet on that trend continuing well into 2020. The soft shades effortlessly add a playful vibe to your eye makeup and don’t force you to skimp on color. Whether you swipe pastel shadows onto your lids or blend them around your inner corners, a pretty finish is practically guaranteed.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Amethyst Quartz and Blush Jewel
9.WHITE EYELINER
Black may be the eyeliner color always in your makeup bag, but white eyeliner is easily just as much of an essential. Whether used to brighten up the waterline and make eyes look bigger or worn swiped across lids, you can expect to see a lot of white liner this year.
Get the look: 9 Ways to Use White Eyeliner
10. TRIPLE EYELINER
Eyeliner is a makeup essential that keeps on giving, and the triple eyeliner trend is the perfect example of this fact. You can use the same color on your lash line, water line, and crease or mix and match as you desire. Using three shades is a great way to show off your creative side and participate in a current trend.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Burgundy, Nude, and Bronze
11. ZODIAC MAKEUP
From hashtags to influencers, there is a range of ways to get inspo for your next makeup look. One source of inspiration you may have yet to consider? The stars! 2020 is all about using your zodiac sign as your makeup muse.
Get the look: How to Do Your Makeup, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
12. NEON CAT EYE
A black cat eye is a classic that will no doubt continue to be a top look this year, but going fluorescent with your flick is the trendiest take on this trend. Grab your favorite neon eyeliner and create the sharpest wing you can.
Get the look: How to Achieve Your Sharpest Winged Eyeliner Look
13. BROWN LIPSTICK
What’s the new neutral for 2020? It’s all about brown. Brown eyeshadows, of course, but brown lipstick especially. Faded brown lips are super-flattering and stylish, and they also make for a nice change of pace from your go-to red and nude lip looks.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Stand, I Explore, or I Tease
14. OVERDRAWN PURPLE EYES
This year it’s all about coloring outside of the lines, at least when it comes to your eyelids! Dramatic, overdrawn eyes boast a whimsical yet playful feel, and incorporating shades of purple instantly takes things to the next level.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Perpetual Purple, Smoldering Plum, and Burst Into Bloom
15. CONTRASTING EYELINER
There are so many cool ways to line your eyes, but we’re betting on contrasting eyeliner reigning supreme in 2020. This makeup trend flaunts one shade (preferably a neutral) on your upper lash line and follows up with a bright, contrasting shade on the bottom. The result? A killer eye look.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black and Gold
16. MEGA LASHES
Lashes that boast both length and volume? Yes, please! As you can probably tell, many of 2020’s greatest makeup trends involve putting subtle looks on the back burner. Go big or go home, right? Amp up your look with mega lashes by using a mascara that provides intense length and volume. Our pick? The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara.
Get the look: How to Apply Mascara for Your Fullest-Looking Lashes Yet
17. FLUSHED, GLOSSY LIPS
Minimal makeup has always been in and flushed, glossy lips go hand in hand with the minimalist look. With a flush of color and plenty of shine, this lip look has our vote for prettiest pout of the year.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Lip Crayon, Lasting Wear Smudge Resistant in Lady Toffee and L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 HR Le Gloss in Blush
18. RAZOR-SHARP CUT CREASE
We’ve seen our fair share of cut creases, but there is something about a razor-sharp cut crease that really takes the cake. With a little practice, this eye-catching look can trick people into thinking you’re a total makeup pro—after all, it’s a makeup artist favorite.
Get the look: How to Create a Cut Crease
19. HIGHLIGHTING BEFORE FOUNDATION
Who doesn’t love glowing skin? It’s a clear indicator of healthy skin, and it’s beautiful to boot. For 2020, how about trying a new way to get your glow on? Instead of completing your makeup look with a little illuminator swept onto your cheeks, get glowing before applying your foundation. For a glow that shines through from the inside out, mix a few drops of liquid highlighter with your primer and apply all over your face.
Product pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops
20. PINK EYE MAKEUP
If there’s one color you should try adding to your eye makeup look this year, it’s pink. Specifically, light, pastel variations of the hue are popping up in Instagram post after Instagram post. We love all of the many ways you can rock this look but are particularly fond of a wash of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Always Pearly Pink on the lid.
Get the look: How to Wear Pink Eye Makeup
21. FEATHERED BROWS
Say goodbye to Instagram brows! Strongly sculpted brows are officially taking a back seat thanks to the feathered brow trend. These brows boast a brushed look that looks stylishly carefree, and they pair well with almost any eye makeup look you can dream up.
22. METALLIC EYES
Whether you’ve tried the trend before or are stepping into new territory, metallic eyes are a beauty win! The shimmery tones draw attention to your beautiful eyes for a look that will be sure to turn heads.
Get the look: How to Do a Metallic Smoky Eye
23. HEAVY LOW LINER
Ready to take your look up a few notches? Instead of playing around with winged eyeliner, why not explore the trend of heavy eyeliner worn under the eyes. This look provides edge and a cool-girl aesthetic that any makeup lover would love. Plus, if grunge vibes are totally your thing, this trend falls right in line.
Get the look: 12 Stylish Ways You Can Still Wear Bottom Eyeliner
24. CONTOURING BLUSH
Gone are the days of blush sitting solely on your cheeks! Sure, the beauty staple works to warm up your face and prevents your face from falling flat, but who would have thought you could use the same product to contour? This trend is all about strategically applying blush to flatter your face shape and get a more sculpted effect.
Product pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush
25. FACE GEMS
For those who are serious about creating the perfect sparkly makeup look, face gems should definitely be on your radar. Adding an instant touch of sparkle without the need to blend and blend, face gems will surely take your makeup game to the next level. Wear them on the daily—if you dare—or save them for festival season, it’s up to you.
26. MISMATCHED EYESHADOW
As you can see, 2020 eyeshadow trends are all about taking risks, and mismatched eyeshadow is the trend leading the pack. While you may think that this look may be a bit too bold, the beautiful result is sure to win you over. The best part is, this look couldn’t be easier. You simply color each of your lids with a different shadow, not worrying about making them match—at all.
Product picks: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu and Green Promenade
27. BOLD LIPS
You can’t go wrong with a standout pout. Leave the rest of your look simple and paint your lips with the color of your choice. Sultry red, classic pink, or bold blue—it’s up to you.
Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Lip Crayon, Lasting Wear, Smudge Resistant in Caramel Rebel
28. WATERCOLOR EYESHADOW
Watercolor eyeshadow is undoubtedly one of the prettiest trends slated to peak in 2020. This beautiful look involves blending multiple shades together to create an ethereal watercolor effect that’s reminiscent of a gorgeous work of art.
Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Avant Garde Azure
29. NEON EYESHADOW ACCENTS
Neon colors aren’t reserved for just your eyeliner. When it comes to eyeshadow, shockingly bright hues are totally fair game, too. Instead of coating your entire lid with one, for 2020, it’s trending to apply neon accents, focusing the shadow on the inner corner of your lids.
30. 360 EYELINER
Imagine not having to worry about winging out your eyeliner or creating a floating effect for a dramatic finish. Well, with the 360 eyeliner trend, you don’t have to. This eye look enhances your eye shape while keeping your look bright and youthful. To get the look, grab your eyeliner and line your lids as per usual, lining on the top and bottom. Then create a rounded shape at the end of your upper lash line and curve the line down, so it connects with your underliner.
Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in True Teal
31. UPDATED SMOKY EYES
Smoky eye makeup is a look that never gets old, but it doesn’t hurt to branch out a little. Instead of taking a break from your smoky eye, learn how to take it to the next level. One of our favorite options? Spicing things up with more colorful shadows.
Get the look: 3 Color Combos to Update a Classic Smoky Eye
