Beauty Retrospective 2024
A Year of Trends and Innovation
The year 2024 flew by, leaving behind incredible and emotional moments that will go down in history. But when reflecting on this remarkable period, it’s impossible to ignore the beauty trends that made 2024 even more stylish, colorful, transformative, and full of great taste.
Dramatic Elegance: Shades That Defined the Season
The year started strong with bold, dramatic tones dominating the runways at February’s Fashion Week. Among the most talked-about and widely embraced shades of the season were Red Cherry and Vinyl, which added a daring yet sophisticated touch.
The vinyl trend extended beyond fashion, finding its place in beauty through the glossy makeup trend, a technique where gloss was applied directly to eyelids or lips to create a wet, futuristic effect. This bold, modern style quickly captured the hearts of makeup enthusiasts.
Pat McGrath’s Masterpiece: Porcelain Doll Makeup
One of 2024’s standout moments was Pat McGrath’s Porcelain Doll Makeup, created for the Maison Margiela runway show. This trend left the beauty and fashion world intrigued, sparking a social media frenzy.
McGrath meticulously crafted the look, combining perfection and innovation. The makeup quickly went viral, with content creators replicating and adapting the style for everyday use, cementing its influence globally.
Supernatural Glow: The "Glass Skin" Phenomenon
During the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, the Glass Skin effect stole the show. Models showcased radiant, flawless skin with an almost supernatural glow, becoming an instant social media sensation, particularly on TikTok.
Following the show, recreations and tutorials flooded the internet, explaining how to achieve the coveted glass skin look. At the same time, Reddit buzzed with theories about an upcoming skincare product launch by Pat McGrath, further fueling the excitement.
The Energy of the 80s: Reviving an Iconic Decade
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was a fitting anthem for 2024 as it embraced beauty trends inspired by the unforgettable 1980s. Known for its bold and vibrant personality, this era returned with full force, shaping the year’s standout makeup looks.
Blush Revival: Intense Pigments Return
One of the 80s’ most defining features, heavily pigmented blush, made a grand comeback in 2024. Applied generously in warm shades like burnt pink and vibrant peach, it brought a nostalgic yet dramatic touch to both runway and everyday makeup.
Vibrant Lips: A Pop of Pink
Lips joined the 80s revival with the reemergence of pink tones—cheerful, feminine, and versatile. These shades balanced retro charm with contemporary appeal, resonating with both fans of the decade and younger generations.
Natural Brows: Subtle Sophistication
While the 80s were known for thin, defined brows, 2024’s reinterpretation favored a natural look. Full, well-groomed brows with a soft, effortless finish complemented the vibrant makeup trends of the year.
Bold Eyes: Blue Shadows and Sparkle
In eye makeup, blue shades, particularly navy and turquoise, took center stage. These shades were paired with modern techniques to create striking, charismatic looks that echoed the daring spirit of the decade.
The summer also saw the rise of metallic shadows and compressed glitter, adding sparkle to seasonal beauty. Purple and pink blends, iconic to the 80s, became favorite choices for creating bold and vibrant eye looks.
The Timeless Allure of the 70/80/90s
The 70/80/90s proved once again that they remain a treasure trove of inspiration for beauty and fashion. In 2024, they brought back color, sparkle, and joy, reaffirming their status as an unforgettable era.
With bold blush, striking eye shadows, and vibrant lips, the aesthetics of this time continue to inspire creativity. Far from a mere revival, it was a celebration of the enduring principle that beauty and fun go hand in hand.
Asoka Makeup: A Viral Bollywood-Inspired Trend
TikTok exploded with the "Asoka Makeup" trend, inspired by the 2001 Bollywood classic Asoka. Content creators reimagined intricate Indian bridal looks featuring bold kohl-lined eyes, ornate hairstyles, and rich, vibrant colors paired with music from the movie.
The trend became a global phenomenon, with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds gaining millions of views and likes. While praised for its artistry and homage to Indian culture, it also sparked conversations about cultural appreciation versus appropriation.
Ultimately, the “Asoka Makeup” trend highlights Bollywood’s timeless influence and celebrates the beauty of Indian traditions on a global platform.
Sunburnt Makeup Trend: The Hottest Look of the Summer
The sunburnt makeup trend is a summer favorite, inspired by a natural sunburn look. Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber have popularized the trend, which involves applying bright pink, peach, or red pigments to the cheeks, nose, and forehead for a flushed appearance. The look is completed with a dewy finish for a fresh, radiant glow. It’s a playful, effortless style perfect for summer, offering a healthier alternative to actual sun exposure while being ideal for social media.
A Year for the History Books
From bold colors to artistic techniques, 2024 celebrated beauty in its most daring and creative forms. With so many trends and innovations, 2025 already holds high expectations to outshine the brilliance and originality of this year.
Here’s to another year of style, color, and, of course, breathtaking beauty!
Media credit: Google, Instagram and TikTok
