Top 10 Makeup Trends for 2019

In the past couple of years, we’ve gone from over the top Instagram makeup to 2018’s minimalist beauty trend, and now we’re finally settling somewhere in between. While skin is staying fresh and simple, many are predicting that bold statement lips will be back after a couple of seasons of tinted balms and more natural shades being popular. Makeup artist Cher Webb said to Marie Claire, “I can see an influx of color coming onto the make-up scene for SS19. I predict a pastel palette for the eye and strong lip with not much else”. Choose a color that flatters your features and go for it, keeping the rest of your look simple.

Sparkly looks are typically reserved for fall, winter, and the holiday season, but trust us when we say that you’ll be seeing glitter everywhere in 2019. Of course, you can opt for the full on glam of a glittery eye, but what we’re seeing more and more of lately is a much more casual use of glitter that can even be used for daytime looks. Lots of brands have been releasing glitter top coats in recent months, including the Natasha Denona Crystal Topcoat, Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadows, and of course the Stila Glitter and Glow Eyeshadows, which have been around for a while now. By picking a lighter shade, you can rock this look anytime.

This spring and summer, we’re going to be seeing a statement eye like we haven’t seen before. Pastel hues are on the docket for the upcoming season, and they’ll be displayed in sheer washes of matte color. Makeup Artist, Cher Webb said to Marie Claire, “I see an array of fresh rosy pinks, mint pastel greens and baby yellow for the eye.” There will be eyeshadows with some sheen to them as well, but the flat single color of a matte shade looks more modern and is also a little more wearable. This is an easy way to add an editorial edge to your look without doing anything too daring.

It’s not exactly breaking news that full brows are in, as over the past few years this trend has only become more and more entrenched in the beauty world. We’re here to tell you that it’s definitely not going away anytime soon, despite the fact that some thinner brows have been showing up here and there. Don’t start plucking those stray hairs again, because many runway shows seemed to double down on the fluffy, big brow look, including Fendi, Moschino, Jeremy Scott and Dion Lee. And with microblading becoming more and more mainstream, we don’t expect this to go away anytime soon.

Every year, people in the world of fashion, design and beauty anxiously await the release of Pantone’s “color of the year”, because it inevitably influences trends in varying degrees. This year’s choice, Living Coral, seems tailor made for the world of beauty, because the bright peachy hue is one that would flatter nearly any complexion. Whether it’s in lipsticks, eye colors or blushes, you can expect to see shades of coral all over the place in the coming months. Just like the pastels, we think the most fashionable way to wear this would be in a simple, monochromatic look.

After years of matte skin, matte eyes and matte lips, we have finally, officially, entered the age of gloss. Over the past year, all things matte have been fading away in favor of gloss, be it skin finish, eye looks, or lips. It’s hard to pinpoint where this trend began, but it has definitely been fostered by brands like Glossier (it’s in the name after all), and the release of Rihanna’s hugely popular product, the Fenty Gloss Bomb (which is now available in multiple shades). This is a fun trend to play around with, whether you try it on one part of your face or the whole darn thing.

The Kardashian contour may have been de rigueur for years, but as in all other aspects of the makeup world, people are seemingly trying to pare back and go for a look that is a little more natural. You might want to get ready to scrap your sculpting kits, because heavy contour is out for 2019. Instead, you can pick up a bronzer that has some shimmer or sheen to it (or even try using a cream or stick formula) to create a look that gives you the appearance of just coming from a day at the beach. The glow is a big part of it, so don’t forget to add some highlight to the high points of your face.

French girl style and beauty has been getting more and more popular over recent years, and in a way it goes hand in hand with the other concepts that are trending towards a more effortless appearance. The philosophy behind “French girl beauty” is to follow some simple rules; especially when it comes to the lips. According to Makeup Artist Violette, she shares with Vogue: “Red lipstick is a fashion accessory. So we won't wear any other makeup with it.” If you want to try this look, Violette highly recommends the Cult Mac classic lipstick in Ruby Woo. You can either blot it with your fingers or apply straight from the tube for a bold statement lip.

Are you a big eyeliner fan but looking for a way to mix things up? Then it’s definitely time to try “floating” liner that can be used in a variety of graphic shapes. Makeup artist Kali Kennedy recommends you, “start by lining your upper lash line, either flicking the liner up or using the liner to follow the crease for a bolder look". This is a great trend to pair with another one we mentioned earlier- pastels! By using pastel shades to create this eye look, you’ll be able to pull off something that feels appropriate for spring and perhaps is even laid back enough to wear during the day.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Creamy Skin

Smoky Winged Liner

Bare Looking Skin
Color-Blocked Eyes

Cream Blushes

Over the past few years, we’d say that makeup has been essential defined by neutrals- whether you were inspired by Kylie Jenner’s matte liquid lipsticks, or the launch of countless warm neutral palettes, people were pretty much sticking to realistic skin tones. While neutrals will always be a favorite among makeup artists, we’re going to be seeing a lot more color in 2019. We already talked about pastels and living coral, but the biggest trend we predict will be neons! As with some of the other color trends, we recommend keeping things monochromatic in order to make your look wearable, but feel free to have fun and try whatever combination sparks your interest!