Introduction
In the world of beauty, the right makeup isn’t just about enhancing your features. It's also a form of self-expression that evolves with the ever-changing trends that arise each year. From the glossy perfection of Glass Skin to the vintage glamour of Retro Red lips, each trend has a unique style that can transform your everyday look.
With the multitude of options available, how do you even begin to navigate your way through the maze of products and trends to find what works best for you? What should you have in your makeup organizer? How do you pull off these looks? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the latest makeup trends, give you tips on choosing the right products for your skin type (whether it’s oily, dry or somewhere in between) and offer advice on how to get the look using the right type of makeup. Whether you're a novice or a pro who knows your way around your tools, this go-to guide will help you ensure that your makeup looks good, whatever trend you try.
Top Makeup Trends to Watch This Year
Ready to level up your cosmetics game? Wondering what you’ll need to add to your makeup bag? First up, let’s take a look at the hottest trends to try, along with our top picks of the best makeup in Dubai. From subtle to bold, these looks have something to suit every skin color, style and preference. Some of the top makeup trends to try in 2024 include these looks:
Glass Skin
Glass skin is all about achieving a flawless, dewy, almost translucent complexion that resembles glass. This trend starts with a solid skincare routine that should include quality serums and products made for your specific skin needs. With clean, nourished skin, you can choose products that enhance this look by adding an extra level of polish and shine. Ideal for any setting that appreciates a fresh and radiant appearance, this makeup look can transition seamlessly from day to evening.
Ideal For:
This trend is perfect for those with well-maintained skin looking to highlight their natural radiance. It’s particularly flattering for those with dry to normal skin types, as the luminosity and glassy look add a hydrated effect. Products are typically cream-based, such as liquid foundations, rather than applied with foundation brushes, which can result in dry skin. Those with very oily skin might find it challenging to maintain a dewy look without veering into overly shiny territory. This look flatters every skin tone and undertone.
Get the Look:
Start with a hydrating primer to smooth out the pores. Use a luminous foundation makeup or a contour stick with a sheen to enhance the high points of the face and bring forward a healthy glow. Finish with a touch of clear lip oil for a subtle shine that complements the glass skin effect. Remember, blending is essential for all products to be fused seamlessly into the skin for that perfect glossy, natural finish.
Our Top Picks:
- ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter, Complexion Booster For A Glowing, Soft-Focus Look
- Rom&Nd: Blur Fudge Tint 06 Mauvish
- NYX PROFESSIONAL - Fat Oil Lip Drip - Scrollin
Balletcore
Inspired by the graceful world of ballet, Balletcore emphasises a soft, romantic look with a touch of shimmer. It’s a surprisingly basic makeup look that’s all about enhancing natural beauty with light and ethereal touches, perfect for subtle daytime evening looks or barely-there looks.
Ideal For:
This trend suits anyone aiming for a delicate, feminine look - whatever your skin type. If you have a cool undertone or a neutral undertone, this will be perfect. It's especially flattering for those who prefer a less-is-more approach to makeup, utilising soft hues and gentle shimmer. Those with bolder, more dramatic preferences might find this style too subdued. If you usually keep a few basics in your makeup bag, this is the look for you as you won’t need a huge amount to make it work.
Get the Look:
Apply a cream eyeshadow stick in a pale pink or nude shade across the eyelid for a wash of colour. Full coverage foundation ensures that your skin is prepared. Use a buff brush or your choice of large-sized makeup brushes to blend softly into the crease and outward for a diffused look. Add a swipe of shimmery lip gloss to enhance the lips without overpowering the subtle eye makeup. The key to Balletcore is about seamless blending and a light hand to maintain the softness without adding too much colour. You should have all the basics in your makeup organizer to help you perfect this look.
Our Top Picks:
- REAL TECHNIQUES - Mini Multitask for blush and bronzer Pink/Black
- Revolution Shimmer Bomb Gloss Starlight
- KIKO Milano Eye Shadow Stick 07 Golden Beige
Retro Red
Retro Red brings back the classic glamour of the past with a bold, unmistakable statement. This look is perfect for those who love to turn heads. The key feature of this look is a strong, confident red lip paired with defined eyes, to embody the timeless beauty of old Hollywood.
Ideal For:
This trend is ideal for anyone who embraces vintage style and wants to channel a glamorous, retro vibe. It's particularly flattering on those who enjoy standing out and can be adapted to flatter any skin tone, depending on the shade of red you choose. Those preferring more understated or minimalistic makeup might find this look too bold for everyday wear. The best part? All you’ll need to rock this look is a premium red lipstick in your makeup kit.
Get the Look:
Start with a flawless base to let the lips truly pop. Choose a high-impact red lipstick, preferably with a matte or semi-matte finish, for a classic retro feel. Define your eyes with a few coats of volumising mascara to enhance the lashes. Apply foundation and subtle concealer and keep the rest of your face makeup simple and polished to ensure the red lips remain the centrepiece of your look.
Our Top Picks:
- BOURJOIS PARIS Rouge Velvet The Lipstick 2.4 g 05 Brique-A-Brac
- L'oreal Paris Color Riche Nude Intense 183 Nu Exuberant
- Maybelline New York Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick 02 Soft Wine
Bold Blush
Bold Blush takes centre stage in this makeup trend, celebrating vibrant, cheek-defining colours that bring life and energy to the face. This look is all about embracing colour and warmth, perfect for creating a youthful look that works for weekends and evenings.
Ideal For:
This trend is great for those who love a playful and expressive style. It's particularly flattering for those with medium to deep skin tones, as the strong blush colours enhance natural undertones. Those with very fair skin should opt for lighter shades within the palette to avoid overwhelming their complexion.
Get the Look:
Choose a shade from your blush multi-colour makeup set that complements your skin tone or even mix two shades for a custom colour. Apply cream blush for a dewy, natural finish, blending upward along the cheekbones to lift and brighten your face. A touch of mascara will balance the intensity of the cheeks without diverting attention from the bold blush. Make sure you blend the edges smoothly when using your makeup brushes to integrate the blush seamlessly with your skin for a fresh, flushed appearance.
Our Top Picks:
- TheBalm - In Of Your Hand Greatest Hits Vol.1 Holiday Face Palette Multicolour
- MIKYAJY Glam Girl Smoked Rose 42 Piece All In One Pallete
- TheBalm - Autobalm Blush And Highlight Palette Multicolour
- L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
Blue Tones
Blue Tones offers a spectrum from soft shades to bold, statement hues, giving you a diverse range of looks that can be tailored to any occasion. This trend invites you to play with the cool end of the colour spectrum, incorporating everything from celestial sky blues to deep oceanic tones. If you’re looking for a modern look that makes a statement, this is a winner.
Ideal For:
This trend is versatile enough to suit anyone willing to experiment with colour. Soft blue shades can enhance lighter eyes and provide a gentle pop of colour for daytime wear, while more intense blues make a dramatic statement ideal for evening glamour. Those hesitant about bold colours can start with softer, muted blues before trying out vibrant shades. If you’re not too keen on going for a lot of colour, this may be a bit too bold for your style.
Get the Look:
Begin with a neutral base on the eyelids. Depending on the intensity you’re going for, line your eyes with navy or sky-blue eyeliner. Use a blue eyeshadow makeup set to blend shades of blue across the lid, building colour for depth and dimension. For a touch of sparkle, use your choice of makeup brushes to apply a shimmery blue eyeshadow at the centre of the lid or along the inner corners of the eyes. Finish with a coat of mascara to define the lashes and pull the look together. Whether soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, blue tones make a huge style statement.
Our Top Picks:
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Color Pencil - Deep Sea
- Kiko Milano Glamour Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette 05
- RIMMEL LONDON Wonder'Proof Waterproof Eyeliner - Pure Blue
Before You Try These Makeup Trends…
Before trying any makeup trends, it's always important to check whether they complement your skin tone, type and personal style. Not every trend will suit everyone, and what looks stunning on one person might not work for another. It’s important to consider how these trends can be adapted to enhance your natural beauty rather than simply following them blindly or using whatever you happen to have in your makeup bag. Understanding your skin's undertones can help you select the best makeup products that will naturally flatter you, whether choosing the right shade of blue eyeshadow or the intensity of blush. Also, always consider your skin type when stocking up your makeup kit. Certain formulations might worsen oily skin or dry skin conditions.
Experiment with new looks at home before trying them out in public to see what works and what doesn’t. Not happy with the look? Wipe it off using a quality makeup remover and try another trend to see if that one suits you better. By personalising trends to fit your skin’s unique needs, you can try out any of these cosmetic trends.
Which Makeup Look Should You Try?
By now you may be asking, “How to find the best makeup for me and what look is best for day and night?” Here’s what you need to know.
Makeup For Work:
For a professional setting, opt for subtler, more refined looks that enhance your features without overpowering them. The Glass Skin trend is the best look for work, as it promotes a clean and polished appearance with its dewy, flawless finish. You’ll also have less products to add to your makeup kit, as a bonus. A light application of Balletcore's soft hues can add just a hint of colour to brighten your face while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism.
Makeup For Weekend:
Weekends are your time to explore and express yourself. The Bold Blush trend is ideal for adding a pop of colour on your days off. It’s playful yet easy to wear, whether you're brunching with friends or heading out for errands. If you're feeling more adventurous, experiment with Blue Tones by incorporating a wash of pale blue over the eyelids for a soft, dreamy look that’s suitable for daytime outings.
Makeup For Evening:
Evening events are the perfect opportunity to go bold and glamorous. The Retro Red trend, thanks to its classic bold red lip, sets a dramatic tone, making it the best look for any after-hours event. For those who enjoy a bit of sparkle and drama, intensifying the Blue Tones trend with deeper and brighter shades of blue can create a stunning eye look that’s sure to turn heads at any party or dinner event.
Choosing Cosmetics for Your Skin Type
When deciding how to find the best makeup products and looks, start by identifying your skin type, as this will greatly influence your product choices. Those with oily skin or acne prone skin should opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic foundation makeup to avoid clogging pores, while those with dry skin will benefit from hydrating formulas that provide a dewy finish. When shopping for makeup in Dubai it’s important to choose trusted brands known for quality and safety, especially if you have sensitive skin. You should also look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to minimise irritation. Don’t forget to invest in quality day creams with built-in SPF to minimise sun exposure.
When looking for makeup in Dubai, consider product types beyond foundations. Powder-based products help control shine for oily skin and cream-based blushes and eyeshadows offer additional moisture beneficial for dry skin. A good makeup remover is absolutely essential for any makeup bag. Always invest in the best makeup products in your budget to ensure they meet your specific needs and enhance your natural beauty effectively.
Final Thoughts
Choosing looks and products that suit you has a big impact on how you look and feel. Remember, the key to any great makeup routine is understanding your skin type and choosing the best makeup products that enhance your natural beauty. Whether you’re experimenting with bold new trends like Retro Red or embracing the subtlety of Balletcore, always ensure the styles and products you choose reflect your style and are suitable for your skin’s needs. With the right techniques, tools and the best makeup products, you can make any makeup trend work for you, keeping your look fresh every season.
Browse our full collection of premium makeup in Dubai and other cities throughout the UAE at noon, to unleash your inner makeup artist and find must-have makeup essentials to suit every occasion and mood.
