The Hottest Makeup Trends to Try For Spring 2021
Graphic Liner, "Glassy" Eyes, Dewy Skin, and More Makeup Trends to Try This Spring
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.
If this year's biggest nail art trends are any indicator, it is going to be a very good year for beauty, especially in the makeup trend department. Considering the crazy year we had prior, we're challenging ourselves — and you — to step out of the comfort zone. We're talking big and bold looks that will have heads turning and friends asking you to create a YouTube tutorial, STAT.
"Color is going to come back with a bang," celebrity makeup artist Kate Synnott told POPSUGAR. "Everyone is ready to have some fun and express themselves through their makeup again."
From graphic eyeliner to heavy blush and, of course, the old favorite (but also new and improved) dewy-skin makeup look, we rounded up the top makeup trends to try for spring 2021. Whether you're looking for new ways to shake up your daily makeup routine or need inspiration for that long-awaited reunion with friends, you'll find endless beauty ideas ahead.
1 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Monochromatic Makeup
As Synnott said, color is coming back with a bang. One way to incorporate a lot of color into your look: use it all over. "Monochromatic makeup looks are bold," said Shadi Malek, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Lashes by Shadi. "The trend for spring is to show that you can use color and it can still look beautiful and cohesive."
Shop the Trend: NudeStix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color ($34), Ilia Multi-Stick Cheek & Lip ($34)
2 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Heavy Blush
So many people underutilize blush but that's changing very quickly. "We're going to see a lot of vibrant cheeks this spring — sherbet colors, bright pinks, oranges," said Nam Vo, celebrity makeup artist and Real Techniques global ambassador. "Start on the apple of your cheek with an angled brush by tapping, and then glide and blend onto the skin."
To take it up a notch, consider extending your blush past just your cheeks and up onto your temples to "give yourself an all-over glow," said Malek.
Shop the Trend: Real Techniques Animalista Angled Foundation Brush ($9), Kjaer Weis Cream Blush ($32)
3 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Dewy Skin
If you follow Vo on Instagram, you're familiar with her signature "dewy dumpling" skin. "The way to achieve it is by layering lots of highlighters and bronzers," said Vo.
Synnott added: "Healthy, glowing skin is always on-trend, in my opinion."
Shop the Trend: Milani Baked Bronzer ($9), About-Face Light Lock Powder ($30), Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo ($68)
4 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Glassy Eyes
Your skin isn't the only thing that's going to be "glassy" this season. "Glassy eyes are something you're going to see more of," said Synnott. "It's just effortless and chic. Cream eyeshadows are my go-to for myself and my clients to achieve that glassy finish."
Shop the Trend: Roen Disco Eye ($29) L'Oréal Brilliant Eyes Liquid Eye Shadow ($12)
5 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Peach Tones
Not into the neon hues that are trending? Soft peach tones inspired by springtime blooms are an easy way to add a subtle touch of color to your makeup look. "The perfect peach lip is so underrated," said Malek.
Shop the Trend: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip ($19), Benefit Cosmetics Georgia Blush ($30)
6 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: '90s Brown Lip Liner
The 1990s "supermodel lip" was all over the Grammy's red carpet at the start of the season but you don't need an award show to wear it out. "Depending on how the lips are lined and lipstick colors used, it is a very wearable trend," celebrity makeup artist and Catrice Cosmetics ambassador Robert Sesnek said. "The late-'90s version was almost a dark ring of liner without blending, where the lip liner almost looked like a ring around the upper and lower lips. The best way to update this trend is better blending and diffusing of the deeper liner shade into the lip color."
Shop the Trend: Catrice Lip Foundation Pencil ($4), Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner ($18)
7 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Graphic Eyeliner
Graphic eyeliner has been trending for the last year and it's not going anywhere. With face masks still an everyday part of life, fun designs really make your eyes pop. You can go with a classic black eyeliner or incorporate a bold color. "I love an element of color — yellow, aqua, even cranberry reds," said Vo.
If your makeup collection is lacking colored liner options, no problem. Malek recommended using your favorite cream eyeshadow or even lipstick instead.
Shop the Trend: Haus Laboratories Eye-Dentify Gel Pencil Eyeliner ($18), Urban Decay Cosmetics 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil ($22)
8 Spring 2021 Makeup Trend: Single-Toned Eyeshadow
If 2020 taught us anything about makeup it's that sometimes less is more. "I'm loving simple, single-colored eyeshadow," said New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Cara Lovello. She recommended pairing it with light makeup, fluffy brows, and a tinted balm on the lips.
Shop the Trend: Smashbox Always On Cream Eyeshadow ($22), Trinny London Eyetallics Eyeshadow ($29)
