The 3 Biggest Beauty Trends For 2021
And the best products to nail them.
2020 was all about eyeshadow details, giving our hair a break from products, and letting our skin breathe. Because really, who was seeing us apart from Zoom and the mailman?
The beauty trends for 2021 undoubtedly reflect the shenanigans of last year, but with an air of consistence. We’re not panicking about a bit of maskne anymore- we’re finding practical ways to combat it. We’ve explained three of 2021’s upcoming beauty trends, and given away some of our favorite products. You’re welcome in advance.
Sustainable skincare
More than ever, we’re conscious of our skin- whether we’ve washed our hands well enough, or if we’ve accidently touched our faces while out in public. It’s no surprise that people are turning to natural, sustainable forms of skincare.
But rest assured, you don’t need to upheave your entire skincare routine. Even replacing one or two products can have an impact on your skin (and a longer impact on the planet). A survey from the NPD Group indicated that customers want ingredient transparency from skincare brands- which puts pressure on brands to make sustainable choices, both in their products and packaging. Neal’s Yard (the first UK brand to be Look For Zero certified) is a sustainable skincare brand that crops up again and again, while Simple moved to 100% PCR bottles at the end of 2019.
Long-lasting looks
A solid foundation is key for your killer makeup look. Unfortunately, it’s almost guaranteed to transfer onto your mask. Yikes. No one wants to wreck their makeup look with tiger stripes in their foundation, or smudge their lipstick on the inside of their mask. Worry not though- 2021 is the year for transfer-proof, Covid accessory-proof makeup.
Speaking to Vogue in July, makeup artist Cyndle Komarovski recommended choosing lightweight foundation formulas and only applying it to exposed areas, as mask heat + foundation = clogged pores. There are great liquid lipstick options on the market, available in endless shades. We love Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick ($20) and Fenty Beauty Lip Paint ($25) for a transfer-proof pout.
Finally, finish your look with a translucent powder or setting spray, to create a barrier between your skin and your mask. The Urban Decay All-Nighter setting spray ($33) is basically a godsend for this, and the Laura Mercier loose setting powder ($39) has been a long-time staple for many.
Blue light barriers
Our increased use of Zoom, Netflix, and Instagram has come at a cost: skin damage from blue light. Blue light is a high-frequency, high-energy light that can contribute to aging and disrupt sleep. Although our main source of blue light is the sun, we’re getting more and more from screens and indoor lighting- particularly after dark.
Basic SPF is a great way to protect your skin against blue light. You may have noticed that brands have begun to incorporate anti-blue light protection into their products, and we predict a lot more arriving in 2021. SeneGence Digital Age Defense Serum ($50) has got rave reviews, while the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($32) is one in a range of highly-reviewed skin care products.
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