The beauty world is ever-evolving, and 2025 brings fresh makeup looks that blend nostalgia with futuristic elements.
After analyzing the runways, celebrity appearances, and expert opinions, clear patterns have emerged that define this year's most influential makeup vibes.
Whether you're looking to update your everyday routine or experiment with statement styles, these trends offer something for everyone – and the best part? You can try them all virtually before committing.
Fresh, glowy skin takes center stage
The most consistent makeup trend across all forecasts is a move toward what experts call "buttery" or "cloud" skin – a fresh-faced look that's luminous without being overly dewy.
This represents an evolution from the ultra-glazed "donut skin" of previous seasons toward something more natural and satin-like.
How to achieve it:
- Start with hydrating skincare as your base
- Use lightweight, skincare-infused foundations or tinted moisturizers
- Apply strategic highlighting only where you want glow
- Use setting powder with a velour puff for a soft-focus finish
- Keep coverage minimal to let your natural skin texture show through
Try it in Facetune: In the makeup editor, opt for a natural foundation setting and use the highlighting tool sparingly on the high points of your face. For the perfect butter skin effect, adjust the opacity to keep it subtle yet radiant.
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Bold blush placement evolves
Blush remains a dominant force in 2025, but with strategic new placement techniques. "Boy blush" (placed lower on the cheeks for a natural flush) and blush contouring (using two tones to create dimension) are replacing the apple-of-cheek application we've grown accustomed to.
How to achieve it:
- For boy blush: Apply color slightly lower on the cheeks and blend toward the center of the face
- For blush contour: Use a deeper shade under the cheekbones and a lighter, shimmery shade above
- Experiment with unexpected colors like violet, bright reds, or berry tones
- Try "watercolor blush" by using sheer, diffused application techniques
Try it in Facetune: The blush tool in Facetune allows precise control over placement. Try applying in different areas than you normally would – lower on the cheeks for boy blush or higher toward the temples for the lifted effect.
You can also layer two different blush tones to achieve the contouring effect.
Eye makeup embraces both minimalism and statement looks
Eye trends in 2025 show a fascinating dichotomy – either ultra-minimal or boldly expressive, with little middle ground.
Minimal eye trends:
- Sheer washes of shadow rather than structured blocks of color
- Brown mascara replacing black for a softer effect
- "Minky-brown" shadows as a subtle way to define the eyes
- Barely-there liner just to enhance the lash line
Statement eye trends:
- Cool-toned silver and icy blue shadows making a comeback
- Lived-in, slightly smudged liner for an "unapproachable" aesthetic
- Pastel and colored mascara for unexpected pops of color
- Watercolor-like diffused eye color in soft pastels
Try it in Facetune: For minimal eyes, use the eyeshadow tool with opacity turned down to create a soft wash of color. For statement eyes, layer multiple shadow colors and use the eyeliner tool with the smudge effect to create that perfectly imperfect lived-in liner look.
Lips embrace juicy textures and soft definition
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The 2025 lip look is all about dimension and comfort, with a move away from matte formulas toward more cushiony, hydrated finishes.
Key lip trends:
- "Cushion lips" with hydrated, pillowy textures
- Blurred lip techniques that soften the edges of color
- Liner-and-balm combos that skip traditional lipstick entirely
- Tulip pink and berry tones as the statement colors of choice
- '90s-inspired lip liner paired with lighter lipstick centers
Try it in Facetune: The lip color tool in Facetune can be adjusted for intensity. Try applying a deeper shade as your "liner" around the edges, then fill the center with a lighter shade and use the blur tool to soften the edges for that perfectly diffused look.
Mocha mousse dominates the color palette
Named Pantone's 2025 color of the year, mocha mousse has influenced everything from eye shadow to bronzer. This warm, neutral brown shade works across skin tones and makeup categories.
How to incorporate it:
- Use as a soft wash of shadow across eyelids
- Try mocha-toned bronzer for subtle face definition
- Experiment with mocha lips for a sophisticated neutral
- Pair with other earthy tones for a cohesive monochromatic look
Try it in Facetune: Search for mocha tones in the eyeshadow, bronzer, and lip color selections. The beauty of this versatile shade is that you can apply it across multiple features for a coordinated look.
Unexpected pops of pastel and cherry
While neutrals dominate many looks, 2025 also embraces moments of vibrant color, particularly in pastel tones and cherry red.
How to incorporate color:
- Try pastel eye shadow as a sheer wash or inner corner highlight
- Experiment with cherry-coded lips and cheeks (Pinterest's color of the year)
- Use butter yellow as an unexpected accent color on eyes or nails
- Consider soft lilac or violet blush for an ethereal effect
Try it in Facetune: In the Discover feed, search for pastel makeup looks that you can apply with one tap. These curated looks often feature the perfect balance of neutral bases with strategic color placement.
The return of '90s elements with modern twists
Several '90s beauty elements are making a comeback, but with contemporary updates:
- Thin, more defined brows (though not as extreme as the original '90s version)
- Lip liner paired with gloss instead of matte lipstick
- Cool-toned eyeshadows in silver and icy blues
- Subtle body shimmer replacing chunky glitter
Try it in Facetune: Browse the Discover feed for '90s-inspired looks, which will apply all these elements in harmony. You can then customize by adjusting individual features to make the look more subtle or bold depending on your preference.
How to experiment with 2025 trends using Facetune
Before committing to any new makeup trend, Facetune offers the perfect way to experiment risk-free:
- Individual tools approach: Use the makeup editor's individual tools to try specific elements like blush placement, lip colors, or eyeshadow effects one at a time.
- Discover feed approach: For a more comprehensive transformation, browse the Discover feed where you can find complete looks categorized by style, season, or trend. With one tap, you can apply an entire 2025-trendy makeup look.
- Mix and match: After trying a complete look from Discover, use individual tools to customize – maybe tone down the blush intensity or change the lip color to better suit your preferences.
- Save multiple versions: Create and save different versions of your favorite 2025 trends to compare side by side, helping you decide which elements you want to incorporate into your real-life routine.
- Show your makeup artist: When you find virtual looks you love, save the images to show your makeup artist as a reference for your next special event or makeover.
The beauty of these 2025 makeup trends is their versatility – you can go all-in with statement elements or subtly incorporate just one or two aspects into your existing routine.
Whether you prefer the buttery skin with minimal eye makeup or want to experiment with bold blush placement and '90s-inspired lips, there's a trend that will enhance your personal style.
Remember that makeup is ultimately about self-expression, so use these trends as inspiration rather than strict rules.
Facetune allows you to play and discover which 2025 makeup vibes truly resonate with you before making any changes to your beauty routine.
