Like fashion, beauty trends change with the seasons. While curating a makeup collection that works for your specific skin type and desired everyday look is important, embracing a trend can be a fun way to keep things fresh. Today, Mary Kathryn Hudson, VP of Sales and Marketing at Therapy Systems in Nashville, TN — which encompasses The Cosmetic Market and Private Edition — is giving us the inside scoop on six spring beauty trends she’s excited about this year.
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Trend #1: ’90s Influence
Trends often have a way of coming back around (cargo pants, anyone?), and makeup is no exception. The minimalist makeup look that was popular in the 1990s is defined by a clean, neutral face and color on the lips. To achieve this look, it’s important to use a moisturizer or foundation with a matte/satin finish that matches your skin tone. Then, add a bolder lip liner, a defined brow, and a swipe of a cooler-toned eyeshadow.
“It’s really about perfecting the skin,” says Mary Kathryn. “Start with a skincare focus, then use a satin finish tinted moisturizer and foundation that match your skin tone.”
Looking for products to help you achieve this look? Check out the Therapy Systems Complexion Stick ($40) for foundation, plus the hydrating Legendary Serum Lipstick from RMS Beauty ($35) in moody colors like Monica, Mickey, and Angela.
Trend #2: Espresso-Toned Makeup
Last year, we explored the monochromatic trend, where one cohesive color can be used on lids, cheeks, and lips. While pink tones were popular in 2023, a bronzed look is trending this year. This can be achieved with a chocolate-toned eyeshadow and cheek along with a taupe-hued lip. With this look, lead with a more dramatic eye, but keep the rest of your makeup toned down for an elegant and beautiful finish.
“The look is very monochromatic, which has been trending for a while,” Mary Kathryn adds. “But we’re seeing that in a brown, super wearable look now. It’s not edgy; it’s simple and polished.”
Snag the Therapy Systems Lucky Girl creamy lipstick ($28) paired with a PurePressed Powder Blush in shades Mocha and Dubonnet from Jane Iredale ($32).
Trend #3: Dewy, Radiant Skin
Beauty experts always emphasize quality skincare and non-irritating makeup products to create a clear base for makeup application. A dewy, glowing complexion signals healthy skin — tis can be achieved by using a glowing primer below a skin tint designed to give a lasting glow.
“A skin tint or complexion drops look so natural on the skin, but create a really glowy, radiant look,” Mary Kathryn shares.
Jane Iredale offers a beautiful illuminating primer, the Illuminating Glow Face Primer ($55), designed to lock in moisture, with alternate options including Westman Atelier’s Liquid Super Loaded ($58) and the Hydrating Illuminator from La Mer, carried by Private Edition ($95). Mary Kathryn shares that these glowy primers can be used underneath or layered on top of foundation.
Adding complexion drops or a skin tint ups the ante on a dewy look. Try the Stripped Nude Skin Tint from Kevyn Aucoin ($42), formulated with skin-clearing ingredients, or Vital Complexion Drops from Westman Atelier ($68).
Trend #4: Colorful Lids
While we’ve explored trends that create a natural, cohesive look, pops of color will never go out of style. A colorful lid is trending in 2024, with the market seeing pastel lids and even liners perfect for springtime. Consider adding a swipe of purple, green, or light blue shadow to the lid or opting for a colorful eyeliner to create a playful look. Dot a bold color in the center of the lid (as opposed to pressing it into the crease), then keep the rest of the eyeshadow palette minimal.
“In general, color is trending, but an easy way to wear it is a colorful lid if you want to step outside the box,” Mary Kathryn shares. “The key to making that work is to just do it on the center of the lid.”
To give the colorful lid trend a try this spring, start with the RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow ($28) that comes in playful shades like a silvery mauve called Blaze (the most entry-level option if you’re dabbling in the trend), a vibrant violet shade called Aurora, and a mossy green called Eclipse.
Trend #5: Blush
Blush will never go out of style, but trends in formula and application are ever-changing. Thanks to beauty industry icons like Hailey Beiber and Sophia Richie, many are applying blush higher on the cheekbone to create a lifted look, and also wearing it across the bridge of their nose. Cream blushes are excellent options. They are known to melt into the skin effortlessly but behave best when set with a powder blush on top.
“Blush is central to your makeup routine,” Mary Kathryn adds. “I love a cream blush, but then you can layer a powder on top to set that and keep it in place. If you don’t layer, it won’t stay all day.”
Both peach and pink tones remain popular. Try Therapy Systems Stick Blush ($35) for a smooth and multipurpose application. Other great options are the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks cream blush stick ($48) and the beautiful Tinted Moisturizer Blush from Laura Mercier ($32). Be sure to set your cream blush with a powder on top for all-day wear. Therapy Systems’ Pressed Mineral Blush ($35) is an excellent option.
Trend #6: Glossy Lips
We saw glossy lips beginning to trend in 2023, and it’s only continued to grow in popularity this year. Super glossy lips and lip oils that create a wet look are popular in clear and colorful tints. Look for a gloss option that’ll give you a beautiful, hydrating look with a hint of color.
“Typically, gloss will be a little transparent,” Mary Kathryn shares. “Younger girls are doing super shiny lips without a lot of color, but as we age, we need a little color.”
The Buxom brand, which carries glosses designed to plump the lip, is a popular choice. Snag a bold or neutral shade (or both!) of the Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss for $25, or join the droves of fans of the Tarte Maracuja collection, available in a plumping formula, a balm, shimmer, and more, starting at $24.
“Fashion and makeup can be overwhelming,” adds Mary Kathryn. “In everything we do, there are trends. Think about it like a wardrobe. You have your core basics, then you can add a few trendy things. You’ll invest in certain things you’ll wear year after year, but each season, you’ll add in a couple of things that make it fun.”
Happy Spring!
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