9 Timeless Makeup Trends That Experts Say Aren’t Going Anywhere

Glowy Glass Skin

Glowing skin isn’t just a trend or an effect—it’s a sign of a well-prepped, healthy canvas. “Radiant, healthy-looking skin will never go out of style,” says Ngozi Olandu Young, a film and TV makeup artist who’s been in the industry for 20 years. “Whether it’s a red carpet moment or a no-makeup day on set, skin that looks like skin—with just the right glow—always works.” 

Subtle Sculpting

OK, so the days of early 2000s harsh contouring are behind us, but the trend has evolved into something that’s far more wearable and natural. “Using contour on your face to define and lift your face shape is a timeless look,” says Aimee Carr, makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup. “Once you master it, there is no going back because of the confidence it will leave you with. We will always contour maybe with just blush bronzer or cream, but it’s all the same and this trend is here to stay.”

Wispy Lashes

Mascara has been a thing for over a century, and if you ask any makeup lover its invention is right up there with sliced bread. What we’re saying is that defined lashes aren’t going anywhere (even amid trends of ghost lashes and rainbow lashes). 

“Applying mascara to your eyelashes is a must-not miss when applying makeup and a trend that has never gone away,” Carr says. “The trending colors of mascara may change but having thick, long, and defined lashes will always elevate your makeup. It’s one of those final makeup touches that is simple and goes a long way in your overall finished look bringing out those beautiful eyes.” 

Smokey Eye

We’ll always love natural mattes and bold looks, but there’s something timeless about a soft and Smokey eye. Saffron Hughes, makeup artist for False Eyelashes, says she returns to it time and again because of the depth and definition it creates; it’s alluring without being harsh or overdone. 

“My go-to technique is to apply a brown or plum eyeliner close to the lash line, then gently smudge it out with a brush for a diffused, lived-in effect,” she tells us. “You can build up the intensity for evening or keep it subtle for daytime. The key is to apply a little at a time and keep blending before adding more.”

Naturally Defined Brows

Micro brows, bleached brows, fluffy brows, laminated brows. This little detail provides lots of room for experimentation, but the most flattering look will always come back to naturally defined brows. Think Audrey Hepburn, Brooke Shields, and Zendaya. “Brows shape the entire face. No matter how trends shift (through thick or thin) a well-groomed, face-framing brow brings instant polish and balance to any look,” says Young.

Winged Liner

A little winged liner instantly accentuates eyes, lending some makeup drama without feeling over the top. “Whether it’s soft and brown or bold and black, it lifts the eyes and adds definition without needing much else,” says Gen Waring, makeup artist and owner of Waring Makeup. “And there’s a version for just about everyone—flicked up, elongated, smoky, or barely there. Once someone finds the shape that suits their eye, it becomes their go-to for life.”

Classic Red Lips

From iconic actresses from the golden age of Hollywood (like Marilyn and Rita) to modern-day minimalists, a quick swipe of red lipstick has remained the quickest way to elevate any look. Red lipstick transcends trends and seasons, and the wide spectrum of shades available means you can always find the right pick for your event, skin tone, or aesthetic. 

Monochromatic Neutrals

Color trends come and go—butter yellow, cherry red, mocha mousse—but if you want a color scheme that’ll look just as relevant today as it did 20 years ago and 20 years from now, monochromatic neutrals are your best bet. “Using soft, harmonious tones across eyes, cheeks, and lips creates effortless elegance,” Young says. “It’s a subtle way to elevate natural beauty without looking overdone.” 

Sunkissed Skin

A high-quality bronzer applied strategically (and with a light hand) has a way of instantly warming the face. “It gives you that ‘just got back from vacation’ look without needing the plane ticket,” Waring says. “Whether it’s a radiant finish from your base or a sheer wash of bronzer across the high points of the face, it always reads fresh, healthy, and alive.”