
The biggest makeup trends for 2022, according to top makeup artists
We’re calling it, 2022 is going to be a big year for makeup. Already we’ve seen an explosion of experimental trends from graphic liner and offbeat eyeshadow shades to Y2K glossy lips and XXL fluffy brows, but in the months ahead these looks will be honed, deconstructed and personalised. We spoke to top makeup artists to get their take on which trends to keep an eye out for if you want a jumpstart on the makeup that will be headlining. Here’s what they had to say…
Soft skin
“We’ve really started to soften up skin when it comes to foundation,” notes celeb makeup artist Ash Kholm (who counts Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian and Madelyn Cline as clients). “I think that’s an element that will continue to flourish,” she says. Her prediction? A focus on “lightweight glowing skin products that are breathable. Especially since face masks won’t be going anywhere.” To achieve this, Ash recommends cream or liquid formulas like cream blush and liquid highlighters blended into a super lightweight base. You can even skip foundation and stick with concealer just where you need it, or mix your regular foundation with moisturiser to sheer it out. “The more skin can breath, the better she adds.
Mali Thomas, top makeup artist and founder of Mali Magic Studios agrees. “Foundation trends will be more reflective and luminous making you feel instantly revived,” she predicts. “They will feel and look as though they have a built-in highlighter and illuminator.”
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Negative space eyeliner
“We’ve seen the revolution of impressive graphic neon eyeliner, but this year’s revival will be aided by fresh and flawless skin,” says Mali. “Negative space liner is the cherry on top as it invites more room for you to play and easily clean up mistakes as opposed to eyeliner traditionally drawn closely above the eyelash line,” she adds.
“Eyes have been and will continue to be a very creative way to express yourself,” agrees Ash. “I’m all for experimenting with eyeliner shapes to create a bold or subtle graphic eye.”
Detailed brows
“Brows are a beauty trademark,” says Mali, admitting that brow trends have been through a lot (drastically dark pencilled brown, thin brows etc). This year though, Mali predicts detailed brows will be the next phenomenon. “To achieve this look, the application is mastered with a brow pencil, then accentuated with a brow pen for a defined and fuller appearance,” she explains. “I absolutely love this technique because it can both restore and enhance any brow situation.”
Contoured lips
“The contoured lip trend won’t be going anywhere,” calls Ash. But to keep it modern, she recommends a moisturising satin lipstick finish over anything too matte. “Buxom Cosmetics full on plumping lip liners create the perfect contoured pout as well as their full force plumping nude lip collection,” she recommends.
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Fluffy laminated brows
“Fluffy laminated brows will continue to thrive in 2022,” predicts Ash. “The bushier the better to be on trend,” she adds. And, if you want in on creating the look, Ash recommends Anastasia Beverly Hill’s brow freeze and brow line. “They’re a staple when it comes to the laminated look,” she explains. “The brow freeze also thickens the hair so it’s easier to make hair like brow strokes.”
Blush draping
When it comes to your blush, “don’t be afraid to try new things with your blush placement,” says Mali. “Applying blush to fun places like the temples and the upper cheek bone will become commonplace,” she says. “I think it’s safe to say that we will be seeing a lot of blush draping in spring 2022,” agrees Ash. “It’s the perfect time to start playing with warm blush shades again that subtly drape into the temples and crease of eyes,” she adds. The trend also comes with a major bonus. “The best thing about the blush resurgence is that it has the power to create a natural lift alongside fresh looking skin, and a contour illusion that can instantly boost your confidence,” explains Mali.
Diffused lips
Lip trends will be a game of two halves depending on mood. On one hand, we’re seeing a rise in glam maximalism, but for low-key days cute minimalist looks will take the lead. “Diffused lips will be everywhere,” predicts Mali. “Inspired by Asian culture, the look features soft stains that concentrate the colour in the centre of the lip, and less towards the edges,” she explains. “This provides a natural, stained effect that looks effortless.”
Double wing eyeliner
Another liner trend that’s gaining momentum are double wings. The accessible detail “makes it easier to achieve an effortless makeup look,” says Mali. “You don’t have to be a makeup artisan or overachiever to adopt it,” she explains. Plus, it suits everyone. “The double winged eyeliner comes in many styles and suits every eye shape,” confirms Mali.
Glazed lips
In case you hadn’t noticed, “lip gloss has made a comeback,” says Mali. “While clear, shiny gloss has a staying power all on its own, it has been featured with lip liner and glazed over lipsticks,” she says. Going forward, we’ll continue to create makeup looks that pay homage to the noughties era. “Reference the early 2000s for inspiration to gloss up those lips,” she says.
According to Glamour UK