Forget the heavy contouring and matte全覆盖 of past years. In 2024, makeup isn’t about hiding - it’s about highlighting. The look everyone’s chasing isn’t flawless perfection. It’s skin that looks like skin, but better. You’ve probably scrolled past it on Instagram: glowing cheeks, barely-there eyeliner, and lips that look like you just bit into a ripe berry. This isn’t a phase. It’s a shift in how we think about beauty - less product, more presence.
Glass skin is still king - but it’s evolved
"Glass skin" isn’t new, but in 2024, it’s no longer about layering five creams and a filter. Real glass skin means your skin looks hydrated, even, and lit from within - not shiny like you just left the spa. The secret? Hydration first, then minimal coverage.
People are skipping full-coverage foundations and reaching for tinted moisturizers or skin tints with SPF 30 or higher. Brands like Laneige, Cosrx, and Glossier have dominated this space because their products blend like a second skin. A few dots of product blended with a damp sponge, then a touch of cream blush on the apples of the cheeks? That’s the whole routine.
And here’s the twist: people are using less powder. Setting spray? Yes. Powder? Only where you absolutely need it - like the T-zone. The goal is to let your natural oils work with the product to create that fresh, just-woken-up glow.
Bold lips are back - but softer
Remember the dark berry and matte reds of 2022? They’re still around, but now they’re paired with a more relaxed vibe. In 2024, bold lips mean color that looks like it belongs on your lips - not like it was painted on with a brush.
Think cherry reds, muted pinks, and even warm corals with a satin or creamy finish. Brands like Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in "Uncensored" and Rare Beauty’s Liquid Lip in "Bliss" are selling out because they don’t dry out or crack. The trick? Exfoliate your lips the night before and apply a thin layer of balm 10 minutes before putting on color. It keeps the pigment smooth and lasting.
And here’s what’s surprising: people are wearing bold lips with zero eye makeup. No eyeliner. No mascara. Just lips. It’s a quiet power move - letting your mouth do the talking.
Eyeliner is minimalist - and intentional
Thick, winged liner is not gone. But it’s no longer the default. Instead, people are opting for thin, tightlining or just a flick at the outer corner. Some skip liner entirely and use brown shadow instead, smudged lightly along the upper lash line.
There’s been a big rise in using cream liners over pencils or liquids. They blend easier, look more natural, and don’t tug at delicate skin. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Perversion" and Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Liner in "Black" are two favorites because they stay put without smudging.
And yes - the "no-makeup makeup" look includes eyes that look awake, not made-up. A single coat of lengthening mascara, maybe two. No clumps. No drama. Just enough to make your lashes look like they’re doing their job.
Blush is everywhere - and it’s not just on the cheeks
Blush isn’t just for the apples anymore. In 2024, it’s applied on the temples, down the bridge of the nose, and even on the eyelids. This technique - called "blush stacking" - creates a soft, diffused flush that looks like your color came from within.
Cream blushes are winning over powders because they melt into the skin. Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Blush in "Bliss" and Rare Beauty’s Lip & Cheek in "Positive" are top sellers. People are using their fingers to blend, not brushes, because body heat helps the product blend seamlessly.
Even better? You can use the same cream blush for lips and cheeks. It cuts down on clutter and creates a cohesive look. That’s why brands are launching multi-use sticks - one product, three uses. It’s practical, sustainable, and looks natural.
Makeup is becoming a ritual - not a routine
What’s driving these trends isn’t just Instagram. It’s burnout. After years of full-face makeup for Zoom calls, people are tired of looking like they’re in a commercial. They want to feel like themselves - just polished.
There’s a quiet rebellion against the idea that you need to "do your face" every day. Many are choosing to wear makeup only when they want to - not because they feel like they have to. And when they do, it’s simple, intentional, and joyful.
That’s why skincare is now part of the makeup process. People are layering serums under their tinted moisturizer. They’re using vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night. Makeup isn’t the end goal anymore - it’s the final touch on skin that’s already healthy.
What products are actually working?
Here’s what’s selling and why:
- Dewy foundation: Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Foundation and NARS Light Reflecting Foundation - both have light-diffusing pigments that blur imperfections without looking cakey.
- Multi-use cream sticks: Rare Beauty’s Lip & Cheek and Fenty Beauty’s Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush - easy to throw in a bag and apply on the go.
- Hydrating setting sprays: MAC Fix+ and Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist - they don’t set makeup, they refresh it.
- Brown eyeliner: Kaja’s Brow & Liner Pencil in "Brownie" - softer than black, perfect for daytime.
- Clear brow gel: Glossier Boy Brow and Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel - just to hold hairs in place, not to darken them.
These aren’t luxury items. They’re affordable, effective, and designed for real life. You don’t need a full makeup bag. Just a few smart picks.
What’s fading out?
Some trends are quietly disappearing:
- Heavy contouring - no one wants to look like they’re wearing a mask.
- Matte lips without hydration - they look dry, not chic.
- Sparkle glitter eyeshadow - too much for everyday.
- Full coverage foundation - replaced by skin tints and spot concealing.
It’s not that these things are "bad." They just don’t fit the mood of 2024. People aren’t trying to look like celebrities. They’re trying to look like themselves - rested, healthy, and quietly confident.
How to get the look without spending a fortune
You don’t need to buy everything new. Start with what you have:
- Use your moisturizer as a base - skip primer unless your skin is oily.
- Apply a tinted moisturizer with your fingers - less product, more skin.
- Use a cream blush on lips and cheeks - one product, two uses.
- Swipe on a brown pencil along your upper lash line - it opens the eyes without looking made-up.
- Finish with a hydrating mist - it sets everything and gives you that glow.
That’s it. Five steps. No mirror, no tools, no fuss.
The truth? The best makeup in 2024 isn’t the most expensive. It’s the one you actually want to wear - the one that makes you feel like you, not someone else.
Is dewy makeup suitable for oily skin?
Yes, but you need the right products. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic tinted moisturizers with SPF. Set only the T-zone with a light dusting of translucent powder. Avoid heavy creams and opt for water-based formulas. Brands like Neutrogena Hydro Boost and IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free are designed for oily skin and still give that glow.
Can I wear bold lips every day?
Absolutely. The key is choosing the right formula. Creamy or satin finishes last longer without drying out your lips. Avoid matte formulas if you’re wearing them daily - they can cause flaking. Always prep your lips with a gentle scrub and balm the night before. And if you’re heading to work or school, go for a muted berry or rose - it’s bold enough to feel like you, but subtle enough for any setting.
Do I need to buy new makeup for 2024 trends?
No. Most trends rely on how you apply, not what you use. A cream blush you already own can double as lip color. A foundation you’ve had for a year can look fresh if you blend it with your moisturizer. The shift is in technique, not inventory. Use what you have, and focus on layering less, blending more, and letting your skin breathe.
Why is cream makeup so popular now?
Cream products melt into skin instead of sitting on top. They look more natural, blend easily with fingers, and don’t settle into fine lines. They’re also faster to apply - perfect for busy mornings. Plus, they’re less likely to cake or crack. That’s why even pros are switching from powders to creams for everyday looks.
Is the "no-makeup" look still trendy in 2024?
It’s not just trendy - it’s the new normal. People aren’t trying to hide their skin anymore. They’re trying to enhance it. That means using makeup to even out tone, add a hint of color, and highlight features - not to cover up. The goal is to look like you didn’t wear makeup, even if you did. That’s the real win.
Final thought: Less is more - and it feels better
Makeup in 2024 isn’t about transformation. It’s about truth. It’s about waking up, looking in the mirror, and deciding you like what you see - so you add a little something to help it shine. It’s not about keeping up. It’s about feeling like yourself.
And that’s the most beautiful trend of all.
