2024 was a year for beauty. High contrast-low contrast makeup, sunset blush, mob wife aesthetics and so many more trends inundated our FYPs but now, with 2025 on the horizon, the best of '24 may seem like nothing but a balmy haze – between the memories of Moo Deng (yes, I've got butterflies 🥰 🦛) and Brat summer, ofc. Hashtag long live cutesy, animal-inspired complexions!
However, as with every year, season and (now, thanks to TikTok) day, new looks await their viral moment. Natch.
So, to get ahead and tap into the next best thing, Cosmopolitan UK consulted three of the UK's leading makeup experts. Below, beauty educator and founder of South Asian Beauty Collective, Aarti P, Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup, Sara Wren, and the geniuses behind the Pinterest algorithm all predict what makeup trends to expect in 2025. Spoiler: It's set to be a good'un, so, buckle up...
Blurring powder blush
Cream complexion products – particularly cream and liquid blushes – have been all the rage these past few years. But according to Aarti, we're diverting back to powder blush in 2025 [dun, dun, dunnnnn]. But TBH, I'm all for it!
Aarti says: "A modern powder blush with a soft-focus, and blurring effect that blends effortlessly into the skin is what we'll all be seeking come 2025. These finely milled, buildable formulas diffuse imperfections and deliver an airbrushed, second-skin finish.
"This trend combines the ease of powder application with a seamless, natural glow, making it perfect for everyday wear and bridal looks alike. It's flattering on everyone but especially South Asian women, deeper complexions and those with olive undertones as it adds a beautiful warmth and dimension."
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Flushed Blurring Balm Powder
& Other Stories Powder Blush
Statement shimmers
Keep scrolling and you'll see that shimmer trends are set to be big in 2025. Aarti hints the bolder, the better. Think: Metallic lids, reflective inner corners and strategic shimmer accents that add drama and luxury to the eyes.
Aarti says: "Shimmering eyeshadows and highlighters that embrace glam and self-expression are a trend to note.
"This trend celebrates creativity while remaining universally flattering. Shades like gold, bronze and iridescent pink enhance deeper skin tones beautifully and work for both festive occasions and wedding season."
ICONIC London Prep-Set-Glow Mini - Original
Makeup Revolution Cheek Kit, Face Bronzer & Highlighter Palette
Monochrome metallics
Monochrome metallics celebrate bold yet elegant beauty; it's a versatile and transitional day-to-night trend. Rock the following during the day and amp it up with a lip refresh at night.
Aarti says: "Use a single metallic shade such as copper, gold or rose gold used across the eyes, cheeks and lips for a cohesive, statement look. This trend feels luxurious yet modern, elevating makeup with a polished finish. It's particularly beautiful for South Asian bridal or festive looks."
Maybelline Hyper Precise All Day Liner - Matte Black
Mocha muse
Meet latté and espresso makeup's big sister, mocha muse. Courtesy of Pantone's Colour of the Year, Sara predicts that mocha-toned looks will be a big hit in the 2025 beauty community.
Sara says: "With Pantone announcing their 'Colour of the Year' as 'mocha mousse', we can expect to see references to our most comforting small treats – like a hot coffee or a piece of chocolate – show up in 2025 beauty trends. The richness and neutrality of this shade really lends itself to the beauty space.
"In 2024 we saw minimal eye looks through a 90s-inspired cool-toned lens and I think this trend will only continue to rise. With more shades of bronzers and sculpting products than ever, we are able to create our own mocha mousse moments. Try using bronzer as a rich eye shadow and a sculpting stick for a cool-toned lip. Switch to a soft brown eyeliner instead of black for a “relaxed elegance” as Pantone would say."
Texture play
Makeup can be fun and experimental – and nothing says fun and experimental like texture play. We're hoping to see more of this throughout the year, so, prepare to get messy...
Sara says: "It’s hard to reinvent the wheel but Milk Makeup’s hit product of 2024 Cooling Water Jelly Tint did just that. This long-lasting jelly blush and lip stain bounced onto the beauty scene with a much-needed 'return to play' approach.
"A juicy jelly proves that we are craving new textures, technologies and wearability in 2025."
MAC Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick
MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint - Lip + Cheek Blush Stain
Boho but better
We've all been there – the morning after the night before and yesterday's makeup has mysteriously transformed into something... quite effortlessly cool. We're bringing 2010s festival makeup back and it's more 'accidentally chic' than ever.
Sara says: "When Pati Dubroff was creating iconic bohemian looks for the Olsen twins in 2000, I doubt she thought we would still be obsessed with them in 2025. But we very much are.
"A dewy hydrated complexion, smudged-out eyeliner, minimal mascara and a super glossy nude lip are the hallmarks of this look. Try using Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray to create the lived-in (but long-wearing) natural skin and KUSH High Roll Mascara for separated, defined and volumised lashes."
MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray
Aura beauty
Like Aarti's statement shimmer prediction, Pinterest Predicts – the platform's annual trend forecast – shines a light on aura beauty for 2025. We're talking new-wave makeup with pastel tones, diffused colours and a lot of ethereal experimentation.
Pinterest says: "2025 will be the year of the make-up mood ring. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this high-hue look that’s all about zeroing in on a colour aesthetic and flaunting it from chin to cheek. Find your aura, wear it with confidence and consider yourself dipped in vibes all day long."
Made By Mitchell Blursh Lights - Liquid Highlighter
Sea Witchery
Siren eyes may have already had their moment but the trend is far from over. Pinterest predicts a follow-up to the OG beauty look with a complete sea-inspired cosmetics makeover.
Pinterest says: "POV: You’re in your sea witch era. And it’s so much more than seashells and starfish. In 2025, Gen Z and Millennials will dive head-first into sultry siren make-up, wet wavy hair and moody mermaid manicures from first light to moonlight."
Byredo Eyeshadow Palette
Goddess complex
Feminine power is a softer, more intuitive concept and we're channelling those positive emotional qualities through the power of regal makeup. Goddess complex, you're a winner, bby.
Pinterest says: "Mood: You know your worth in gold. In 2025, Boomers and Gen X will go all in on their feminine power and embrace their divine drip like never before. Everything will be a muse moment, from gold facials and goddess braids to sublime nail designs."
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Glow Moisturiser
VIEVE Skin Nova
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit - Unlocked Evil Eye
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
