We say this every year, but 2023 had a ton of great (and not-so-great) beauty trends. Whether you experimented with skin flooding, enjoyed ‘quiet luxury’ nails or tried cloud skin makeup, there are plenty of trends that defined the year. Some of them worked out for us. Others not so much. As we look ahead to a new year, we had 13 hairstylists, skincare experts and nail artists share the beauty trends they’re leaving behind in 2023—plus, all the latest looks and techniques they’re predicting will be huge in 2024.
14 Beauty Trends We’re Leaving Behind in 2024 (And What to Try Instead)
According to hairstylists, skincare experts and nail artists
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Meet the Experts
- Zola Ganzorigt is a celebrity manicurist based in Los Angeles and a brand global ambassador for OPI. She specializes in a variety of nail designs from minimal manicures to bold nail art looks. Her previous clients include Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney and Christina Aguilera. She recently teamed up with Häagen-Dazs and created her own nail box for the holidays.
- Priscilla Nguyen is a nail artist and brand educator for Aprés Nail, a nail care brand that offers Gel-X extensions, gel nail polish and nail art tools. She specializes in vibrant designs for all nail lengths and works closely with the brand to develop new products for customers and clients.
- Juli Russell is a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. She specializes in trendy nail looks, intricate nail art and educating others on nail care.
- Rachel Apfel Glass is the founder of GLOSSLAB, a membership-based nail studio in various locations across the country with celebrity clients like Jennifer Garner and Neil Patrick Harris. Glass has over five years of experience working in the nail space and ten years of experience in business/fundraising, which led to opening the studio in 2018.
- Alyssia Dotson is a hairstylist and lead stylist for the Alterna’s Haircare Creative Team. She has over 20 years of experience with skills in haircutting, hairstyling, retail and sales. As a lead stylist, her work has been shown at New York Fashion Week, photo shoots and in her very own salon in Dallas.
- Marilisa Sears is a celebrity hairstylist and artistic director for Marc Anthony Hair Care. Her work has been featured in editorial shoots, fashion shows and television. Her previous clients include Meg Donnelly, Keanu Reeves and Laura Dern.
- Brendnetta Ashley is a curly hair and textured hair expert and brand ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional. She has 17 years of experience, specializing in balayage treatments, protective hairstyles, vivid coloring and textured hair. She has several awards in editorial, creativity and hair cutting/styling.
- Ciara Imani May is founder and CEO of Rebundle, a hair brand that offers synthetic hair, especially for those with sensitive scalps. She has four years of experience in the industry, and an extensive background in business administration, customer service and entrepreneurship. She was also one of Inc.’s Female Founders 100 in 2021.
- Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for Sexy Hair. She has decades of experience in the industry, working on brand campaigns and launching her very own accessories collection, PSxDanielle. Her previous clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Hailey Bieber, Mariah Carey and Hailee Steinfield.
- Erika La’Pearl is a celebrity makeup artist based in Miami, Florida. She has seven years of experience, where her work has been featured in editorial, award shows and brand collaborations. She works exclusively with artist Cardi B.
- David Birdwell is a celebrity makeup artist and executive director of global education and artistry for BUXOM Cosmetics. He has more than 25 years of experience in the beauty space. His previous clients include Jordyn Woods and Pritika Swarup.
- Jenny Patinkin is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin. She’s also a bestselling author of Lazy Perfection, The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying. Her work has been featured in editorial, television and digital media.
- Sarah Akram is a master celebrity esthetician and founder of Sarah Akram Skincare. She specializes in customized skincare treatments for celebrities and clients in Virginia. Her previous clients include Angela Bassett, Mindy Kaling, Kate Walsh, Stephanie Hsu, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more.
Nails
1. Out: Aura Nails // In: Minimalist Nails
Aura Nails first popped up around 2021 and has continued to be a popular look for many. However, one manicurist believes this design will fizzle out in favor of more minimalistic manicures in 2024. “I see people leaning towards simpler nails or modern French designs and ‘Aura Nails’ aren’t very DIY friendly,” says Ganzorigt. She adds, “I think we’ll be seeing a major shift next year towards more home manicure sets that support easier techniques that people can actually do themselves.”
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2. Out: Matte Nails // In: Glossy 3D Nail Art
In 2022, we predicted matte nails were no more and we stand by that claim. While glossy manicures are here to stay, we’re taking them up a notch with more 3D nail art (like blob nails) in the new year. “Matte nails provide a simple and sophisticated look, but this trend can lack the dynamism and experimental canvas that is becoming increasingly favored in the nail art community,” says Nguyen. “In 2024, we’re going to lean towards more vibrant, eye-catching designs that matte finishes just can’t deliver. 3D nail art offers a literal new dimension and involves creating raised designs on nails with shapes, patterns and even mini sculptures.”
3. Out: Sheer Glazed // In: Frosted Bolds
The beloved nail trend popularized by Hailey Bieber is taking a backseat come January. “‘Glazed Donut’ nails took the world by storm. While we won’t completely leave this trend behind, we are switching out of the sheer base for something bolder now,” shares Russell. Instead of the traditional white or light pink base, the nail artist predicts warm browns will be a fan favorite. To achieve the look, Russell suggests applying a caramel shade as a base before applying a chrome powder on top for a frosted effect.
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4. Out: Checkered Nails // In: Colorblocked Nails
Checkered nails are having their last hurrah. “Wavy or straight, black and white or colored, 2023 was the year of checkered nails. The look is retro and modern, but fun and classy. However, it will be fizzling out in the new year,” says Russell. In its place? Colorblocked nails. “This look calls for a curated color palette and it can be worn as a full nail design or as French tips with crisp edges. Colorblocked nails are totally customizable and give you a fun way to incorporate color and design to any manicure.”
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5. Out: Square Nails // In: Round Almond Nails
While there’s a plethora of nail shapes out there, our experts are seeing a favorite among their clients: rounded tips. “Whether short or long, rounded tips are making a huge comeback. In GLOSSLAB, clients are asking less and less for the square nail shape,” says Glass. Luckily, this trend is simple to achieve at home, as all you need is a nail file to get the job done.
Hair
6. Out: Intricate Updos // In: Bouncy Blowouts
Although intricate buns took off this summer, we’re going to see less styling and more carefree looks moving forward. “We’re now embracing ‘Effortless Elegance,’ characterized by bouncy blowouts and the celebration of natural textures like tousled bobs, lobs, layered upswept hair that offer a fresh take on ‘90s hairstyles,” says Dotson. “This move away from elaborate hairstyles is a response to how over-styling can increase breakage and cause overall hair damage. Even traditionally structured styles, like finger waves, are being approached with a softer touch.” As a result, Dotston believes we’re shifting towards using less heat tools and trying more air drying techniques in 2024.
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7. Out: Chunky Highlights // In: Babylights
We’ve already started stepping away from money piece highlights, so it’s no surprise that chunky highlights are on their way out next. “The upkeep is not worth the funds. If you don’t completely cover chunky highlights when they begin to grow out, they will get brassier as time goes on. Instead, we’re leaning towards a more elevated and natural finish in 2024,” says Sears. The stylist predicts babylights will make their triumphant return. The process involves weaving extremely fine highlights throughout your hair to create a subtle brightening effect. And according to Sears, the highlights are usually done in tones that are closer to your natural hair color, so you can get fewer touchups.
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8. Out: Blunt Bobs // In: Choppy Bobs
Bobs aren’t going anywhere; however, we have our eyes set on a particular style for the new year. From the ‘box bob’ to the ‘Italian bob,’ we’re asking for choppier iterations of the cut over straight ends. “A blunt bob doesn’t have volume or movement. In 2024, we’re going to see haircuts with more volume like the choppy bob, which has layers and creates more movement,” says Ashley. To style your new cut at home, the stylist suggests applying mousse to damp hair for extra hold and texture before drying it.
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9. Out: Clouding // In: Lived-In Color
We’re all about low-maintenance looks and clouding (a highlighting technique that involves scrunching color into your curls for a multi-dimensional ombré effect) just isn’t cutting it anymore. According to Ashley, we’ll be trying more lived-in, monochrome hair colors in the year ahead. She assures, “Your hair will still make a statement with colors that look more natural and blended instead of being just an accent.”
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10. Out: Waist-Length Braids // In: Braided Bobs
Searching for a new protective style? We predict the braided bob is going to take over in 2024. “Bobs, but specifically braided bobs, are having their moment. They’re great for all hair types and can be styled in a variety of ways,” says May. The expert suggests chatting with your stylist to find a bob length that flatters your face shape. She adds, “If you want it to be chin-length, consider leaving the ends unfinished for a gentle flip, or extend them to shoulder-length for a chic lob.”
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Makeup
11. Out: Mega Lashes // In: Wispy Lashes
Whether you like applying falsies or prefer using mascara, fluffy lashes are here to stay. We’re just lightening things up in 2024. “Big, thick lashes are so 2023. They can be too heavy for the eyelids, making them extremely uncomfortable and can take away from your natural eye shape,” shares La’Pearl. “In 2024, we’re trying wispy angel lashes. They offer a fine, feathery look that makes your eyes pop, while still looking natural.” Tip: Use individual lashes or smaller clusters instead of full strips for an even more natural look that’s easier to customize to your eye shape.
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12. Out: Clean Girl Aesthetic // In: Party Girl Vibes
The ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ was all about keeping things minimalistic with our makeup. But according to Birdwell, we can expect a major shift towards more color, glitter and abstract looks next year. “With the revival of the club scene and emphasis on self-expression, it’s going to be all about the ‘Party Girl Aesthetic’ in 2024,” he says. “We’ll see lots of graphic eyeliner looks and playful colors on the lips, as well as glittery, multichromatic finishes and creamy textures for luminous skin.”
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13. Out: Barbiecore // In: Tomato Girl Makeup
There’s no denying that 2023 was the year of Barbiecore and sweet, hyperfeminine pink looks were everywhere. But in the year ahead, we’re opting for darker, bolder shades. “We’re going to see more red, which is considered a stronger, fiercer shade,” says Patinkin. From vibrant red lipstick to striking eyeliner, this shade is going to be front and center in 2024.
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Skincare
14. Out: Face Rolling // In: Red Light Therapy
Although Akram is all for face rolling (if you’re using ice globes or cryo sticks), the esthetician believes LED devices are going to become a bigger part of our skincare routines next year. “I think at-home technology [for the skin] continues to get better. I think we’ll see more microcurrent, LED and sonophoresis (aka ultrasound therapy) being used,” says Akram.
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