9 Beauty Trends I'm Leaving Behind In 2025 (Yes, Especially Chunky Highlights)

Glazed nails had their moment since 2022, but Ortega predicts it’s finally out the door in 2025. “As much as we love the signature glazed nail look, we’re going to begin to see more fun chrome looks in 2025,” she shares. “I’ve been experimenting with and seeing a lot of iridescent chrome over cat eye gel polish lately.” If you’re looking for more dimension in your mani, Ortega suggests applying cat-eye gel polish and using a magnet to create a unique look. She adds, “After curing the layer [of polish], apply a no-wipe top coat, cure again and then add an iridescent chrome of your choice. Finish the look off with a shiny top coat and you’ll have some of the coolest nails ever.”

Believe it or not, duck nails have a huge following online. However, the experts believe we’re going to stick to traditional nail shapes (thankfully) and focus more on rocking bold nail art and embellishments instead. “Duck nails were popular, but they never took off. The shape is very inconvenient for daily life and it’s also quite difficult to achieve,” says Wong. “3D nail art is becoming bigger and bigger. Nail designers have found more ways to create extravagant designs.” One look Wong is eyeing come January? Piping nails—aka cake nails—that mimics the icing design using molding gel and a top coat to lock the mani in place. 

Whether you’ve come across French ombré or reverse French tips, the classic manicure received a huge revamp this year. While they will always be a tried-and-true mani, Russell is eyeing mixed textures and finishes for 2025. “While timeless, French tips can feel repetitive and lack personalization that modern nail trends are celebrating,” she says. “People are gravitating towards mixed textures and freehand nail art. Think glossy tip and matte top coat combo, metallic highlights and layered effects (like velvet and chrome).”

Although I saw an uptick in chunky highlights for 2024, Patterson says heavy highlights are taking a backseat next year. “We are saying goodbye to this trend because placing fewer highlights next to deeper, dimensional color enhances the ‘lightening’ effect,” he explains. “This new trend is low-maintenance and budget-friendly, with softer grow-out lines that protect your hair and reduce your salon visits. Overall, it’s perfect for those who want a longer-lasting color.” And if you’re looking to maintain your new look, the hairstylist suggests adding a color-refreshing gloss to your routine as it can "reignite lost shine as you embrace this modern 2025 vibe.” 

According to Bowyer, heavy contours are officially out and natural makeup looks are in. If you’re searching for a more simplified look, the beauty expert predicts ‘90s makeup is going to make a comeback, which I already called it back in September. As Bowyer explains, “‘90s makeup is super fun and goes back to shimmering eyeshadows and lip gloss. Just don’t pluck your brows thin again as that’s the only part of the ‘90s that’s not returning!” Celebs like Zendaya and Margot Robbie have already started bringing this look back and I believe it’s going to get even more popular next year. 

In the beginning of the year, glass skin was everywhere. However, Figueroa projects its slow decline come January in favor of satin skin. “Glass skin was huge, but overly highlighted and ultra shiny skin is too much going into 2025. Instead, satin skin is what everyone is going to be doing next year,” she says. “It’s not completely matte or shiny, but lies right in the middle for a natural glow. It works for so many skin types and even our oily skin girlies can jump on this trend as well!” In order to achieve the next big makeup trend, grab a lightweight foundation that leaves a satin finish like Haus Labs, Giorgio Armani and Chanel. Figueroa recommends a dime-size amount for light coverage before applying setting powder, minimal contour and a cream (or powder) blush. 

Individual lashes made waves this summer and soon a new technique is taking its place in 2025. “The cat-eye lashes lifted the eyes, but it didn’t work on every eye shape. Under-eye lash extensions offer complete customization and are incredibly simple to apply,” says Figueroa. Most notably seen on Blake Lively, you start by applying a light layer of bond adhesive at the base of the lash and working on small sections to create your look. She adds, “Once you fuse the lashes together, finish by adding a thin coat of the adhesive so your lashes can stay in place for a few days.” 

Temple says more non-invasive treatments will lead in 2025. She shares, “While injectables can enhance features, the trend of using derma fillers excessively and exclusively is on the decline as people are seeking more natural and long-term alternatives.” The facialist points out rising trends like pillow faces are becoming more common, which features a puffier appearance due to overusing fillers. To avoid this, Temple believes people will find gentle alternatives in 2025. “People are going to start exploring microcurrent facials, radio frequency, lasers, Gua sha and red light therapy for youthful, lifted and radiant skin without the risks of overusing injectables.” 

OK, my first haircare routine stemmed from mixing up ingredients in my kitchen, but we’ve come a long way in the beauty space, which is why Dr. Liu stresses the importance of healthy scalp care. “While DIY masks and treatments became a lockdown favorite, concerns about hygiene, stability and efficacy have made this trend less appealing. The use of fresh ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda can actually disrupt skin barrier and cause irritation,” she explains. “The emerging trend for 2025 is recognizing the scalp’s integral role in overall skin health and its impact on hair vitality. A balanced scalp promotes healthy hair growth, reduces irritation and prevents common issues like dryness, oiliness and dandruff.” So what’s the key to practicing healthy scalp care in 2025? Adding an exfoliating scalp scrub, a hydrating scalp serum and a cleansing shampoo to wash day.  

Additional Experts

• Nicole Wong is a manicurist and lead nail artist for Mini Luxe. She has been with the company for 10 years, specializing in nail art designs and educating aspiring artists. 
• Juli Russell is a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. She specializes in trendy nail looks and intricate nail art and educates others on nail care via Instagram.
• Dr. Jenny Liu is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a member of the Vichy Derm board. She specializes in various skincare conditions such as acne, hair loss, psoriasis and dry skin. 
• Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She started out as an artist for MAC Cosmetics before becoming a well-renowned makeup artist. Her work has been featured at New York Fashion Week, Miss Universe and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.