How many 2024 beauty trends have you tried this year?

You may be familiar with the boyfriend shirt trend that has become a modern day staple for all stylish women. Just like the oversized wardrobe basic, this popular makeup technique is borrowed from the boys. Turning our attention towards our partner’s face, this makeup trend uses blush to achieve the rosy cheeks that men often get after their workouts. Makeup artist Larry Yeo points out that it’s not entirely new as there have already been interpretations of this look in the past 20 years across many fashion shows. 

To achieve this look, the blush should be worn on the area that’s just below the higher point of the cheekbone, says makeup artist Larry. “Tap with fingers from the starting point and blend it out with a dome brush (he recommends the 13LY The Round Brush) to soften any harsh edges.” 
As for the rest of the makeup, go easy. Larry suggests pairing the look with softly filled brows and minimal eye makeup such as a thin stroke of eyeliner and swipe of mascara. For the lips, opt for a lip tint in a shade that complements your blush to bring together a fresh and radiant finish. 

Fashion’s “It” girls have been trading in their contact lenses for face-framing, thin-rimmed glasses, reminiscent of those worn by supermodel Gisele Bundchen in the 2006 film, The Devil Wears Prada. With the return of geeky or librarian-core fashion on the runways – recall Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2024 show, where models were dressed in preppy, corporate chic outfits and prescription frames – eyewear evolved from being a practical necessity to one of the hottest fashion trends this year.

Off the runway, Gen-Z style icons Billie Eillish and Bella Hadid have also been sporting the bookish bespectacled look. Beyond complementing any ensemble, these glasses sit perfectly atop your nose bridge, drawing attention to your face (and makeup). 

Since glasses can magnify the entire eye area, makeup Lasalle Lee recommends “opting for formulas, especially powders, that are finely milled so your base doesn’t appear patchy.” 

Dirty smokey eyes and winged liner are some defining elements of this aesthetic and there’s no shying away from the liberal use of makeup. 

Makeup artist Larry Yeo describes this look as an escape from the overworked and over-worn ‘clean girl’ aesthetics, with a shift towards the ultra-excessive, pretend-TV look. “It’s throwing themselves into the presumed 1970s/80s ‘Italian-American look’,” he adds. 

It’s certainly a throwback to the glamorous women from movies such as Scarface or Casino. Think loud and flashy, with bright lips, heavily-lined eyes and just oozing sophistication and confidence.

Here’s a trend we’re not matte about. Earlier this year, glossy, luscious pout made a triumphant return, injecting a refreshing touch of youthfulness into our makeup routines.

Before trying any glossy lip look, prepping your lips is crucial. “Ensuring your lips are smooth without any peeling or dead skin is key. Prior to applying lip colour or gloss, prep with a lip scrub,” advises makeup artist Kat Zhang, who recommends Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.

Don’t forget to slick on some nourishing lip balm too, for some softening, hydrating and smoothing action.

As the name suggests, it reflects a rebellion against the barely-there, clean girl aesthetic. In fashion, it means swapping out candy coloured fits for sultry noir ensembles. On the beauty front, entering your dark feminine era will see you rocking a bold, wine red lipstick or embracing smokey eye makeup.

As a rule of thumb, Jenny Goh, makeup artist at 2AM Makeup Studio, advises focusing on either your eyes or lips to avoid an over-the-top appearance. 

A baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand went viral back in October with her cherub cheeks and sheeny skin.

Giving us proof that she is the ultimate “it” girl, beauty giant Sephora Thailand created a tribute post about makeup products that will help you “blush like a baby hippo”. 

Her incandescent glow was so sought after, it even inspired popular influencers like Mei Pang (@meicrosoft) to create Moo Deng makeup tutorials recreating her signature baby-doll blush and luminous skin. 

Popularised by famous faces like Hollywood actors Sydney Sweeney and Anya Taylor-Joy, the coquette aesthetic is soft, flirty and unabashedly feminine – think pastel hues, dewy finishes and rosy, flushed cheeks. It’s an opportunity to experiment with colours, techniques, textures and bows.