Spring is a time for renewal, for optimism, and in the case of this year’s biggest makeup trends, a time when people are trying to make sense of the world through what they’re putting on their faces. “You could say that the political landscape is influencing this, but there seems to be a need for escape—a need for fantasy when it comes to makeup,” says New York City-based makeup artist Ehlie Luna.
Whether that’s TikTok’s “unapproachable makeup” trend manifesting itself in real life or celebrities returning to the glamour of Old Hollywood, makeup artists are seeing people take a strong point of view in their beauty choices. “People want to have their personality [reflect] more in their makeup,” Luna says.
Personality and fantasy don’t have to mean over-the-top makeup, though; in fact, this spring, makeup artists are finding people are more intentional than ever, “experimenting more and being more adventurous,” says makeup artist Daniel Martin. “But at the end of the day, they don’t want to look like they’re wearing a lot of makeup.”
That means a strong emphasis on skin and defined eyes, and holding off on adding certain elements—the makeup equivalent of fashion’s “take one thing off” rule. “Maybe you’ll have a winged liner but with no mascara, a beautiful blush look without foundation, or the lip liner is there without the lipstick,” says makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. “Maybe you’re not seeing it on the red carpet, but in real life, people are pulling back on products, which is a different approach to how we used to think about makeup.”
As the word “trend” holds less and less weight in this fast-paced, algorithm-based beauty world, makeup in spring 2025 is really about you and what makes you feel good. “The market is saturated with all these incredible products, but then how do you tailor them to your own needs?” says Martin. “It’s about individuality. It’s about taking all these trends that you’re seeing and making it yours, authentically and honestly.” Below, some of the best makeup artists in the business explain how to get started.
Meet the experts:
- Ehlie Luna is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Daniel Martin is a makeup artist based in New York City and the global director of artistry for Tatcha.
- Carissa Ferreri is a makeup artist based in Los Angeles and Barcelona.
- Tyron Machhausen is a New York City-based makeup artist and Chanel Beauty ambassador.
- Peter Philips is a Paris-based makeup artist and creative and image director for Dior Makeup.
- Neil Scibelli is a makeup artist based in New York City.
- Jo Baker is an LA-based makeup artist and founder of Bake Up Beauty.
- Jessica Trieber is the vice president of brands at Credo Beauty in New York City.
- Lisa Eldridge is a London-based makeup artist and founder of Lisa Eldridge Beauty.
- Romy Soleimani is a makeup artist based in New York City.
Early Aughts Pastels
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Pastels, one of the biggest trends of the early 2000s, is back on the runway, red carpet, and makeup shelves (Dior and Chanel’s spring beauty collections are dedicated to these delicate hues). Muted hues on eyes, cheeks, and lips offer a playful yet refined burst of color, says makeup artist Tyron Machhausen, “yet they never feel too intense, making them perfect even for a more minimalist look.”
