The top beauty trends to have on your radar

31 March 2025 | By Leila Petersen

Looking to shake up your beauty routine? There are plenty of new trends making a splash this year.

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From moodier makeup shades to a more minimalist approach to makeup and skincare, we've rounded up what we think will be the top beauty trends this year, including the products we'll be using and the colours we'll see everywhere.

Soft contour

It's time to say goodbye to heavy bronzers and highlighters. This year, the focus shifts to enhancing your features rather than reshaping them. In 2025, contour is all about softness and simplicity. No more complicated layers - just a gentle swipe of bronzer or blush along the temples, jawline, and cheekbones. Think creamy bronzing sticks or lightweight powders that blend seamlessly, enhancing your natural bone structure with ease and giving a fresh, glowing finish.

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• Essence Baby Got Bronze Bronzing Stick 10 Cinnamon Spice
• MUA Bronzed Cream Bronzer Mocha
• Catrice Magic Shaper Contour & Glow Stick

A Mocha Mousse moment

Pantone named Mocha Mousse as their 2025 Colour of the Year, which means we can expect to see this colour palette splashed on everything from fashion to home décor and, of course, beauty! Described as 'a warming, brown hue imbued with richness,' this sumptuous shade evokes visions of decadent chocolate and creamy coffee lattes. Warm, elegant, and undeniably inviting, Mocha Mousse strikes the perfect balance between timeless sophistication and modern appeal, making it an ideal choice for beauty. The best part? This universally flattering shade blends seamlessly with all skin tones, adding a touch of grounded warmth to the face, nails, and even hair.

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• Catrice Eyeshadow Palette Hot Mocca
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick Rich Cocoa
• Sorbet Long Wear Nail Polish Midnight Kiss

Juicy lips

Matte lips are taking a backseat and being replaced by glossy, balmy textures. This look is all about hydration, comfort and shine - giving lips a full look that perfectly complements dewy skin and soft makeup. Think of hydrating tints and glossy finishes that feel just as good as they look.

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• L'Oreal Paris Glow Paradise Balm In Lipstick 112 Pastel Exhaltation
• Catrice Melt & Shine Juicy Lip Balm 010 Shell Yeah!
• Essence The Super Balm Gloss Lip Treatment 01 Balmazing

Back to basics

In 2025, minimalist beauty takes centre stage, replacing complex routines with simple, effective skincare and makeup. The 10-step skincare routine is no longer the go-to. This year, focus on a streamlined regimen that delivers results without the extra steps. Think minimal effort, and maximum glow, with multi-tasking products filled with nourishing ingredients, that hydrate, protect, and treat in one go, for skin that looks fresh and radiant. As for makeup, try tinted coverage that covers and protects, creamy concealers and lip and cheek balms that are all able to tackle multiple concerns and beauty looks within one formula.

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• The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50
• Sorbet Even Effect 3 In 1 Cleanser
• Stila Trifecta Metallica Lip, Eye & Cheek Stick Kitten

Lighten up

Say goodbye to full-coverage foundations - flawless faces are taking a backseat as the spotlight shifts to natural skin texture. The focus now is on a fresh, radiant finish that enhances, rather than conceals, your complexion. Enter tinted moisturisers and skin tints: your new skincare heroes. These lightweight, sheer formulas even out skin tone, hydrate, and deliver a natural, dewy glow. Think of them as a no-makeup makeup look, with added skincare benefits like SPF and nourishment.

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• L'Oreal Lumi Glow Lotion
• The Body Shop Second Skin Tint Tan
• Yardley Hydra Tint Foundation

Sustainable beauty

The beauty industry is taking a deep green turn, with an increased focus on sustainability. From eco-friendly packaging to cruelty-free products, consumers are becoming more conscious than ever of the environmental impact of their beauty choices.

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• Good Earth Shea Body Scrub
• The Body Shop Shea Shampoo Bar
• Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balm Ultimate Red

Big on body care

Skin care is no longer just about the face - after all, the face and neck account for just a small portion of our skin’s total surface. The latest body care trend combines luxury and effectiveness, with chic packaging, powerful ingredients such as retinol, and irresistible scents that might even replace your perfume. Whether it’s smoothing rough patches, boosting hydration, or giving your skin a radiant glow, body care is now a key part of your beauty routine.

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• Nivea Luminous 630 Body Oil Serum
• CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream For Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin
• REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum

Cherry on the top

Cherry red is making a major comeback but with a modern twist: a glossy, high-shine finish that feels fresh and vibrant. From the deep, almost-black cherry shades to bright, lively maraschino reds, this versatile hue is set to be a major player in makeup trends. The best part? You are guaranteed to find a shade that complements your skin tone. Whether you're rocking it on your lips or nails, chic cherry shades instantly add a touch of glamour to your beauty look.

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• Essence Blend & Line Eyeshadow And Eyeliner 02 Oh My Ruby
• Smudge Matte Lipstick Bite Me
• MUA Creamy Matte Lipstick Razzleberry

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com