Last but not least, spring is on the way. After what may be the longest winter ever, it's time to pack away those cozy layers and muted color palettes and step into the sun. Trust me – things are looking good. It's not just our closets that embrace a bright also seasonal shift. While I often conflict with beauty trends – I prefer a year-round approach to skincare staples and proven products instead – I definitely take a more playful approach to makeup and hair care for spring. After all, when the days are brighter in all your senses, what better time to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy a little beauty experimentation?
Previously, I spoke to makeup, skin care, hair, and nail experts to help narrow down the beauty trends that will be everywhere this spring. From rainbow color palettes and shiny skin to circuit breakers and pastel nails, these are the trends that will look just as good on your Instagram feed as they do in real life.
Keep scrolling to see the 12 biggest beauty trends for spring 2021.
After a dark and dreary winter, I am pleased that the experts I spoke to were unanimous on one thing: the color is making a comeback in spring 2021. Yes, we emerge from the darkness into a kaleidoscope of rainbow lights and poppy seed pastels. "There's something very optimistic about this season," says Dominic Skinner, global senior artist at MAC. "Retro pastels are making a comeback, but with a modern vibrancy that is both incredibly chic and fun. Purples, lilacs, blues and aquas playfully pop against peaches and corals. It's Guy Bourdin who meets the summer of love. " "Spring signals the beginning of the blooming of colors. This year it will be no different in the world of makeup," agrees Nicholas Lujan, director of arts and education at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. "Colors like pink, yellow, and blue will be big on eyes and lips this spring and roll into summer."
Adding color to your makeup bag is admittedly fun, but it can feel a bit overwhelming if you're used to a more reserved approach to beauty. So if you're looking for the best place to start, pinks and reds are a good place to start, and they look beautiful on all skin tones. "I am currently using a lot of watermelon and raspberry tones on my lips, cheeks and eyes," says Kay Montano, a makeup artist at Chanel. "I love the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême in Eclosion. It's not red; it's not tangerine. It's the most beautiful shade in the middle, a rich watermelon."
With face mask wear going into the spring of 2021, it's no surprise that long-lasting makeup formulations are high on consumers' wish lists. The obvious choice for products that stay put? Matte textures. Yes, lackluster formulas previously reserved for winter will be everywhere this spring – but with a twist. "Matte textures aren't leaving us just yet, but the term 'modern matte' is mentioned much more frequently," explains Skinner. "Traditionally, 'matt' has the idea of being flat, heavy and dry, but modern mats are more portable, lighter and more conditioning."
"I also love velvet textures on my lips," says Montano. To make your look feel fresh in the spring, you need to mix and match your makeup surfaces for modern results. "Velvet lips, moist cheeks and satin eyes," advises Montano.
While we're focusing on velvet matte lip products for the coming season, we can assume that base products are geared towards the glow for spring, since glowing, healthy-looking skin is right where it is. "Spring 2021 is just around the corner and moist, natural skin is here," confirms Nicole Faulkner, director of global art at Morphe. "Let those freckles shine through and embrace your natural glow with a water-based, clear foundation. Pro tip: If you're on the oily side, use a translucent powder in your T-zone to help absorb oils."
Hybrid foundations with skin care benefits will be on trend as consumers really try to achieve a moist skin look with a combination of coverage and skin-friendly ingredients. Neil Young, Makeup Ambassador for Givenchy UK, recommends applying your base product "with your fingers rather than a brush" for a natural-looking, healthy skin finish. "The warmth of your fingers helps melt all of the ingredients in the formula into your skin so your complexion is glowing," he adds.
Oversized fringes are expected to be one of the biggest hair trends for Spring / Summer 2021, but it's the softer, wisper take on the trend that everyone will step into first. "I think the curtain will stay this spring," predicts Chris Appleton, Global Wows Creative Director. "They're much softer than full-length bangs and are an easy way to give hair a fresh look without having to overstyle it."
"To style, take the bang of the hair and spray it with a hair volumizer like Color Wow's Raise the Root," explains Appleton. "Use a medium-sized round brush to wrap hair around the brush, away from your face. Beat the hair dryer for 10 to 20 seconds and let go."
Not all of spring's biggest hair trends have to involve chopping a new pony. It turns out that a quick change of your parting from the center to the side will instantly keep your strands ready for the season to come. "We saw a lot of returned side parting in the Spring / Summer 2021 shows, especially at Chanel and Miu Miu, so I can see this is becoming a popular style this spring," said George Northwood, prominent hairdresser and founder of Undone . "I've always been a big believer in this style, and while it can be a pretty editorial look at first, there are some simple tips and tricks to make it a bit more of an everyday style."
“If you don't normally part your hair in a side part, you may need to curl it slightly into place,” advises Northwood. "You can do this with a blow dryer. When you've parted your hair, use the heat to bring your new part almost in place."
Unsurprisingly, given the amount of time we spend outside of our hairdressers, one of the biggest hair trends for spring is focusing on hair health again. Detox and protection products are high on our shopping list. "I have a feeling that spring will be the chance for us to reinvent our lockdown dull hair," says Northwood. "I keep hearing women complain that their hair feels greasy and heavy. They have most likely over-eaten heavier products like hair masks when their hair didn't need that much maintenance. This means that over time, their hair won't more so much maintenance is needed. " has an intense accumulation of products that weighs it down. "
To counteract the heaviness of the hair, look for clarifying or detoxifying shampoo formulas that wash away buildup and result in light, airy strands. When your hair needs a little more nourishment, look for treatments and masks that are specifically designed to penetrate the hair shaft and repair damage from the inside, rather than coating the hair with unwanted residue.
Stress is fast becoming one of the biggest antagonists of our overall skin health in 2021, the effects of which can be attributed to everything from adult acne to eczema. The solution? Slow beauty routines, gentle formulations, and specialized treatments to precisely address skin problems. "It's not all masculine. Stress can lead to flare-ups of eczema, rosacea, and rashes, as well as breakouts and general skin sensitivity and irritation," said Tiffany Salmon, founder of Glow Hub. "With the stress of all people at an all-time high, soothing, calming and stress-free ingredients for the skin and mind will be the focus."
"We learned from 2020 that there is no single solution [to skin]"Explains Ziad Halub, Head of Global Training at Patchology." For spring, everyone will want a targeted solution on hand. For me – and those flawed like me – it's Patchology's The Good Fight Mini Mask for fighting maskne and unforeseen breakouts. "
One of the most decadent springtime beauty trends has got to be the surge in consumers investing in luxury skin care tools. With salon closings in the US and abroad still having an impact, we're looking for ways to restore that salon-standard experience domestically. "We're very adept at what we put on our bathroom shelves, not just for cost, but also for results. We expect more from the items we want to invest in," said Chris Luckham, Head of Education for Foreo UK and Ireland. "I think multitasking tools will be the focus of everyone this year. In short, home tools are just … the next best thing to in-salon treatments. So they're a great way to keep your skin healthy, while we Either I can't go to the salon or I'm too busy. "
But are some of the trending triple-digit priced skin care tools this spring's hip skin care tools really worth? After all, many skin experts tout the benefits of good cleansing with a flannel or muslin cloth, and I agree that basic is best. "As with anything, consistency is key, so it's important to use these devices a few times a week for the best results," says Luckham. Yes, they're expensive, but if you want to treat yourself to something this spring, these high-tech tools can take your routine to the next level.
There is one skin care product that reappears around the same time that spring daffodils start to bloom each year: facial mist. And 2021 is no different. A facial mist is a welcome addition to our spring skincare routines that is filled with ingredients that boost glow, lift mood, and generally feel comfortable.
"It's my current lockdown must-have," says Salmon. "There's one in my bathroom closet and one that is tossed in every pocket for fogging on the go. Who doesn't feel instantly refreshed and lifted after a brief splash of glowing facial mist?"
Much like our makeup bags, our nails will take on color this spring, with fresh, bright pastel colors topping the list. "Think mint pastels and yellows inspired by Pantone's Illuminating Color of the Year," says Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne.
When it comes to the finish, it's all about shiny formulas and a mix-and-match approach to nail art. "Metallic undertones create an appearance and mismatched nail colors – along with natural, beautiful classic manicures," predicts Ramlov.
For a lower-maintenance approach to wearing paint on your nails, try just painting the tips a more vibrant shade. "Multi-colored French nail tips are going to be a big trend for brightening up your neutral and natural hues," explains Carla Opoku, founder of Cienna Rose. "This is a beautiful remake of a classic we're all familiar with, and it's a really easy way to add a pop of color to your mani."
"Just apply your preferred natural base tone, then add a thin line of your chosen color to the top of your nail," explains Opoku.
We can't talk about nail trends without talking about our hands. The general consensus among nail and skin experts? Our hands are a little overdue in 2021. "With the increasing use of disinfectants, you can learn more about hand care this year," explains Ramlov. "With nail salons [currently] closed, we have to work harder to maintain our hands and nails. "
Opoku recommends viewing hand care as "the new self care". This means more natural repair and rejuvenation of hand, nail and cuticle products, including nail polishes with added benefits.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Next up, Nordstrom is currently a 2021 beauty trends gold mine – this is what I would buy
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