Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed an array of beauty trends gaining momentum. From the rise of the clean girl aesthetic to the fascination with donut glaze nails, the beauty landscape has been anything but stagnant. With a plethora of macro and micro trends emerging in the last decade alone, it’s been quite the whirlwind to keep track of. Yet amidst this ever-evolving scene, certain optimum beauty trends have gracefully endured. Today, we’re here to delve into precisely those.
Now, let’s be clear – we’re not advocating for blind adherence to every passing beauty fad. However, there’s undeniably a joy in dabbling with these trends, a sense of liberation in experimentation. After all, what’s the harm? Makeup can be washed away, nails can be changed, and hair can be dyed back to its original state. So, let’s embrace the playful spirit of it all. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next beauty adventure, here’s a curated selection of our favorite trends from the past decade.
Hairstyle Trends
Let’s dive into one of our absolute favorite things to play around with: hairstyles. From cute and romantic braids to charming hair accents, there’s just so much you can do with your hair. Over the past decade, we’ve seen an incredible variety of hairstyles making waves.
Remember back in the early and mid-2010s when comb headband hairstyles were everywhere? We really miss those days. But you know what? Who says you can’t rock a comb headband in 2024? They’re not only super comfy but also great for keeping those pesky baby hairs out of your face, whether you’re hitting the gym or hustling at work. Comb headbands are a classic choice that never really goes out of style.
And let’s not forget about braids – they’ve been a huge trend, in all shapes and sizes! But our personal favorites? Those soft, romantic braided hairstyles. There’s something so effortlessly feminine about a loose braid cascading down your back. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can always spice up your braids with some innovative hair accents. Bonus: they even work great on dirty hair.
Haircuts
If you’re looking to go beyond a simple side braid and want something more striking, why not shake things up with a new haircut? After all, hair grows back, and life is too short not to experiment with different styles. One haircut that’s been gaining popularity in recent years is the short bob, and it’s not hard to see why. Few styles rival the chic and fresh look of a well-done bob. The best part? There are plenty of options to choose from, whether it’s the modern Chanel bob or the edgy short bob with bangs.
But if you’re not ready to go short, don’t worry! There are still plenty of trendy hairstyles for those with long locks. And in the past decade, layers have been all the rage. Two standout layered styles are the choppy shag and the octopus cut. The octopus cut, especially, is great for adding volume to finer hair. Just a bit of mousse and some velcro rollers, and you’ll have voluminous hair that’s full of life. The choppy shag, on the other hand, can be great for all hair types. Especially if you’re a fan of the ’70s aesthetic.
Bangs
Bangs: they’re one of those hairstyles that always spark debate. Some adore them, while others can’t stand them. But amidst the varying opinions, one thing remains constant: there’s always a bangs trend making waves in the world of beauty. Whether it’s the side-swept, curtain, or the ever-popular Birkin bangs, there’s no shortage of styles dominating social media feeds.
Our personal favorite? The timeless elegance of Birkin bangs, named after the legendary Jane Birkin (yes, the same Birkin of the iconic Birkin bag!). These bangs epitomize femininity and classic beauty. So, if you’re considering joining the bangs club (we’ve all contemplated it at some point), Birkin bangs are definitely worth considering. Of course, you can’t go wrong with classic options like blunt or side bangs either.
But before you grab those scissors, a word of caution: bangs require upkeep. Daily washing, blowouts, and regular trims are all part of the maintenance routine. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, just be prepared for the commitment that comes with rocking bangs.
Hair Color Trends
Now, let’s talk about something more permanent and drastic that you can change about your hair – your hair color! Truth be told, there’s a new hair color trend every season. However, some of these trends are just too good to leave behind! That’s why we have curated our favorite optimum beauty trends over the years, and some of the best hair colors that could still look gorgeous on anyone. We’ve separated them into three categories: Blondes, natural tones, and bright hues.
Blondes
It’s widely known that blondes have more fun, so to embrace that, let’s start with this gorgeous and bright category. Because blonde is such a popular hair color, it comes as no surprise that there have been numerous variations of it throughout the years. From platinum blonde which may look gorgeous but also requires a lot of maintenance, to darker and more natural tones.
One of our personal favorites is called “Blonde on a Dimmer“. And it’s not just the cool name that makes this shade stand out. It’s also the fact that this hair color includes darker roots mixed in with lighter lengths. That means that maintenance won’t be too difficult and that you could even stretch out your time in between appointments at the salon. This is similar to the root melt hair trend but just has a little bit more contrast due to the lighter lengths.
Another low-maintenance but equally as beautiful blonde hair color is honey blonde hair. Yes, we’re talking about the hue that Jennifer Aniston had as Rachel Green in Friends. The gorgeous warm tones and golden reflections suit warmer skin tones beautifully. If you’re more of a cool-toned chick, Sandstorm Blonde may be a better option for you. The beige-grey blonde tone would look amazing on anyone with cooler features such as blue or gray eyes, or a pinkish skin undertone.
Bright Hues
Who doesn’t like a good bright hair color? Honestly, if you never in your life had at least a few brightly colored highlights, then you’re missing out. Our hair should be a way of expressing ourselves, and bright colors are such a fun way to do that. From cool blue hair colors to full-on rainbow hair, there’s so much that you can do. But don’t worry, the change doesn’t have to be fully permanent. You could even use semi-permanent hair colors to achieve a similar look. Sadly, this will only be possible if you have a lighter hair base to begin with. If you don’t want to go all out, you could even consider the “hidden hair color” trend. This includes dying just smaller sections of your hair for a fun pop of color.
Natural Tones
If you’re someone who prefers natural hair tones, then we have some gorgeous options for you too! And the best part? Natural colors don’t have to be boring at all! If you want to stay a brunette, a mousy brunette could be an amazing option. This cool-toned hue looks incredibly natural, while still giving your hair the glossy shine that comes with coloring it. However, if you want the color change to be slightly more visible, then a brownish burgundy hair color could be a great option. If you have naturally lighter hair, and you want to try out something daring while not going too bright, then gingerbread hair is just what you are looking for.
Makeup Trends
What would an article about optimum beauty trends be without the mention of makeup trends? Lately, it seems like there is a new makeup trend every day. From strawberry makeup to cold girl makeup, all of them are basically different variations of the same minimalistic look. However, that hasn’t always been the case. There have also been some more dramatic looks that have been making rounds in the beauty industry over the last decade. So, let’s take a look at some of our favorite examples.
Eye Makeup
If there’s one aspect of makeup that’s always fun to experiment with, then it’s eye looks. And you don’t even have to be a pro-MUA to do it! Sure, eyeshadows can be a bit tricky, but luckily, there are fun eyeliner looks to play around with. From the classic cat eye to more daring examples such as floating eyeliner, or abstract and graphic eyeliner. Truly, there’s something for everyone’s taste and makeup skills.
Of course, that’s not where it ends with fun eye makeup looks! Metallic colors have been a huge makeup trend lately, and metallic lids are one of the best examples of that. What makes them so beginner-friendly is the fact that you can just use one single eyeshadow with a metallic finish and swipe it all across your eyelid. Simply add a pair of big lashes, or a few layers of your favorite mascara, and you’ll have the perfect going-out look.
If you’re not big on eye makeup, no worries! We’ve got something in store for you too! There have been plenty of base makeup trends over the years, and some are definitely memorable. But before we dive into those, there’s one trend we’d rather not revisit – barely there brows! You know, those bleached brows that blend into your skin? Despite seeing celebs like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner pull it off, it just feels a bit too extreme for everyday wear. But hey, personal style is personal, so if bleached brows are your thing, go ahead and own it!
Iconic Looks
On the flip side, one trend that we absolutely adore and can’t seem to get enough of is the nude makeup look. Call us predictable, but there’s just something timeless about a flawless nude with matte eyeshadows paired with a natural lip. It’s versatile, suitable for any occasion, and will never go out of style.
However, let’s take a moment to discuss the contour craze that dominated the mid-2010s thanks to Kim K. While heavy contouring can be fantastic for special events, it’s not always the best choice for everyday makeup. It’s easy to go overboard, especially in natural light, and end up looking a bit too sculpted.
Now, onto the fun and colorful makeup trends! From the all-pink Barbie movie-inspired looks that took 2023 by storm, to nostalgic nods to flapper glam from the 1920s, and even the icy-blue eyeshadows and sparkles reminiscent of Y2K makeup – there’s truly something for everyone. Despite our love for natural makeup, we can’t help but admire the creativity and artistry behind these bold looks.
Nail Trends
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about nail trends. Nail trends are perhaps one of the easiest beauty trends to experiment with. They’re not as noticeable as makeup, and definitely not as permanent as a hair change. So, worst-case scenario, you try out a new nail style, don’t love it, and simply redo your manicure. Not the end of the world, right? If you’re feeling a bit bored or looking for a little pick-me-up, we highly recommend scrolling through Pinterest and finding a fun nail design to try out yourself.
That said, we have to be honest – 2024 nail trends aren’t exactly pushing boundaries. Ever since Sofia Richie popularized the quiet luxury aesthetic, short nails in natural tones like white, oat, milky beige, or seashell have been all the rage. And while we absolutely adore this understated elegance, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little extra flair every now and then. Remember the pink nail trend from 2023 during the Barbiecore era? That was a fun and playful time in nail fashion.
Other notable trends from the past decade include matte or velvet nails, which look especially stunning in rich, deep colors like burgundy or emerald green. Neon nails also make a splash, particularly during the summer months, adding a pop of vibrant color against sun-kissed skin. And of course, we can’t forget the timeless classic: the French manicure. There’s always a fresh take on this iconic look circulating in the beauty world.
