Although we’ve started 2021 off in a lockdown, there is quite a lot I’m keen to look forward to. It’s January and a fresh new year. The days can only get lighter, the weather a little brighter, and life a little happier. We should be able to safely see family and friends again sometime soon, even though it might not feel like it.
Another thing I’m looking forward to is approaching January and 2021 in general as a clean slate for my beauty and skincare routines. Every year, there’s new trends and focuses, and with salons closing and opening, closing and opening, it’s been more worthwhile to invest my money into treatments and products which boost my natural beauty.
Nowadays, in this modern ‘new’ world we’re living in, there’s so much more time to experiment with new products, techniques, styles, and more. So much more we can invest in, like getting our skin in perfect condition, treating any problems, experimenting with different looks and generally looking after ourselves properly. The same can be said for fashion. I’ve reduced the amount of fast fashion and trend led items I’ve been buying, and instead, purchasing more timeless, classic items that are high quality and more premium.
While I’m saving money by not travelling, I’m using the money saved for the more luxury and ‘investment’ purchases related to fashion and beauty. And believe it or not, that’s one of the biggest trends within the industry this year – premium, long-lasting, results-driven buys. You can buy high-quality items with any savings that you would usually have spent on takeout coffees or fuel for commuting to work, or buy luxury goods with bitcoin if you pretty much ‘live’ online.
So, here are a number of beauty and fashion trends that will be making me a little more excited for whats to come in 2021. If you’re excited to up your beauty and image game this year, here’s what to look out for:
Fluffy, natural curls
Fluffy, natural inspired curls is a huge hair trend that’s taking over the hair industry. We’re seeing so many variations of this trend, from large fluffy curls (think of what your mum’s hair looked like in the 70’s and ‘80s) to that just-got-outta-bed, voluminous, natural texture curls. There’s also a push on big bouncy hot roller style waves, meaning that hot brushes are coming back! Popular hair brand ghd have just launched a new one, and of course, the Dyson Airwrap has soared in popularity with people wanted that bigger, bouncier hair look.
Natural, raw skin
We have lived in a world where heavy, matte makeup was the ‘thing’, where glamour was seen as the way forward. Heavy full coverage foundation to hide imperfections, matte lips with heavy liner, striking contours and carefully painted on brows. But now, we’ve gone into the world of natural beauty and enhancements, meaning that lightly radiant skin to showing off our flaws is key.
That means freckles on show, a little but of tinted BB cream, a touch of blusher for colour and glowing skin is ‘in’. For the entire year of 2021, expect natural skin to take over, without any expectations of ‘perfection’. The skin won’t be overly dewy, but not matte either, as it’s all about enhacing your natural skin to look healthier and fresher. It’s about working with the natural skin tone and texture, and keeping it the way it is. Embracing what we were born with!
The best purchases for this beauty trend is to invest in foundations, concealers, and powders that mimic your natural skin, and if anything, add a touch of colour or luminosity. Our skin will thank us, as the less covering up we do and the more ‘treating’ it we do with products that nourish and care, the healthier it’s going to look. Blemishes and wrinkles will thank us for it – as there is nothing worse for either of them than covering them up with caked on, heavy makeup!
Advanced skincare
Similar to the one above, advanced, professional skincare is leading the way in the beauty charts for 2021. Those expensive salon treatments can be carried out at home, as more and more brands create and produce devices and treatments that can be used at home, providing the same results but for a fraction of the price.
By this we mean at-home laser, microdermabrasion, dermarollers, peels and deep cleansing devices. Instead of spending money on an array of moisturisers and serums to layer up on every night, you’ll now be able to opt for one product that does it all. Or similarly, a device which gives a months worth of results in one session.
This beauty trend is really saying, “less is more”, and by investing in quality ingredients and the right products, your skin and complexion will love you for it. Brands like Oshun embrace this philosophy with gentle, nutrient-rich goat milk skincare that simplifies your routine while delivering powerful, natural results
Sharp, winged eyeliner
It’s all about the “fox eye” and cat eye look for 2021, which is helped along by clever use of winged eyeliner and sharply blended out eyeshadow. But this time around, instead of those thick, long wings we used to draw on a la Amy Winehouse, 2021 is much more about the art of casual, more natural ‘slightly winged out at the ends’ eyeliner. Sharp and precise, yet not too dramatic. Enough to make your eyes the focus when you jump on Zoom with work colleagues or friends!
Finish the look by blending out eyeshadow in your favourite shade to taper out at the ends, making the eyes look longer and more of a focus on the face.
Bright eyeshadow and coloured mascara
I know what you’re thinking – 90’s trends! And let’s be honest, we see the return of bright neon eyeshadows and coloured mascaras every few years. But this year, we’re going to see it comeback even more bigger and bolder, as bright crazy eyes are going to be big!
It’s bringing an element of fun to our spring and summer months. Making beauty and fashion seem a little more playful and undone, with no strict rules and following a more ‘anything goes’ trend. Plus, bright coloured, fun eyes is a really simple, easy way to look fresh and well put together during Summer, without being a pro at makeup. A smudge of colour popping pink or smouldering purple blended onto eyelids can really brighten up a complexion and add personality.
If you’re a little scared to try this look, start off by opting for a coloured mascara lightly brushed through the lower lashes to add that little punch of colour. That way, you won’t look too bold, and instead will inject that streak of colour without messing up.
Go all out by going easy on the lips, natural on the skin if you can (BB or CC cream is fine!), and then really working it so that the eyes say it all. You can add a natural or soft coloured lip gloss or balm, and brush brows so they are big, fluffy and natural. Then, pick your favourite bold bright, or a colour which will match your outfit, and add a wash of colour over the eyelids. If you don’t usually wear full on eyeshadow, why not look at a coloured liquid eyeliner and line the upper lashes with the bright colour instead? Green or blue used on blue eyes will really make your eyes pop!
The trick with using bold colour on the lids is to always use an eyelid primer so the shadow sticks and doesn’t cause any creasing.
Hair and face accessories
This one is another trend that is Zoom-inspired, with the attention being on our faces and hair. For 2021, noticable hair accessories and anything that adds drama to the face – without being too OTT – are here to stay.
We’re talking about playful hair styling accessories like headbands with bows, hair clips, faux freckles on the skin, oversized glasses, and statement hats. I mean, is there any better way to hide that you haven’t washed your hair in a week than a strategically-placed headband, bandana, or hat? And what about tired computer eyes hidden with stylish glasses or cute little gems at the corner of your eyes? Also, trilby’s and Fedora hats will be huuuuuuuge.
Look for accessories that aren’t too bold, like muted tone scrunchies, pearl clips, grey rimmed glasses and claw style clips.
Overall, remember to invest in items that will last and are made from quality materials. We’re no longer having three nights out a week, where it matters if we change up our looks for copious amounts of photos for social media. We’re at home more, and it’s all about longevity and being comfortable.
Leave a Reply