Ring in the New Year with Style: Our Predictions for 2018 Beauty Trends

December 28, 2017

A new year means a new you - and here are the hottest upcoming trends for 2018. What with product launches and industry awards aplenty, it’s been another whirlwind 12 months here at FOREO. Looking ahead, 2018 is set to be our most exciting year yet, but before that we invited our most clairvoyant-esque colleagues to stare deep into their crystal balls and share their predictions, hopes and dreams for the beauty trends future…

#1 Cosmetics for Everyone!

From fragrance to fashion, gender neutral style is something every single one of us can get behind. And while makeup has always been for everyone, we’re excited to see more and more brands ditch the his vs her stereotypes in favor of forms and functions that are nothing if not inclusive! As well as walking an altogether more fluid gender line, many of these next-gen cosmetics are crafted to complement any skin tone: think make-up that responds to individuals’ pH levels, or a new wave of lipsticks that are more about texture than tint. Things don’t get much more inclusive than that!

Takeaway: Pigeonholing is so passé - All for makeup, and makeup for all!

https://www.instagram.com/p/mHDI4nuS0o/?hl=en&taken-by=kimkardashian

#2 Beyond Peak Contouring

Contouring: like an IRL Insta filter for correcting coloring and enhancing angles, done right, this pro-trick can look fantastic. But before Kim Kardashian thrust the layered look firmly into our collective consciousness with that 2012 tweet, the technique was largely confined to makeup artists working in film, photography and theater. In other words, not for everyday wear! We predict peak contouring is nigh: not only is life simply too short for all that blending and buffing, our skin could really do with a break.

Takeaway: Healthy skin doesn’t need dressing up: dare to bare in 2018!

#3 Freckled 'n Fab

2018 is going to be all about loving the skin you’re in - freckles and all! For a time, the freckled among us resorted to caking foundation over the small-size spots. Happily, not only are those days long gone, 2018 sees an already vocal freckle-defender propelled yet further into the spotlight in the form of Ms. Meghan Markle. Yes, it’s lovely that her and Prince Harry are engaged - but the American had already won us over when she declared, “To this day, my pet peeve is when my skin tone is changed and my freckles are airbrushed out of a photoshoot.” For further proof that 2018 is the year of the freckle, check out the AstroFrecks trend: smatterings of semi-permanent dots tattooed onto the face to map constellations of stars. It’s out of this world!

Takeaway: Free the freckle!

#4 Steel Yourself for More Metal!

Good news for heavy metal fans: the trend for metallic colors and finishes in makeup seems set to continue in 2018. A look that can span aesthetics from gritty to glam, and metals precious to punk, this one shows no sign of abating. In particular, mirror nail polish, lips of liquid gold, and steely silver eyes all enjoyed a moment in the second half of 2017. For a truly gilded look, embrace the upcoming season’s metallic textiles, accessories and embellishments and go for gold! (although silver, bronze, platinum or steel would also look great!)

Takeaway: In 2018, it’s pedal to the metal!

#5 Sheet Masks: The Ugly Truth

When it comes to the facial sheet mask, social media has a lot to answer for. As well as making wearers look disturbingly like serial killers, sheet masks have become a byword for pampering and relaxation. They also make for an easily replicated celeb selfie à la Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Chrissy Teigen and co, no matter whether your mask is made from silk spun by magic silk worms, or more likely, cotton or cheap non-woven fiber. But Insta snaps aside, sheet masks might be 2017’s biggest con: they never fit, rarely deliver on their promises, and look ridiculous. Watch this space for an altogether smarter alternative in 2018!