17 Beauty Trends That Are Going to Be Huge in 2017
There are plenty of reasons we're excited to leave 2016 behind, but—in addition to the Really Big Stuff—it's the year's weird approach to beauty trends that had us scratching our heads (unicorn makeup we're looking at you.) The good news is that, come 2017, things are looking up. In fact, our beauty editors have the inside scoop on what's going to be huge for 2017 and they're ready to spread the wealth. So click ahead to see what hair cuts and colors you'll be wearing and what new beauty treatments the year might have in store. Maybe we'll even convince you to grow out that lob or try your hand at some pretty serious DIY nail jewelry. Read on for 17 beauty trends to get excited about in the upcoming year.
1/17Mermaid Eyes
The mesmerizingly pretty looks on the fashion runway at Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey, and Jill Stuart are a brighter, dreamier take on the dark and smoky standard. Here’s how we're pulling it off: Apply shimmery purple on the inner halves of lids, blue on the outer halves, green just below the eyes, and gold at the inner corners. (Eye primer helps.) Blend with a fluffy shadow brush; liner and mascara optional. (Our editor Jen shows you how to do the look here.)
Photographer2/17The Belted Pony
Backstage at Tibi, it looked at first as if they were doing just another low-slung ponytail. Then we noticed hairstylist Frank Rizzieri fastening this long fabric over the base (over an elastic); it fell to the same length as the pony’s end. And then we saw the buckle. We love belted anything—swimsuits, jumpsuits. Now, apparently, we’ll be belting our hair too.
Getty Images for Fashion Media3/17Hair for Days
We first started noticing Joni Mitchell–length strands on the streets; then more Rapunzel looks showed up at Proenza Schouler’s and Prada’s spring shows. It made us want to go long this spring! Here’s our plan. A growth booster: specifically, Nutrafol, $88, which has vitamin E and anti-inflammatories to help grow thicker, healthier hair. Masks: Every other wash, use the Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Deep Treatment Masque, $68, instead of conditioner to keep ends less prone to breakage. Dry dustings: That’s hairdresser lingo for lightly trimming only the frayed ends; go every six weeks.
4/17Fiery Ombré Lips
The red lip—yeah, it's a classic. But this year we're all about stepping things up. And we found the perfect inspo backstage at Jason Wu: ombré—and a wearable ombré lip at that, not the extreme made-for-Instagram-only variety. How to do it? Makeup artist Yadim layered two mattes. Start with a bold red shade (he used Maybelline New York Color Blur in Cherry Cherry Bang Bang, $9) along the perimeter of lips to define the shape, then fill in the center with a brighter orangey tone (try Maybelline New York The Loaded Bolds in Orange Danger, $7). For added punch, he finished with a glossy, vibrant orange highlight (one of our favorites is Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in A-Go-Go, $20).
5/17Arts & Crafts Nails
When we saw these blinged-out nails at Balenciaga, we knew we had to give them a shot. The artist responsible for them: Mei Kawajiri, who sources her gems from craft stores like Michaels. To do it: Apply your polish, then place your stone using nail glue for bigger gems or a drop of topcoat for smaller ones; let dry. Then, more topcoat. And voilà! You have full-on nail jewelry.
Instagram @aurelia_carnets6/17The Embellished Braid
We first saw this look on Shay Mitchell’s Instagram. It’s a row of tiny gold rings looped into a French braid—delicate but also cool. (Ask a friend for help at home!) Next we clicked over to her hairstylist Chris Appleton’s account and discovered more ways to work in rings. We're going to try out a multibraid look, accented with mini metal cuffs, like the Free People Celestial Hair Rings, $24.
7/17'90s Nostalgia Beauty
This year we've seen Harry Potter brushes, eyeshadow that smells like peaches, and of course we've had some throwbacks to the good ol' nineties, and they're not getting left in 2016. From palettes with stickers to customize the packaging to Hello Kitty themed collections — this year we'll be partying like it's 1999!
WireImage8/17Dramatic Hair Transformations
We're all for it—and you can do it with a wig. Of course the person who’s been nailing it these days is Zendaya. Inspired by her varying looks, we're shopping the options at Ricky's NYC. And to help you pick one that's right for you, we have a handy wig guide.
FilmMagic9/17Matte Eyes
Sure, you can do the full-face matte makeup that’s all over social media. But let’s be real: Matte everything can be a little harsh in daylight. Our approach is to focus on a single feature at a time. Do the nineties all-matte-lids thing with the Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics palette, $54.
GC Images10/17Everything Lasers
If you’ve spent any time near a Kardashian social media account, you know that the world of lasers (and other energy devices) now includes everything from neck-wrinkle treatments to—yep—vagina tightening (not something we're endorsing, per se.) That said, we’ve seen laser technology, and the results, really improve in recent years. Here's what we're excited about for 2017: tattoo removal, scar therapy, laser hair removal, and skin resurfacing.
Getty Images11/17Matte Skin
New lightweight matte finishing powders blend right in and cut down shine—without masking. Try NYX #nofilter Finishing Powder, $12, which comes in 15 shades. Focus on the T-zone and avoid the sides of your face to prevent flat-looking skin.
WireImage12/17Matte Lips
Liquid matte lipsticks need no introduction, but this is new: powder lip color. Apply a small amount of CLE Cosmetics Melting Lip Powder, $20, on top of lip balm. It transforms into a creamy texture for a lightly stained effect. Gorgeous!
WireImage13/17Surf Girl Blonde
Visual proof that bleached hair works on anyone: Alexander Wang’s spring show, where 18 models with wildly different styles—from close cropped to choppy—all got their own version of the beachy look. To keep blonde bright, we like Redken Blonde Idol Custom-Tone Violet Conditioner, $32.
14/17Got Milk?
If drinking milk makes you strong, putting it on your face must have tons of benefits, right? It turns out that dairy skincare is all the rage at the moment. We'll be adding a boost of moisture to dehydrated skin with Bobbi Brown's 'Extra' Repair Nourishing Milk, $86, and taking makeup off after a long day with the Korres Greek Yogurt 3 in 1 Cleansing, Toning and Eye Make-up Removing Emulsion, $24.
FilmMagic15/17Bangs, Baby
Maybe you've yet to venture into bangs territory—at least in adult life. But with celebs like Selena Gomez and, of course, Jenna Dewan Tatum making the chop (and looking this good), we're suggesting you call your stylist this very moment.
Instagram @nail_unistella16/17Diamond Nails
While we watched Gigi Hadid outdo her $2000 manicure with real Swarovski crystals this past year, we're ready to graduate to the diamond nails for 2017. Korean manicurist Park Eun Kyung created this super sparkly design which is super affordable because it's done with cut up pieces of cellophane layered with clear polish. (Pretty genius if you ask us.)
FilmMagic17/17Dare To Go Bare
Yes, there are tons of new makeup products coming out this year. No, that does not mean you have to wear a full face of makeup all the time. Instead, take a page from Alicia Keys' book and go on a makeup detox. Whether it's a day, a week, or the whole entire year you might learn something about your skin and yourself during the journey. Or you maybe you'll just take an empowering selfie to show off how truly beautiful you are. For tips on how to keep your skin looking bangin' sans makeup, see our guide.