7 New Wave Pros Predict The Beauty Trends Taking 2021 By Storm
After a tough year, we're officially ready for a 2020 beauty do-over. Here, the Fashion Awards' New Wave list of hair and make-up artists forecast the trends destined to dominate 2021.
If there's ever been a beginning of an era that could do with a total new decade do-over it's 2020. Rather than the triumphant start to the roaring Twenties we optimistically hoped for last December, the past year has been overarchingly indoors, isolated and, at times, inconsolably sad. Even our beauty routines took a hit. As hairdressers and salons everywhere closed, we perfected cutting our own hair, returned to box dyes and mixed up endless DIY face masks. Where quizzes and puzzles replaced restaurants and raves, we mastered the messy bun and red lip combo solely for 2D Zoom interactions in our pyjamas.
So, as 2020 comes to an end you won't find us mourning another year over. Instead we're looking forward to 2021 and to a fresh, new 365. Accordingly, we turned to the hair and make-up pros nominated in the Fashion Awards' coveted New Wave category to predict the future beauty trends destined to redefine the Twenties and signal a celebratory new start to the decade. Because, frankly, we've decided 2020 didn't count.
From retro glamour and minimal eyebrows to CGI make-up and butterfly clips, these are the innovative, inspiring and uninhibited beauty trends forecasted to bring us a new look and a whole lot of joy in 2021.
Patrick Glatthaar, Make-Up Artist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
'Beauty is still really important in 2020. During lockdown a lot of people started to experiment, creating cool looks at home. Also, due to having to wear a face mask, people are taking more care on their beauty regimes and investing in good creams, oils and face products to balance the skin.'
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'Of course it’s more going on eye make-up , eyeliners , crazy eyeshadows. For me, personally, I think there’s going to be a lot of metallic looks.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021 is...
'I would have to say contouring and heavy foundations. Light weight foundations and natural skin for 2021! '
In 2021 I'll be wearing...
'A good face cream mixed with face oils.'
Latisha Chong, Hairstylist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is...
'In 2020 I’ve learnt that beauty is controversial. It isn’t a linear idea that encompasses one aesthetic judgment, whether subjective or objective. I feel like we should let others express beauty through their own lens without dictating what beauty is because of our biases.'
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'I cannot conclusively predict what trends will come forth due to the pandemic. However, I hope retro glamour re-emerges.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021 is...
'The Snuffleupagus eyelashes. It’s really distracting because it casts unwanted shadows and messes up your selfies. I really hope it stays in 2020.'
In 2021 I'll be wearing...
'Brands that cater to my curvaceous figure and a Telfar bag aka The Bushwick Birkin as an accessory.'
Cecile Paravina, Make-Up Artist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
'Every beauty reference can be used if twisted and modernised. It’s about finding balance and accommodating today’s image making.'
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'I’m promoting my own agenda but I’m hoping to see more girls with minimal eyebrows, whether they are plucked, bleached or shaved.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021...
'Tattooed eyebrows or lips... it might persist but I’m actively trying to manifest the end of it.'
In 2021 I'll be wearing...
'Grillz under my mask!'
Issac Yu, Hairstylist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
'For true beauty, everything must come from the heart, it's all your true feelings, just like love.'
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'Everyone's most important concern must be technology and the future. I believe there will be greater breakthroughs in the coming year, so I'm looking forward to something new to open my eyes.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021 is...
'Chinese style. The past two years, I've tired of everyone doing Chinese style. I think we should look forward…'
In 2021 I'll be wearing...
'Black, forever black…'
Valentina Li, Make-Up Artist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
'I see a huge difference in the beauty of 2020. Creativity is stimulated by lockdown. Other than traditional make-up, there’s 3D (including make-up filters) and avant garde make-up where we see lots more people using different materials to create their desired look. '
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
' I think in 2021, futuristic will lead the trend. Revivalism and clean beauty will be a big part of the trend as well. We’ll also see beauty combined with new computer technology and CGI effects.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021...
'Nothing is impossible in 2021, however, over-coverage, heavy and unnatural make-up will be replaced with "clean" beauty in order to see more real texture of the skin.
In 2021 I'll be wearing…
'Colourful eye make-up! I’ll be experimenting with new colours - eyeshadow and mascara, as well as trying different shapes for applying eyeliner. Oh, and bold lips!'
Kalle Eklund, Hairstylist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
'Follow your gut, if you're not really happy with what you've done change it up and you can probably do better.'
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'I'm putting my money on the mini jaw clip or "butterfly clip" depending on what you want to call it.'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021...
'I really hope that we've seen the last of the no-makeup trend in fashion that we have seen the past few years.'
In 2021 I'll be wearing…
'Feels like I'm just buying more and more Missoni at the moment so maybe that.'
Janina Zais, Hairstylist
What I’ve learnt about beauty in 2020 is…
' That I have to live without cosmetic and sports studios. Due to the lockdown all studios were closed and I had to find new ways to implement my beauty routines!
The big beauty trend in 2021 will be...
'Compassion and love! And drink a fresh celery juice every morning so you will be beautiful inside and out!'
The beauty trend that won’t make it to 2021 is...
'I must honestly say I don't follow any beauty trends, so it's hard to say which trend will disappear in 2021! But I think tattooed eyebrows are really bad! The trend may go!.'
In 2021 I'll be wearing…
'Definitely my Crocs, I wear them almost every day, the ugliest and most comfortable shoes I ever had!'
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
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