Back to Basics

This year marked a significant shift in beauty trends, moving away from the extravagant to embrace a more natural and effortless approach. Gone were the days of Barbiecore and quiet luxury, replaced by a "back to basics" mentality. This shift saw the rise of easy, yet effective TikTok beauty hacks, universally beloved haircuts with modern twists, and makeup that enhances natural beauty without appearing overdone.

TikTok: The Trendsetter

TikTok continued to dominate the beauty scene in 2024, setting viral trends that emphasized practicality and wearability. Users showcased innovative ways to achieve fuller lips without injections and to find the most flattering looks based on contrast. Even nail colors took inspiration from desserts, with Hailey Bieber leading the charge with her dessert-inspired nails, proving that food-inspired beauty trends were still in vogue.

Reflective Hair Colors Shine Bright

The hair color palette of 2024 was all about vibrant, reflective shades. From "cowboy copper" in the summer to "syrup blond" in the fall, the year was a parade of rich hues. Winter introduced us to "maroon" and "winter gold," with celebrities like Beyoncé and Kaia Gerber sporting these eye-catching colors.

The Bob: A Cut Above the Rest

The timeless bob haircut received a modern makeover this year, with variations like the "Prada bob" and "cowgirl bob" proving that there's a bob to suit every face shape and hair texture. These fresh takes on a classic cut were among the most coveted looks of 2024.

Simpler Styles Prevail

In makeup, the trend leaned towards enhancing natural beauty with simpler, subtler techniques. The internet buzzed with the demi method and contrast makeup theory, while in hairstyling, pin-straight looks and sleek buns made a comeback, signaling a departure from the voluminous '90s blowouts of the previous year.

Sweet Treat-Inspired Beauty

Building on last year's food-inspired nail art, 2024 saw an evolution of this trend with sweet treat-inspired colors and designs. Hailey Bieber's maple syrup and cinnamon-roll nails set the trend, with cherry mocha and chocolate milk shades following suit. Jelly-doughnut blush and cherry-cola hair also satisfied our craving for dessert-inspired beauty.

Natural Aesthetics Take Center Stage

The beauty world in 2024 favored natural aesthetics over invasive procedures. "Tweakments" like stem cell injectable therapy and radio frequency microneedling rose in popularity, offering a less invasive way to achieve a youthful appearance. TikTok was abuzz with noninvasive treatments like the "liquid nose job," showcasing the power of subtle enhancements.

Lip-Focused Treatments Lead the Way

Lips were a major focus in 2024, with TikTok leading the charge in lip beauty hacks. From subtle "movie lips" to Angelina Jolie-inspired lip combos, achieving the perfect pout was a key beauty goal. The year also saw the rise of lip oils, with numerous brands launching their versions of this hydrating product.

With a clear shift towards more natural, effortless beauty, 2024 was a year that celebrated the individual's natural charm while embracing modern tweaks and innovations. The beauty trends of 2024 showed us that sometimes, less truly is more.