Despite moves towards more natural make-up in recent years, our experts predict that bold looks will be back as the industry enters its mob wife era and elevates old trends for 2024.
Here are the experts' makeup tips to add to your clients' makeup routines, from using cream blush for pops of color to glossy lips and bold eye make-up looks.
Before you get started, check out which professional makeup brands offer pro discounts for makeup artists.
Makeup for glowing skin
Glowy skin is being taken to new levels in makeup for spring and summer – a result of the influence of legendary MUA Pat McGrath’s incredible porcelain doll inspired look at Maison Margiela’s 2024 Artisanal Show.
“A key trend from SS24 runways gives us a gorgeous glow meeting iconic eyes and pops of pastels and colour vibrancy,” explains makeup artist James Mac.
“Airbrushes have always been a staple in the industry and make-up artists will be running for their airbrush guns this season backstage and in their creative spaces to conquer the art of airbrushing in 2024.”
For those new to working with an airbrush, Mac recommends that “it’s always good to buddy up with someone who has experience and can help guide you and avoid the mistakes.”
He adds, “The task itself is manageable, but the real skill is troubleshooting – knowing control of strength and distance from face for an even application, how to avoid clogging and knowing how to unclog and clean and airbrush to get back to business.
“The best starting point if using it by yourself is to apply from a distance with gentle pressure, familiarise yourself with the amount of application you’re using.
"Then, you can vary your control and application depending how much you want to airbrush on the desired area.”
Another great way to test out new spring makeup ideas before committing is using AI to mock up a look, like the image Anujin Byambaa (@anubvision) created below.
For those wanting to channel the same look in a more wearable way, Mac reminds us that “glass skin has been a trend for years in the industry, and the right hydrating skin care and glossy moisturiser with a glowy serum can help get a more glassy look – a toner to control oils will help prevent skin from looking oily rather than the glowing glass skin feel we want to achieve.”
(Image credits: left @littlems_scareall, right @anubvision)
Mob wife makeup
Clean girl is out, mob wife is in, as clients embrace the concept that sometimes more is more and get creative with smoky eyes, big hair and bold lips to channel their inner Big Ang.
The best place to start for any mob wife-inspired look is with a strong smoky eye, with award-winning make-up artist Aarti Pal explaining that “mastering the art of the smoky eye is essential.
“Begin by applying a neutral transition shade to the crease to create depth, then layer darker shades along the lash line and outer corner, blending seamlessly for a sultry gradient effect.
"To elevate the look, add a touch of shimmer or metallic shadow to the ends.”
She adds, “Solid and block eye makeup in vivid hues like red, blue and green will be making waves, allowing you to inject intensity and drama.
“To achieve this striking look, start by applying an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base for the intense colours to adhere to.
"Then, using a densely packed eyeshadow brush, carefully pat the vibrant pigment onto the eyelids, gradually building up the intensity until you achieve the desired boldness.”
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different methods. Pal explains, “With bold eye make-up, experimentation is key.
“Explore different techniques such as tightlining, where eyeliner is applied to the upper waterline, to intensify the lash line and create the illusion of fuller lashes.
"Additionally, you can use versatile vibrant eyeliners by experimenting with unique liner shapes and placements, allowing your creativity to shine through.”
When it comes to lips, Pal recommends, “Opt for deep berry hued lip color paired with a dark lip liner for added definition and longevity.
"Start by lining the lips with a lip liner in a shade matching your lipstick, then fill in the lips with a creamy lipstick or lip gloss formula for a bold, long-lasting pout.”
(Image credits: left @aartipmakeup)
Peach makeup
Pink is out, peach is in as makeup moves away from rosy tones in favour of soft peach hues - the perfect makeup for summer.
Huda Beauty launched its pink vs peach campaign to mark the launch of its new Peach Pie powder, and the shade is trending beyond just make-up products, as Pantone named “Peach Fuzz” its official colour of the year for 2024.
Makeup artist and social media star Belle Hassan predicts, “This year, peach tones are going to be everywhere, with a lot of brands starting to release more peach blushes and powders.”
The shade can be used in more ways than one, whether you add a pop of peach to the eye or create the perfect peachy pout for your clients, but one of the most popular ways we’re predicting this trend to be used is under the eyes.
“To achieve a beautiful peach look on clients, I would recommend using a peach colour corrector before you apply a brightening concealer to the under-eyes to lessen dark circles, and then apply a peach-toned loose powder to set,” explains Hassan.
“You can also add a pop of peach blush to the high points of the cheeks and centre of the lips to tie the look in together.”
Cream makeup
The popularity of cream products is showing no signs of slowing down, as the versatile products are set to continue to be a makeup kit staple through 2024, according to celebrity makeup artist, and head artist for 19/99 Beauty, Simone Otis.
“People have become a lot more comfortable with highly pigmented makeup products.
"In the past, something that looked very bright and bold could be a bit scary for most people as they assumed the product would look like that when applied.
"Sometimes that’s true and it is required for a particular effect, but more often we want something that gives the right amount of colour payoff but can be adjusted or blended perfectly for your favourite look – this is where cream products come in.
“Whether it is a foundation, blush, eyeshadow or lip product, makeup in a cream formula is super-versatile and easy to use.
"You can use your fingers or a brush to apply, you can blend to get a subtle sheer look or build for more impact, you can blend shades together to get your perfect colour and it is usually a quick application.
“Another benefit of using a cream product is that the cream texture allows the skin to shine through, making it very easy to blend, get a natural look or make that very bold colour blend seamlessly.
"People are looking for more effective ways to easily get the makeup look that works perfectly for them and cream products are an excellent way to do that.”
When it comes to adapting your kit for different clients and different ages, cream products are a great universal option to keep in your back pocket.
“Cream products can be used on anyone of any age and give a natural or bold look depending on how much you build the product,” continues Otis.
“Cream lip products are a classic go-to texture, and they can also be applied by dabbing on with your fingertips or with a brush or pencil for a crisp and precise look.”
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