As we step into spring, it’s out with the old and in with the new. This even includes makeup. In recent years, the dominance of the “clean girl aesthetic” and barely-there makeup has stretched through fall and winter, making it feel like an era we just can’t escape. “Beauty has played it safe in the last couple of years,” makeup artist Raisa Flowers tells ESSENCE. But as we transition into spring, she’s hoping to see bold extremes and fearless expressions return.
Here, a few of our favorite artists—including Ehlie Luna, Keita Moore, Jessica Smalls, and Raisa Flowers—share the trends they hope will define the new season. Of course, beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. But if there’s one takeaway from these artists and experts, it’s that individuality and pushing boundaries should take center stage this spring. Read on for their spring predictions—from embracing luminosity and experimenting with color, to redefining boldness and more—below.
Ehlie Luna
A Softer Approach to Sculpting
“Post 2020, we saw a shift towards skin-like makeup and a shift away from obvious sculpting. Bronzing became more popular and we saw an influx of new formulas developed.” It was a time of adding soft warmth to the face rather than sharp definition. “What I’m seeing now is a slow return to sculpting–just with a softer, more refined approach.” Thanks to more consumer-friendly products like Danessa Myricks’ Balm Contour, Westman Atelier’s Face Trace, and Em Cosmetics’ Soft Sculpt, achieving that dimension without harsh lines is more obtainable.
The Rise of Playful Color
Spring has always been a time of rebirth and reemergence of color palettes. Luna doesn’t see that changing this season. “I think brands like Pat McGrath and Danessa Myricks have injected the space with a fresh approach to color that more people will probably play with this year,” Luna says. She’s beginning to notice a shift in how people are incorporating color into their makeup routines. People are being more intentional with how they are using color–small but impactful accents. “Maybe it’s not a full multi-chrome purple lid, but a pop of it in the inner corner. Or maybe it’s a bold blue liner. These concepts were once considered more editorial but, little-by-little, we’re seeing this kind of play become more mainstream.”
Redefining Boldness
The concept of bold makeup is evolving. “It used to be a lot of drama or defined by a maximalist approach. Now with all the professional make-up artists providing free education online, we’re seeing people hone in on how to be bold with shapes and structure,” she says. “That can look like totally reshaping the eye with liners and just a bronzer as eyeshadow. It’s bold because it is such a departure from the everyday, but it’s not necessarily color though it can incorporate color.”
Keita Moore
Bare Lashes, Full Glam
One of the biggest shifts in beauty for spring? A full face of makeup—without false lashes or heavy mascara. Think JT’s striking classic glam look sporting her natural lashes at the CFDA Awards. “This creates a striking contrast, allowing the makeup to feel polished yet modern and effortless,” Moore explains. “The influence comes from the ‘90s and early 2000s minimalism, where lashes took a backseat. I’ve already started seeing influencers create videos about this trend,” he adds.
The Evolution of High Impact Blush
Blush has been at the forefront of beauty for the past year and it looks like that isn’t changing anytime soon–just evolving. “I think we’ll see it with less coverage and contour for a softer, fresher feel. It might be paired with a fluffy or super thin brow and faux freckles to enhance that natural, sunkissed effect. I also have a feeling that strobing will make a comeback bringing back that lit from within glow without heavy sculpting.”
Grunge Glam
While soft, natural beauty is having a moment, Moore hopes last season’s grunge-inspired “party girl next morning glam” will carry into spring. “Sometimes, we just need to be whimsical, and I feel like we haven’t seen enough of it yet,” he says. Think a slightly smudged eye, diffused edges, and an effortless cool-girl aesthetic. This was quite popular last season and Moore wants to see this continue into spring.
Return to Luminous Skin
There was a moment where many thought matte looks and 2016 nostalgia were coming back. However, it looks like matte complexions are taking a backseat this season in favor of fresh, dewy skin. “We’ve already been seeing skin hitting the red carpets,” Moore notes. “Kim stunned at the Vanity Fair party—she looked strobed, luminous, and breathable, which was such a departure from her usual matte, powdered carpet looks.” He also predicts more pops of color on the eyes, paired with high-shimmer finishes—without liner. “It’s a fresh take on glam that feels effortless but still impactful. We’ve seen so much heavy makeup, and now I feel like the girls will soften a bit.”
The New Nude Lip
Nude lips are in—with a twist. “I think juicy lips will be big, with a focus on hydration and dimension rather than overly matte finishes. The super dark liner trend will soften and fade away for now, making room for a more blended, natural definition,” he says. “I love a nude lip that enhances the natural tone of the lips—something that feels effortless but still polished. A sheer, glossy nude paired with a softly diffused liner is my go-to for a fresh, modern look this season.”
Jessica Smalls
Glazed & Vinyl Finishes Takeover
Dewy, lacquered skin, and glazed lips will be another defining look of the season. “Think light-catching formulas that drape the skin in a wet-like sheen, enhancing natural luminosity with an ethereal, almost editorial finish,” Smalls explains.
“On the other end of the spectrum, dreamy pastels—like lavender, pink, and soft periwinkle—will dominate. Expect to see cool-toned blues and purples make their way onto lips and cheeks, delivering a celestial, otherworldly glow,” she adds. “For the perfect edit, reach for Natasha Denona’s “Bloom” palette—a harmonious blend of soft, romantic tones that seamlessly transition from day to night. Spring beauty is all about light play, dimension, and color storytelling.”
The End of Matte Skin?
If there’s one trend Smalls believes is officially over, it’s matte complexions. “In 2025, it’s all about luminous, dewy complexions that radiate from within.” Smalls says. “Think glossy, almost translucent finishes, where radiance takes priority over coverage. Expect to see a rise in serum foundations, skin tints, and balmy highlighters that create a hyper-real, fresh-faced glow. Spring is giving hydrated, light-reflective, and undeniably luminous.”
Men’s Grooming Goes Mainstream
Men’s grooming is stepping into the spotlight. “It was something that only models and men who were in front of the camera did, but now it’s being embraced by the everyday man,” Smalls shares. “You will see men using products like concealer to perfect their skin, covering blemishes or giving them a little refresh under the eyes. Danessa Myricks’ Lift and Flex concealers are perfect for perfecting without looking made up.”
Raisa Flowers
A Return to Unconventional Color
Flowers predicts that spring will usher in a resurgence of vibrant, unexpected color stories. “The flowers are blooming, the earth is healing, so everything is about being more fresh and poppy with colors,” she says. Retro-inspired makeup, grunge aesthetics, and exaggerated eyes with super-defined creases will take center stage. “I’m seeing a lot of retro makeup looks,” she adds. “The grunge look and glamour are going to make it into spring.”
White-Undereye Powder is Out
One beauty trend she’s ready to see disappear—especially in the Black beauty community—is the overuse of white and yellow under-eye powders. “I really want people to stop, and we see it on a lot of celebrities,” she says. “This is for my Black women, especially my deeper-toned Black women. Stop wearing white powder under your eyes. There are so many ranges of powder that we can use—it doesn’t need to be white,” she says. “I know everyone likes that doll-like,flawless look, but you don’t have to use white and yellow powder. I feel like those two powders need to be exiled out of the Black community,” Flowers says with a playful laugh. “I like to look flawless too but, in my tone range.”
Dewy Skin Continues
Despite her desire to see beauty trends shift, one thing Flowers believes will always be in? Highlighter. “Highlighter is always in because everyone loves that dewy skin,” she says. Whether paired with bold color, grunge aesthetics, or something entirely experimental, radiance isn’t going anywhere.
