We’ve all done it — followed a trend we thought was fire, only to look back in selfies and ask:
“What was I thinking?”
But it’s 2025 now. And some makeup trends? They’re not just outdated — they’re actively dragging your look down.
Whether you’re stuck in a 2016 YouTube tutorial loop or you just haven’t updated your routine in years, here are the makeup trends to ditch ASAP — and what’s replacing them.
1. Instagram Brows (The Blocky, Overdrawn Kind)
That sharp rectangle at the front of your brow with the harsh fade?
It’s giving… face tattoo. And not in a cute way.
Why it’s outdated:
It looks unnatural
Ages the face
Doesn’t move with expressions
2025 Update:
Soft, lifted, natural brows. Think: brow pens, microfeathering, clear gels. A little fluff and real-hair strokes go a long way.
Real Example: Makeup artists at the 2025 Met Gala used feathered, soap-brow looks on everyone — even celebs with sparse brows.
2. Full-Face Baking (Unless You’re On Camera 24/7)
Look, baking had its moment. But unless you’re in HD lighting or filming under a ring light, packing on banana powder under your eyes just makes you look dry, cakey, and 10 years older.
2025 Update:
Spot-setting. Use a small fluffy brush and a micro-fine powder (like Laura Mercier Ultra Blur) only where needed — mainly the T-zone.
Bonus: it looks more like skin, not a mask.
3. Cut Crease Eyeshadow (The Harsh Instagram One)
You know the one — bold contrast, glitter line, two blocks of color.
It was iconic in 2017. Now? It screams “old tutorial energy.”
2025 Update:
Blown-out eyes, soft diffused color, or even glossy lids. Let your eyes look alive, not sculpted like a painting.
Pro tip: Try a wash of cream shadow, a little mascara, and call it done. It’s effortless and modern.
4. Matte, Flat Full-Coverage Foundation
If your foundation can double as wall paint, it’s time to reassess.
Why it’s outdated:
Emphasizes texture and lines
Looks dry in natural light
Rarely matches skin’s actual finish
2025 Update:
Skin-like, luminous, or satin finish foundations. Think: NARS Light Reflecting, Fenty Eaze Drop, or L’Oréal True Match Lumi.
Real Talk: Brands are launching more “skin tint” formulas than full-coverage this year — and there’s a reason.
5. Contour That Looks Like War Paint
Heavy nose contour, sharp jaw lines, 3 different shades of brown… girl, no. Unless you’re onstage at Coachella, it just looks dated.
2025 Update:
Soft sculpting. Blend cream bronzer (like e.l.f. Putty Bronzer or Rare Beauty Warm Wishes) into your skin for a subtle lift — not a full facelift.
Add warmth, not shadows.
6. Super Overlined Lips (Especially Without Blending)
That super dark liner with a light center lip? It’s a tough look to pull off — and not in a 2025 kind of way.
Why it’s fading out:
It rarely looks natural
Can age the face
Is tough to wear day-to-day
2025 Update:
Soft blurred lip edges or lip contouring. Use a lip pencil that matches your natural lip tone, and blend it. Add a balm or gloss for a modern finish.
7. Glitter Highlighter That Blinds Satellites
That icy, chunky highlighter stripe on your cheekbone? It's officially retired.
Why it’s over:
Sits on top of skin
Emphasizes texture
Looks harsh in daylight
2025 Update:
Cream highlighter or subtle lit-from-within glow. Think: Glossier Haloscope, Saie Dew Balm, or Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand.
“If I can see your highlighter before I see your face, it’s too much.” — Quote from a celebrity MUA backstage at NYFW.
8. Overuse of Filters & “FaceTune Makeup”
Okay, this isn’t technically a makeup product — but the idea that your makeup should look like a filter?
Done.
Why it’s out:
Unrealistic expectations
Creates distorted beauty standards
Doesn’t look good in real life
2025 Update:
Real-skin makeup. The goal isn’t perfection anymore — it’s radiance, health, and your features, not a smoothed-out mask.
Let’s Wrap This Up (Without Saying 'In Conclusion')
Here’s the truth: trends evolve because we evolve. Our lives change, our skin changes, and what makes us feel good changes too.
If your routine is stuck in 2017… no judgment. But it might be time to let go of what used to work and step into something that works right now.
Makeup in 2025 is about flexibility, realness, and joy — not rules or filters.
So toss the baking powder, ditch the harsh brows, and glow like a person, not a photo edit.
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