Top Beauty Trends for 2020
Quick summary
Key Takeaways
- Choose warm nude tones to avoid a washed-out complexion.
- Dewy, hydrated skin is the foundation for fresh, feminine color.
- Prep and layer red lipstick to make bold color last through the day.
- Tailor shadow swoops to your eye shape for the most flattering result.
Natural makeup is something that has always been admired. But this year there is a twist on the whole raw look. These new trends are simple yet very chic and feminine. Read on for some tips on how you can achieve the perfect makeup look for 2019.
1. The color, nude
This is arguably the hardest trend to translate from runway to reality, because, these colors can tend to wash you out. So the key to this trend is to find warm, neutral tones like bronzes, peaches or tans to accentuate your features but eeping it monochromatic. As for your pout, nude lips can be tough. They can wash you out if they blend in too much with your skin tone. So look for warm neutral tones – shades with orange in them – which help make your face look alive. Therefore, you should go for peachy tones that complement your skin tone and don’t wash you out.

Photo credits: http://fashionsy.com/
2. Fresh and feminine
This is the perfect look for spring time which anyone can pull off. It’s about a wide eye mascara lash look and then really soft, feminine, pink cheeks and a pink pout. This look is spot on for a brunch or a wedding shower. To make your eyes look really awake, load up the mascara, especially in the middle of the eye. You can also add a few lashes in the middle of the eye to create that round, beautiful eye. For lips, go for shades that have a little shimmer in them. If pinks get too matte, they can tend to look chalky and retro. All in all, in the spring time you can’t pick a much better trend than this one.

Photo credits: http://www.teenpurple.com/
3. Poppy reds
The difference with this kind of red is that it’s not a deep or dark red. It’s really vibrant, it’s poppy and it packs a nice bold punch. This color is a lot more alive and feminine than the dark berry color you wore in the fall. So say goodbye to fire engine and cherry reds this season.

Photo credits: http://imabeautygeek.com/
4. Swoops with shadows
Everybody loves a cat eye but to modernize it, swoops with shadows have gotten really in this season. So instead of using a liner, you’re going to use a shadow which you most certainly already have in your makeup bag, and create a soft subtle swoop on your eye, using different shades. This creates a soft, sassy and subtle eye that will work amazingly for you. It can be as thin or as thick as you want it to be and the key to this trend is to wet your brush when you dip it in your shadow and you’ll be able to get a much opaque look when you dry your swoop. It’s a beautiful new way to play with colors and it’s way soft than the look of a liquid liner.

Photo credits: http://www-likes.com/
Author Bio: This article was written by Rida Maqbool. She blogs at BeautifulYou.com.pk which is a premiere health, beauty and fashion informational portal of Pakistan
Adapting Runway Nude Looks for Real Life
The original content already notes that nude tones can wash you out, and that challenge remained central to how beauty lovers interpreted the 2020 runways. In 2020, the nude trend moved toward "your skin but better" warmth rather than flat beige. To make it wearable, layer a cream bronzer or peach blush under your nude lipstick so the face keeps dimension. Choose a nude lip one shade deeper than your natural lip color, and add a dab of clear gloss at the center of the bottom lip to reflect light. This prevents the monochromatic look from appearing lifeless in daylight. If you have deeper skin, look for nudes with caramel or terracotta undertones; if you are fair, rose-beige nudes tend to be more flattering than pale concealer shades.
Fresh Skin as the Base for Feminine Color
The fresh and feminine trend depends on luminous skin rather than heavy coverage. Start with a hydrating primer or a lightweight tinted moisturizer rather than a full-coverage foundation. In 2020, heavy matte bases looked dated next to dewy finishes. Set only the T-zone with translucent powder so cheeks keep a natural glow. When applying pink blush, smile and tap color onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upward toward the temple. Pair with a lengthening mascara on the center lashes and a soft pink balm for a cohesive, youthful finish. Keep highlighter subtle; a cream formula tapped onto the high points of the face looks more natural than a glittery powder.
Making Poppy Red Lipstick Last
Poppy reds are bold, but they require maintenance to look polished through the day. Exfoliate lips gently with a damp washcloth, then apply a thin layer of lip balm and blot before color. Use a matching lip liner to define the edges without overlining. Fill in the entire lip with the pencil before applying lipstick; this creates a stain that survives eating and drinking. For 2020's cleaner aesthetic, keep the rest of the face minimal: even skin, groomed brows, and a single coat of mascara let the red lip remain the focus. Carry the lipstick with you for touch-ups after meals, and blot once after the first application to remove excess oil that can feather.
Soft Shadow Swoops for Different Eye Shapes
The shadow-swoop technique works best when tailored to your eye shape. For hooded eyes, apply the darkest shadow with eyes open so the shape remains visible once the lid relaxes. For almond eyes, extend the wing slightly upward at the outer corner for a lifted effect. Deep-set eyes benefit from lighter shades on the lid and a medium tone in the crease to avoid looking sunken. Remember to dampen your brush for opacity, then soften the edge with a clean blending brush before it dries. This gives the precision of liner with the softness of shadow. A warm brown or taupe shadow is the most forgiving starter shade, while jewel tones like emerald or sapphire can update the look for evening.
Building a Cohesive 2020 Makeup Wardrobe
These four trends share a common thread: they look best with a restrained, intentional approach. Rather than buying dozens of products, invest in a warm nude lipstick, a peachy blush, a poppy red bullet, and a small palette of neutral eyeshadows. A dampened shadow brush, a fluffy blending brush, and a lash curler are enough to execute every look above. In 2020, the most memorable beauty moments came from technique and color harmony, not from owning the largest collection.
For related advice, see [10 Beauty Tips for Women](/10-beauty-tips-for-women), [Beauty Tips Without Makeup](/beauty-tips-without-makeup) and [Beauty Tips for Teens. The Ultimate Guide](/beauty-tips-for-teens-the-ultimate-guide).
Makeup artists commonly recommend matching the undertone of nude and red lipsticks to your skin's warmth or coolness to prevent a flat or unnatural appearance. They also emphasize that well-moisturized lips and a lightly set base create the best canvas for both matte and glossy finishes, allowing color to stay true throughout the day.
Conclusion
From warm nude palettes to poppy red statements, the beauty trends of 2020 encouraged a softer, more personalized approach to makeup. Each look-from fresh pink cheeks to shadow-drawn swoops-could be adapted to individual skin tone, eye shape, and lifestyle, making runway inspiration genuinely wearable.
The key takeaway is that technique mattered as much as product. Whether you were perfecting a monochromatic nude face or making a red lip last all day, small adjustments like dampening your brush, choosing the right undertone, and prepping the skin turned a trend into a flattering everyday look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Beauty & Hair Care Editor
Amanda Gurton is a beauty editor and researcher with a focus on translating dermatology and trichology insights into clear, actionable advice. She covers skincare routines, hair health, ingredient science, and everyday beauty habits.
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