The world of beauty and self-expression is ever-evolving, with 2025's consumer trend predictions already lighting up social media and influencing store aisles. From innovative piercing styles to makeup revivals inspired by the '90s, experts have predicted what will dominate the scene this year.
Piercers like Roze Rahim DeJesus from Nine Moons Piercing and Brian Keith Thompson of Body Electric Tattoo have weighed in on the most sought-after trends. DeJesus states, "The conch will dominate 2025." This cartilage piercing, made popular by celebrities such as Rihanna and Kylie Jenner, showcases versatility and aesthetic appeal. According to DeJesus, "It’s a piercing...that looks great on anyone, and...most people have the anatomy for it."
Interestingly, the conch piercing allows for larger jewelry pieces, enhancing its desirability. DeJesus goes on to suggest, "I have noticed people are interested in getting larger pieces of jewelry...the conch has...surface area to put those bigger pieces in." She anticipates chains being used instead of traditional rings, providing what she describes as "the illusion of a ring" with added drama.
Stacked lobe piercings, where one lobe piercing is placed above another, are also on the rise. Starr Ellis, another expert from Nine Moons Piercing, observes, "We are still seeing...clients sprucing up their old, misplaced, or random-feeling earlobe piercings by adding and stacking." Such additions promote intentionality and cohesion to existing ear piercings.
Roze Rahim DeJesus has noted another trend—a surge of high-lobe piercings, usually fixed at transitional areas between the lobe and cartilage. This choice enables stylists to accommodate additional piercings creatively.
Hidden helix piercings are expected to gain traction, particularly for those desiring unique placements. Robbie Milian from Refinery7 summarizes this trend, stating, "The hidden helix allows for larger jewelry pieces and pairs nicely with the consistently favored forward helix, rook, daith, and conch piercings." This placement tends to be less conspicuous, as the jewel sits beneath the ear's natural fold.
Another notable piercing experiencing renewed interest is the daith piercing. Ellis explains, "This look...features...a ring placed through...a small ridge between the tragus and rook," indicating its growing pave among ear piercings. This specific location offers the advantage of accommodating rings right from the beginning, leading to its increasing popularity.
Interestingly, non-traditional eyebrow piercings are peaking interest as well. These include center and horizontal eyebrow piercings, revitalizing the aesthetic of this classic body modification.
Complementing these piercing predictions, the makeup scene is about to witness some retro revivals. Blue eyeshadow is anticipated to make its mark, as Alanna Fennell from Toronto stresses, "Blue eyeshadow has to have its turn...with modern but wearable shades such as pale blue pearl and smoky navy."
Similarly, blush remains prominent. Toronto makeup artist Lateisha Grant explains, "Heavy-handed washes of coral, pink or red will remain strong as a look in 2025." This follows last year's fixation on "blush blindness," adding to the trend toward pronounced cheek colors.
For those who adore eyeliner, smudged black eyeliner is set to continue its reign. Shannie Jung from Montreal notes, "Execution of...a crisp, clean cat-eye flick...is not your forte." Hence, expect to see the return of more carefree, smudged looks inspired by the '00s.
Fennell supports Grant's perspective, insisting on the influence of frosted eyeshadows, which is likely to appear throughout the winter and transition toward more subtle metallics as warmth returns. This look echoes nostalgia for early 2000s pop culture.
The “soft glam” style, which emphasizes natural beauty, will remain fashionable through 2025. Paula Lanzador emphasizes why it will persist: "I think it's the most achievable on any budget, and you don’t look overdone.”
Lastly, bold lip liner will also stand strong. Relative to previous years, darker and more minimalist tones will blend beautifully to finish off the makeup looks.
All things considered, both piercing and makeup trends heading toward 2025 reveal hints of '90s and early 2000s nostalgia, sparking consumer interests across demographics.