Fashion and beauty trends are constantly reshaping the aesthetics of society, and the recent buzz surrounding terms like 'butter skin' and 'backward necklaces' signifies dynamic shifts influencing the industry. With the allure of social media, particularly TikTok, many trends find inspiration online and then travel to the grandeur of red carpet events. The butter skin trend has emerged as the new darling of the beauty world, defined by its smooth, creamy, and radiant finish, reminiscent of its namesake and poised to take over the aesthetics previously dominated by the dewy glass skin look.
The term 'butter skin' has surged, with over 300,000 searches on Google within the past month alone. Celebrities like Elle Fanning, Margaret Qualley, and Anok Yai embraced this trend at the 2025 Oscars, showcasing skin finishes devoid of high shine yet brimming with natural radiance. Chanel make-up artist Anna Payne explains, "The butter skin make-up trend is all about achieving a smooth, creamy, and radiant complexion...it's hydrated and glowing but never overly shiny," providing insight on the nature of this trend. Unlike glass skin, which exudes high gloss, butter skin appears soft and inviting.
The first step to achieving this coveted look is solid skincare. Starting with rich moisturizers like SUBLIMAGE La Crème Texture Supreme can lay the perfect groundwork. Following this, applying lighter make-up products such as tinted moisturizers and sheer foundations retains the skin's natural texture. Sticking to creamy, serum-like products rather than powders helps avoid any matte finish, promoting the desired softness. Payne recommends using Les Beiges Bronzing Cream to warm up the face, mimicking the soft finish typical of this aesthetic.
Shift your lens now to overseas, where Milan Fashion Week AW25 recently concluded, showcasing the legacy and innovation characteristic of Italian fashion. From Fendi's grand 100th-anniversary celebration to the bold designs from Marni and Dsquared2, Italian labels celebrated their heritage with contemporary twists. This season symbolizes change, as notable brands like Gucci and Bottega Veneta explore new creative directions, leaving many attendees intrigued by the potential future. Despite transitions happening within these companies, the event was filled with inspirational designs, much to the delight of fashion enthusiasts.
Adding complexity to the current fashion scene, another trend is making waves: the backward necklace. A style embraced again by contemporary icons like Sabrina Carpenter and Anya Taylor-Joy has rendered itself as both visually intriguing and expertly clever. While Cate Blanchett first popularized the concept during the 2000 Oscar Awards, the notion of wearing jewelry backward is having its moment again, aligning with the uniqueness trend sweeping through fashion circles today.
Designer Shilpi Gupta acknowledges the trend, defining it as “a twist with the idea of breaking traditional fashion conventions.” Backward necklaces effortlessly introduce creativity, particularly drawn attention due to their ability to transform backless outfits. The back becomes the focal point, drawing attention to often-overlooked areas of the body gracefully. Anushree Parekh, another noted designer, adds, "Wearing a necklace backward creates a surprising and alluring effect. It draws attention to the back...highlighting the neckline, shoulders, and spine." This makes the design harmonize beautifully with the nuances of the garment.
The red carpet witnessed these transformations firsthand with stunning visual deliveries. For example, Margaret Qualley turned heads at the Oscars by pairing her open back dress with backward-dripping diamonds from Chanel, mesmerizing fashion critics. Similarly, Carpenter's choice to don her extravagant chiffon dress alongside her backward 50-carat Chopard diamond necklace exemplified innovation with nuance, bringing social media admiration and praise.
For those intrigued by trying this trend, “simple chains and bold pendants work wonderfully,” advises stylist Karena Vinaik, who advocates for experimenting with silhouettes and materials. Consider lariat necklaces for draping effects or standards of checks: have your hair styled up to showcase the identified jewelry. Vinaik stresses the importance of balance — this could maintain visual interest without overwhelming the base outfit.
With these trends gaining traction, the next season appears promising for both fashion and beauty aficionados. The return of butter skin alongside the resurrection of backwards necklaces encourages individuals to explore their creativity with personal style statements. Fashion is not merely clothing; it is about setting trends and expressing individuality, and both butter skin and backward necklaces exemplify this transformative power.