Ready to switch things up in 2025? Hit refresh with these expert-approved beauty trends.

The word “trend” has earned itself a bad rap lately, with the constant pursuit of the “next big thing” in fashion or beauty leading to rapid overconsumption, and associated negative impacts on the environment.

But what if we told you that this year’s biggest beauty trends don’t necessitate a complete overhaul? Instead, many trends on this list are simple tweaks you can try to enhance your existing beauty routine. There are new products to discover, yes, but at a mix of price points should you wish to dip your toe in the trend rather than invest early.

Below, we chart the top skincare, makeup, hair care, body care and wellness trends to try in 2025, as shared by the industry insiders who know what’s good.

Skincare

Hyaluronic acid walked so ectoin could run

“Ectoin, an amino acid derivative, is emerging as a superstar ingredient in 2025. Known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce water loss, ectoin helps maintain skin hydration and resilience. With climate change and environmental stressors impacting our skin, ectoin’s protective qualities are becoming increasingly sought after. Look for moisturisers or serums containing ectoin, especially if you live in a dry or polluted environment. Using products with this ingredient can help fortify your skin against external aggressors and maintain hydration throughout the day.” — Kelly Swann, aesthetic nurse practitioner

Try Jeuneora DewyDays Antioxidant Glow Serum, $96; Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum, $316; Evolve Pro + Ectoin Soothing Cream, $85.

“Biohacking: In the beauty industry, biohacking refers to using advanced science and technology to optimise the body’s natural processes for better skin health and appearance. This can include innovative skincare formulations, supplements, or lifestyle changes designed to enhance skin regeneration, protect against ageing, and boost overall wellness.

“Senolytics: These are compounds or ingredients aimed at targeting and removing senescent (ageing or “zombie”) cells from the body. In beauty products, senolytics are incorporated to delay or reverse visible signs of ageing by improving skin cell function, promoting rejuvenation, and enhancing skin elasticity and radiance.” — Stacey Fraser, cosmetic chemist

Regenerative aesthetics as the next appearance medicine movement

“Regenerative aesthetics is an exciting trend that emphasises the use of ingredients like growth factors and peptides. These components accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process, promoting repair and rejuvenation. As consumers become more proactive about their skincare, products that support long-term skin health will be in high demand. Seek out serums or treatments featuring growth factors and peptides. Incorporating these into your routine can enhance the effects of other skincare products, providing a more comprehensive approach to skin health.” — KS

Try The Ordinary Growth Factors 15% Solution, $32; CosRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum, $40.

The uptick in virtual skin analysis and subscription-based dermatology

“The idea for Skinthesis was inspired by my sister’s positive experience with a subscription-based skincare service in the UK. Models like Curology in the US and Software in Australia also highlight the demand for personalised, doctor-led skincare delivered in a convenient manner. In my practice, I often see patients who have spent years trying various over-the-counter products before finally seeing a dermatologist (unfortunately an all-too-common issue in New Zealand, where long waitlists reflect a shortage of specialists). Skinthesis stands out by offering direct dermatologist involvement, making expert care more accessible and helping patients find effective treatments early in their skincare journey. We provide personalised, dermatologist-formulated treatments using medical-grade ingredients. After a thorough consultation, a prescription is written up that is tailored to each patient’s condition, combining active ingredients at optimal concentrations. These prescriptions are then sent to our partner pharmacy, where they are compounded by a trained pharmacist, dispensed and delivered directly to the patient’s door.” — Dr Junie Wong, dermatologist, Mohs micrographic surgeon and founder of Skinthesis

Old-money makeup

“Moving away from ‘overly done’ glamour, looks are moving more towards what may be thought of as an ’old-money, quiet luxury’ style. This has the appearance of not trying too hard. It takes layers of fine products with the subtlest of sheens and pearlescent glows, creating a ‘has she or hasn’t she’ look. It is makeup that will leave you wondering if the wearer is exceptionally skilled at makeup or is just naturally gorgeous and taking all her vitamins and getting her eight hours. Key products include the Hourglass Ambient Light Powders, $105 each, with their hero ingredient, diamond powder. Gone are the sparkly and detectable highlighting powders.” — Gabrielle Houghton, freelance makeup artist

Wearable beauty packaging

“Packaging as a wearable opens up infinite new ideas and disruptive designs, including products like perfume necklaces and bracelets which double as accessories, allowing discreet reapplication on-the-go. Portable designs enable users to easily touch-up makeup, reapply skincare, or refresh fragrance any time, anywhere. Stylish packaging boosts brand perception and loyalty, appealing to consumers who value design.” — SF

Try Kaja Jelly Charm Lip & Blush Glaze, $25; or Braye Lipsleek Lip and Cheek, $24.

Berries and cherries as the new food-based makeup trend

“Emerging from 2024’s colour analysis trend, certain colours are gaining traction as we seek products that genuinely suit our skin tone and will be used regularly. Berry tones speak to a variety of different undertones, suit an array of faces and styles, and adapt well to all skin depths. For light to medium complexions, Nude by Nature’s Hydra Stick Lip & Cheek Colour in Nude Berry, $35, gives a just-bitten cheek and can be patted on to your lips for a hint of colour. For deep, richer skin tones, Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush in She’s Wanted, $70, is a beautiful choice and despite its bold appearance blends incredibly. Berries translate just as well on the cheeks as they do on the lips.” — GH

The year of the dupe?

“The rise of ‘fast beauty’ reflects the growing demand for dupe skincare products, which offer accessibility, affordability, and quick responses to consumer trends. By replicating high-end formulations, these products democratise luxury-inspired beauty, making it available at budget-friendly prices. However, they often come with ethical and sustainability concerns, including potential compromises in quality, efficacy, and innovation. The ingredients, packaging, and overall value may fall short compared to their premium counterparts, raising questions about the long-term environmental and ethical impact of this trend.” —SF

Minimalism comes for mascara

“Tempted to declutter your makeup bag? There was one product noticeably absent on red carpets and runways in 2024, and it seems ‘no mascara makeup’ is here to stay. The pared-back beauty look was popularised by the likes of Riley Keough and Jennifer Lopez at the 2024 Met Gala, and pioneered by designers including Chloe and Rick Owens on the spring/summer 2025 runways. Instead, a naturally radiant complexion pulled into focus, with bare lashes serving to celebrate models’ natural lash texture and length. This trend reflects the industry’s pivot towards conditioning lash treatments in favour of nourishing and lengthening natural lashes (rather than loading them up with product), and the advent of at-home lash lift kits we’ve been seeing flood social media lately.” — Ashleigh Cometti, Viva beauty editor

Hair Care

A return to natural hair colour (or close to it)

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen the likes of Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, and Taylor Swift ditching high-contrast highlights in favour of more natural tones, and it’s a trend that’s catching on with the masses, too. Whether it’s driven by the cost-of-living crisis or a desire to embrace a more individualistic beauty aesthetic, it seems we’ll be leaning into our natural DNA more in 2025. Growing out your hair colour is a real long game, but you can easily work with your hairdresser to start making the transition.” — Lucy Slight, beauty and lifestyle columnist

What to ask for in the salon chair

Cuts: “Micro Bob. Last year’s French Bob trend will evolve even shorter in 2025 to the micro bob — cut to the cheekbone, particularly suited for longer face shapes to create balance. So chic and stylish.

“Italian Bob. At the same time, a bouncy, voluminous bob sitting just above the shoulders is making a comeback this year. Think understated elegance with a nod to both the 60s and the 90s — Zendaya is doing this look beautifully.

“Side Part. Earlier this month, the most prominent hair trend from the Golden Globes red carpet was the side part, with a nod to the 90s. This suits so many face shapes. See Selena Gomez and Anya Taylor-Joy at the Golden Globes.

“Curtain Fringe. Thanks, Sabrina Carpenter — the curtain fringe is back for 2025. A face-framing fringe styled with a round brush suits most face shapes too, and has the bonus of being easy to manage if you want to grow it out.” — Danny Pato, award-winning hairstylist and co-owner and creative director of D&M Hair Design

Colours: “Teddy Bear Brunette: a warm chocolate brown with honey highlights to give sun-kissed dimensionality. Hailey Bieber has to be the patron saint of Teddy Bear Brunette.

“Hollywood Blonde: ashy and platinum blondes will always be on trend in my opinion, but this year will be the year of the rich, creamy Hollywood Blonde. This is created by blending violet and soft-golden reflects together to create a sophisticated, creamy and dreamy result.” —DP

Style, shine and softness reign

“For styling, think 90s volume with big, bouncy Cindy Crawford-style blow waves are in for 2025. Think luscious, glamorous and with loads of volume. Soft shine is also going to be big: I’ve been loving the glass-shine trend of the past couple of years, but this year is about creating a softer, everyday radiance by treating your hair and your scalp with care.” —DP

Body Care

The rise of body tools

“They say three’s a trend, and with three different body care tools currently sitting pretty on my bathroom shelf, it’s safe to say we’re all about ditching neck-down neglect this year. Body massage and lymphatic drainage tools like The Facialist’s new Body Sculpt Gua Sha, $79; Tronque’s Ionic Dry Body Brush, $70; and My Beauty Room’s Sculpt + Detox Cup, $55, all made their way across my desk last year, along with luscious body oils to complement them. While nothing beats a full-body massage at the hands of an expert, daily self-massage at home is a lovely way to boost circulation and show yourself some love, too.” — LS

Scar care as the next beauty frontier

“In 2023, American market analyst website Grand View Research outlined the scar care treatment market size was estimated at US$2.32 billion ($4.13b), and predicted it would continue to grow at a steady compound annual growth rate of 11.5% until 2030. The category reaches far beyond facial scarring caused by acne, and includes products geared towards revising scars resulting from surgery or injury. Creams, gels and silicone patches have proliferated on pharmacy shelves, offering consumers topical alternatives to more invasive scar revision treatments like plastic surgery or C02 lasers. C-section scar recovery will be a particular focus, as will hydrocolloid patches to help revise keloid and hypertrophic scarring.” — AC

Try Naydaya Scar Saviour C-Section & Scar Balm, $59; Tronque Scar Concentrate, $160; or Avène Cicalfate+ Scar Gel, $28.

Fragrance

Spritz on matcha perfume

“There’s no denying matcha is having its moment — and as much as we love drinking it, we’re about to witness a number of perfumes highlighting the Japanese wonder ingredient, too. It’s poised to explode on TikTok, with the matcha perfume trend receiving more than 26,000 weekly views and a sentiment score of 8.6/10 (a metric which measures positive reactions to trends). Brands are following suit — unveiling scents that capture the grounding, calming feeling that the first sip of matcha denotes. Think of matcha fragrances as the grown-up version of gourmand, lending a slight earthiness to sweeter scents for balance.” — AC

Try Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 50ml eau de parfum, $430; or Montale Blue Matcha 100ml eau de parfum, $332.

Wellness

Biohacking makes way for sensehacking

“Sensehacking is a trend that sees people deliberately manipulating their sensory environment in an attempt to enhance their personal wellbeing. It involves looking at all five core senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, with the knowledge that these senses directly impact our perception of the world (and can be harnessed to improve overall wellbeing). The sensehacking technique, coined by Oxford University Professor Charles Spence, uses various sensory inputs to influence emotions and improve social, cognitive, and mental health. An example of sensehacking is embracing natural light in the morning to help set your circadian rhythm, or using calming colours like blues in your workspace to reduce stress. As a psychologist and qualified Breathwork Facilitator, I’m seeing the act of sensehacking being used in conjunction with people’s breathwork practices, for example, tapping into the power of sound through music to help temper moods or create an ambience that puts someone in a calmer state while they practise their breathwork.” — Dr. Maria-Elena Lukeides, psychologist

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