The 9 Beauty Trends That Will Be Huge in 2022

When we said we were going to experiment more with beauty this year, we meant it. If it wasn’t for the shag haircuts, Y2K makeup revival or the always interesting TikTok trends, 2021 would’ve been, well, boring. With newfound confidence and curiosity, we’re ready to bring even more experimentation into 2022. From peekaboo highlights to statement blush, here are nine beauty trends that we’re predicting will be BIG next year, according to the pros.

Y2K beauty was everywhere this year and it’ll continue into 2022 (because the nostalgia is real). One throwback trend that’s really having a moment? Glitter, glitter and more glitter. “Glitter is a trend that we’ve seen come and go over the past few decades. While jeweled appliques are still trending for next year, we’ll definitely be seeing even more glitter than usual next year,” says Sandra Saenz, a professional makeup artist in Dallas “At LaQuan Smith’s SS’22 fashion show, we saw a ton of glitter on models’ eyes on the runway, which paired beautifully with the collection.” Thankfully, instead of ruining your clothes (and bedroom) with specks of glitter, there are plenty of shadow sticks and palettes to get the job done.

Shop the glitter: Danessa Myricks ($18); Haus of Laboratories ($20); KVD Beauty ($22)

Another ‘90s-inspired trend that’s making a comeback is well-defined lips. Now, we aren’t into overlining our pout, but we’re definitely fans of enhancing our natural shape in 2022. “The classic look of lined lips using a neutral lipstick and coordinating liner creates the appearance of fuller lips without looking overdone,” says Manuel Espinoza, a makeup artist and StyleSeat Pro.

Espinoza’s tip for perfecting the right amount of liner to use? Apply your lipstick first. “By doing this, you’re going to see where your lips naturally touch each other on top and bottom. Next, grab a liner that’s a shade or two darker than your natural lip color. (The darker the liner, the more definition it’s going to give.) Finally, use the lipliner to perfect the shape.”

Shop liners: NYX ($4); Bossy Cosmetics ($5); Charlotte Tilbury ($22)

In 2021, we established that the regular cat eye was a thing of the past (at least for now). While a reversed cat eye was a big hit this year, we’re stepping it up in 2022 with a double-liner look. Celebs like Dua Lipa, Doja Cat and Yara Shahidi are already rocking the style, so it'll definitely be the eye look to try out. “While eye liner has always been a beauty staple, doubling or tripling up on graphic lines is definitely a newer trend. This look delivers more impact and encourages color play unlike the traditional, one shade of liner we’ve seen in the past,” explains Saenz. The makeup artist suggests pairing blue, green or white shades together for a colorfully coordinated finish.

Shop the eyeliners: KVD Beauty ($21); Urban Decay ($22); Lancôme ($22)

Blush has quickly become our favorite step in our makeup routine this year. “People are approaching blush through a more experimental lens, playing with shades and placement to really create a cool, custom look,” says Saenz. “In addition to applying it on the apples of the cheeks and across the nose, people are also applying blush to the high points of their faces, like right above the cheekbones, where contour would typically be placed, for a more sculpted finish.”

Shop the blush: Milani ($7); Rare Beauty ($20); NARS ($30)

While 2020 was the year of complete color transformations, 2021 was all about subtlety. Whether you tried the money piece style or the balayage look, highlights made a major return. But a familiar look straight from the early ‘00s has started to make waves: peek-a-boo highlights. “In 2022, we are going to see the peek-a-boo highlights become even more popular. These highlights are a fun way to achieve a dimensional color and to add some pop, but not have to commit to maintenance of traditional highlights,” explains Laura Gibson, master colorist at Bomane Salon in Los Angeles. “This time around, it will have more of a blend to it. These highlights will not be as highly contrasted.”

Trendsetting celebs like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna and Demi Lovato surprised and delighted us by rocking chic mullets this year. Yes, the polarizing “business in the front, party in the back” look is back, but in a more fashion-forward way. “The mullet has been around forever. However, the look is becoming more modern with softer layers blending it front to back,” says Kamara Brown, hairstylist and StyleSeat Pro. “They’re really low maintenance but still offer a fun way to change up your look. We’re also seeing a lot of people experimenting with mullets and the different ways you can wear them.”

When salons were closed due to the pandemic, many of us let our hair grow out. Luckily, 2022 is the year to embrace longer lengths. “Next year, the 90’s long, bouncy layers will be back. Think of a modern version of Jennifer Aniston’s look,” says Matt Swinney, a hairstylist and global creative director for RUSK. To achieve the look at home, Swinney recommends applying a volumizing mousse on wet hair before blow drying it in sections. While hair is still hot, wrap it in Velcro rollers, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes and release them to reveal big, loose curls that show off your layers.

Rumpled waves that almost look wet are making a splash in 2022. Need inspo? Celebs like Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez and Margo Robbie have perfected the look. “Textured hair is going to be the norm next year with styled curls and waves being achieved with a multitude of products,” shares Charlene Valledor, president of SOS Beauty. A key product to have in your arsenal is a mousse or a styling gel that gives off the sleek and shine of “damp” hair.

Shop the products: Not Your Mother's ($9); Amika ($25); R+Co ($32)