Hair & Make-Up Trends That Are Never Out of Style
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in over two decades as a make-up artist, it’s this: trends come and go, but some looks never leave the party. These are the dependable icons, the ones you can pull out on a Monday morning or a red-carpet Friday and feel instantly polished. I’m going to start with my four favourite make-up trends of all time and then move on to some timeless hair classics. Let’s get into it…
Make-Up
Eyeliner
Eyeliner has been around forever. Ancient Egyptians lined eyes with kohl; silent-film vamps made it sultry; the ’60s wing (Bardot! Twiggy!) made it fashion. Shapes evolve, but a clean line still changes everything.
I am truly obsessed with the VB Satin Kajal liners. First of all, that shade range?! Every makeup artist dream! Also, the formular is just so wonderfully silky and so nice to work with. Not ashamed to tell you that I have these in every single colour.
When it comes to kohl, I absolutely love these pencils by Charlotte Tilbury. They’re buildable, smudgeable but stay in place so well once you’ve created the look. I love using these for runway makeup as they give you the perfect 90s smudged look.
When it comes to liquids, who doesn’t love a felt tip brush?! This is quick-drying, water-resistant and the felt tip has just enough firmness for a crisp flick without skipping. Great for beginners; reliable for pros.
Red Lipstick
Next, a red lip. We can go back as far as Mesopotamia and, later, the Suffragettes – red has always been rebellion with polish. Marilyn made it movie-star,and we’ve worn it ever since for instant confidence. I’ve done entire blogs on the best reds (read here!), but one I’ve already reached for this September is Ruby Woo by MAC.
The iconic blue-red that brightens teeth and lasts. The updated MACximal formula feels comfier but keeps that unforgettable punch. I’ve loved this colour for what feels like 15 years?! Love that MAC continue to innovate with the same shade in every single formula your heart could desire.
Smokey Eyes
If you know me, you know how much I’ve always loved a smokey eye (it’s probably the ’90s teenager in me). From early-cinema smudges to ’90s supermodel grunge and 00s red-carpet glam. When it comes to a smokey eye, it doesn’t just need to be your typical black and greys. A smokey eye is actually about the blending technique – the constant is this: blend the deepest shade at the lashes and haze it upwards.
My current favourite to craft a smoky eye is this Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette. It is full of buttery neutrals from daytime taupes to evening bronze, with 14 shades (9 mattes, 5 metallics) so you can dial the smoke.
This is another pallet I’m obsessed with. I feel like this is going to stay in my faves coming in to autumn because the colours are so nice for a warm look (which I feel like we all need as it gets colder!).
Blusher
I recently did an entire blog on blusher – tones, textures and placement (read it here). From 18th-century rouge to ’80s draping, a believable flush = instant vitality. Placement does the lifting; texture decides the finish.
My current (and a forever!) favourite is Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush. She is silky, buildable, and has the most gorgeous shimmer that really brightens up the face without being too much.
Hair
Ok let’s move on to hair! Hair is an amazing way to express ourselves, every single day and these looks have been around forever for good reason…
Pin Curls
Pin curls might feel tricky at first, but oh boy are they still used by hairstylists for a reason, they provide serious staying power. 1920s–40s starlets slept in pin curls, then brushed them into swooshy waves. They’re still the backbone of classic Hollywood hair. Whenever I get a curled look at the salon that I want to last, I ask the stylist to add a few around my face.
I absolutely love this product and feel like it is essential for every hair type! It gives you that that “memory” and gloss without flakes; perfect for structured sets that actually last.
The bob (What’s your name? B.O.B? So they’re calling you Bobbbb!)
Ok it has been some time since I’ve had a bob but I’m always tempted to go for this chop! Flappers chopped it in the 1920s; Vidal sharpened it in the ’60s; every decade reclaims it (blunt, French, shaggy, glassy). Universally chic.
When you have a bob, it’s all about having a good tool to help it look as fresh as possible in between cuts. This tool fromg ghd gives consistent heat at 185°C for smooth, glassy edges without frazzling ends; brilliant for tucks and bevels.
The Blow-Dry
Who doesn’t love a blow-dry?! For me it’s the ultimate treat to myself. Hand-held dryers took off in the ’60s; ’70s volume, ’90s “The Rachel”, and now pro-level tools at home. Technique + tension + a cool-shot = shine.
I’ve been loving the Dyson Supersonic for those days that I’m DIYing. She’s fast with a focused airflow and intelligent heat control that’s kind to fibres. Pair with a ceramic round brush for that salon finish. I also love that Dyson offer so many tutorials on their website, so if you’re ever feeling stuck on how to get the perfect look, check out their website!
The Plait
Braiding spans millennia and cultures; from school-run plaits to festival fishtails, it’s practical, pretty and endlessly adaptable. I’ve always loved a crown braid!
When it comes to plaits, it’s all about learning the skill but I love this powder dry shampoo from Bumble and Bumble as it adds soft grit so sections don’t slip; brilliant for pancaking edges fuller. Pair with clear elastics.
Hair Extras (for all looks!)
When it comes to hair, I feel like people often overlook a hair oil but trust me, every single trend above will be better with a little smooth finish. This one by Larry King is full of hair loving ingredients like rosemary and jojoba oil. Can’t get enough of this!
You didn’t think I’d talk about hair without including a hairspray, did you?! I’ve been loving this multi-tasking styling mist (because you know we all need products that do it all when in a rush). It works as a traditional hairspray, texturizing spray and a volumizer for the roots. Safe to say Sam has done it again!
And finally, here are my favourite quick how-to cheats (save these for later!)
· Cat eye: draw the tail first following your lower-lash angle, then connect back in tiny strokes.
· Red lip: scrub, balm, line, fill – clean edges with a tiny brush + concealer.
· Smokey: pencil smudge at the lash line, press a mid-tone on top, blend upwards with a clean brush.
· Pin curls: set on damp hair with setting lotion, dry fully, cool completely, brush out and sculpt with fingers.
· Bouncy blow-dry: rough-dry to 70%, then round-brush in sections; cool-shot before releasing.
· Plait: a mist of dry shampoo for grip, even sections, then rub the edges for fullness.
Trends are fun, but these classics are forever. Pick one, make it yours, and wear it on repeat. If you try any of the looks, tag me, as I can’t wait to see your spin.
Love,
Lisa xx