Get ready to dazzle this holiday season because the makeup trends for 2025 are here, and they’re all about maximum glam! Celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, the mastermind behind Dua Lipa’s iconic looks and the internet’s go-to beauty guru, has just unveiled her holiday forecast—and trust us, you’ll want to take notes. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Hughes is all about technique over trends, she’s also the queen of blending the two in ways that might just push you out of your comfort zone. So, what’s in store for your holiday glam? Let’s dive in.
Earlier this week, the Target in Soho became the hottest spot in New York City, thanks to its star-studded relaunch event. Among the crowd were Olivia Ponton, Evan Mock, Paloma Elsesser, and Sai De Silva, but it was Katie Jane Hughes who stole the show. Her curated beauty edit, displayed front and center, was a testament to her ability to make drugstore staples feel luxurious. Hughes, with her massive following on Instagram and TikTok, has built a reputation for demystifying makeup techniques—like her famous pinpoint shading—and reminding us all that skill trumps trends every time.
But here’s the part most people miss: Hughes’s own look that night was a masterclass in blending classic and trendy. She rocked a monochrome ‘toasted’ aesthetic—brown eyeshadow, matching lips, and a warm blush—that felt both timeless and fresh. When asked about the trend’s quirky name, she laughed it off with a dose of reality: ‘Nothing is new anymore. It’s all about how you make it your own.’ And that’s exactly what her Target edit is all about: products that encourage you to experiment or double down on the classics. Think Real Techniques brushes, Prequel’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser, e.l.f.’s viral Halo Glow Blush, and Maybelline’s Serum Lipstick in a perfect peachy tone. These aren’t just products—they’re tools to elevate your holiday look.
Now, onto the trends. Hughes predicts five key looks that are both achievable and show-stopping. And this is where it gets interesting: some of these trends might challenge your go-to style, but that’s the point. Let’s break them down:
Tightlining & Micro Wings: Say goodbye to bold, dramatic wings. This season, it’s all about delicate, whispery lines that hug the lash line. Think subtle, not statement.
Frosty Pink Monochrome: This one’s for the bold at heart. Hughes calls it ‘the best color ever’—a shimmery, frosty pink that you can sweep across your eyes, lips, cheeks, and even Cupid’s bow. It’s opulent, it’s festive, and it’s surprisingly wearable.
The New Red Lip: Red lips are timeless, but this year, they’re getting a modern twist. Think sheer, powdery finishes that look like you’ve buffed eyeshadow onto your lips and topped it with clear balm. It’s not matte, it’s not glossy—it’s something in between, with a Korean-inspired contour pen for definition.
‘Cinnamon Girl’ Tones: Beiges, browns, and berries are taking center stage as a versatile alternative to bright reds. Hughes encourages multi-use products here—use your eyebrow pencil as eyeliner, your cream blush as a lip tint, and get creative with what’s already in your makeup bag.
Satin Skin: Remember 2016 makeup? It’s back, but with a sophisticated twist. The focus is on a flawless, editorial complexion that lets your eyes and lips pop. The secret? Prepping your skin like a pro. Hughes recommends exfoliating with a textured face cloth to create the perfect canvas for your makeup.
Here’s the controversial question: Are these trends truly groundbreaking, or are they just old looks repackaged with new names? Hughes argues it’s the latter—but does that make them any less exciting? Let us know in the comments. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a glam enthusiast, these trends (and Hughes’s Target picks) are sure to inspire your holiday look. So, which one will you try first?
