Related: Hair trends for 2025
Each new year brings opportunities for fresh starts – wellness resolutions, fitness commitments, on-point hairstyles and new beauty trends. More often than not, the upcoming season has sprinklings of beloved fads from days gone by. For 2025, The National asks industry experts to predict the fragrance, make-up and skincare trends for the coming months.
Return of the frosty-shimmer eye
Those who experimented with make-up in the Noughties would say: “Iridescent icy white eyeshadow? Oh, you had to be there.” But no more. “One of the most exciting trends is the return of shimmers, sparkly and frosty eyes,” says Sara Al Rashid, founder of Asteri Beauty, a Saudi-born, vegan-friendly cosmetics brand.
In recent years lighter hues have been making a comeback, forming part of a wider revival of post-Millennium fashion and beauty trends, as well as cultural nostalgia. “There are two very important tips when you want to add a layer of shimmer to the eyelids,” says make-up artist Kasia Domanska, who says a creamy or pressed eyeshadow can be used to achieve the look.
“First, use an eyeshadow primer as you want that shimmer to stick to the skin and stay put for as long as possible. Second, skip the eyeshadow brush and apply with your fingertips, as this is the best tool for shimmer.”
Once primed, Domanska recommends: “Slide the eyeshadow right on to your eyelids and blend it towards the inner and outer corners of the eye to remove any sharp edges. If you want to go fully retro, grab some cool tones, like frosty or pearl-finish eyeshadows in lilac, icy blue or silver. Finish up with a few layers of mascara to keep the definition, and you're good to go.”
Satin skin overtakes Korean glass skin trend
Remember when glass skin was the beauty trend of the moment? Originating in South Korea, one of the world's beauty pioneers, uber-dewy complexions reigned supreme. In 2025, experts predict this trend will soften into what has been dubbed “satin skin” – a more balanced approach to skincare overall.
“Satin skin combines the best of dewy and matte finishes,” says Morgan Shaw, marketing manager at Eucerin ME. “With this, we see a more healthy, natural glow without too much shine. 'Lit from within' should be the outcome here and achieved with a combination of skincare routines as the base plus the make-up products on top.”
Claudia Soare, president of Anastasia Beverly Hills, describes the look as “a matte finish with a modern twist – think velvety and soft, with a natural luminosity that feels fresh, not flat”. Start, she advises, by adding hydration-boosting products to your skincare routine (think nourishing oils or moisture-locking hyaluronic acid) and skincare-enriched make-up products to your beauty bag.
Multipurpose beauty products will continue to rule
The growth of do-it-all beauty buys will continue in 2025, experts predict. Multipurpose products such as all-in-one balms are not new, but this trend is the next step in an evolution that highlights skincare and make-up with multiple benefits, not just many uses.
“I see a continued focus on products that bridge skincare and make-up, delivering multifunctionality without compromise,” says Sasha Plavsic, founder of Ilia Beauty.
“Consumers are asking more from their beauty routines – products that not only enhance, but also actively improve skin health. This is where ingredients such as niacinamide, plant-based squalene and hyaluronic acid will remain at the forefront, as they offer tangible, proven benefits for hydration, elasticity, and skin texture.”
Balqees Fathi, founder and chief executive of Bex Beauty, says there will be more “make-up that merges skincare, wellness, and technology. This means foundations infused with probiotics, lipsticks doubling as nutrient-rich balms, and blushes that adjust their intensity based on your skin’s natural pH balance.”
Examples include serum foundations such as Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 (Dh190); Bex Beauty Bliss Balm (Dh90); Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan (Dh180); Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Dh145); and Grande Cosmetics Grandebrow 2-In-1 Tinted Brow Gel and Brow Enhancing Serum (Dh162).
All-or-nothing fragrance profiles
Two paradoxical trends are making waves in the fragrance world. First is the re-embracing of warm, rich profiles traditionally loved in the Middle East. Second, is embracing the exact opposite, with simple skin-enhancing scents. Essentially, little room is being left for in-betweens when choosing a signature fragrance this year.
Last year, #Beastmode fragrance took off on TikTok, referring to perfumes that fill a room the wearer walks into. These often involve ingredient profiles with long traditions in this region. “The Middle East's opulent scent profiles featuring oud, amber, and spices will continue to captivate consumers,” says Jonathan Lomboy Grospe, chief operating officer of Thana Parfum.
This time around, however, these traditional aromas will be “blended with modern interpretations”. This means combining traditional heavy notes such as oud with fresh, unexpected accords such as bergamot, pear or marine notes. “This fusion lightens the traditional heaviness and creates a balanced yet distinctive fragrance,” says Grospe.
And then there's the other extreme. “I expect to see more skin-scent enhancers in the market,” says Kleo Mack, chief marketing officer at Glossier. The idea is self-explanatory: gentle scents that aren't overpowering form a final layer of the broader beauty trend of the clean girl aesthetic. Alongside Glossier, other scents to look out for include Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning and OH La Lab SKIN Eau de Parfum.
Simple but striking monochrome make-up
With skin, body and haircare, beauty can be a companion to feeling your best day-to-day. Cosmetics, however, leave more room for play, being a tool for self-expression on more dressed-up occasions. This year, there will be more and more evening looks following the monochrome make-up trend, says Mack. This means “people using one colour family across the cheeks, eyes, and lips”, she explains.
“Monochrome make-up brings elegance to an overall look,” adds make-up artist Anastasia Alawadhi. To achieve the look, she recommends first choosing a colour palette. “Go for a cool rose, warm peach or a chocolate shade,” she says.
Starting with lipstick of choice, Alawadhi recommends “using this as a base for blush and eyeshadow, as well as lip colour. Matte lipstick, which doesn’t transfer, is the best option.”
To pull the look off, she says: “Blend the creamy formula into the cheekbone and over the eyelids quickly, using your fingertips as lip colours often set fast.” Once you have this monochrome base, you can finish the look with the usual touches such as mascara and brow gel, or build upon it with other shade-matching powder, she adds.
