13 Beauty Trends Experts Say Are on Their Way Out

Drastic, Two-Toned Hair

Celebrity colorist Chad Kenyon says the half-and-half trend of sporting two colors (one dark and one light, hence the name “skunk hair”) across the hair is “fading away quickly.” What is on the horizon—and what his clients are asking for more and more— is twofold: “Blondes want to be blonder and with less of a shadow root, and I’m doing much more of my signature ‘Mango con Chile’ look.”

A Strong Contour

While chiseling the face, enhancing features and minimizing insecurities with makeup were once all the rage, celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter says contour is no longer queen. Instead, Linter says she’s “seeing more of a glow going on rather than a strong contour.”

Ombré Hair 

“The extreme ombré trend is definitely over,” says Kaytee Joyce, colorist at New York City’s Benjamin Salon. “Clients are asking for a more natural, sun-kissed look.” Laura Polko, Scunci celebrity hair stylist, adds that ombré and bright-colored tips are being replaced by balayage to get that “painted color” look. 

Another option that delivers a similar “freeform” look, according to Abraham Sprinkle, stylist and member of Keratin Complex’s International Creative Team: highlighting techniques such as combination overlays and reflects. 

Overly ‘Done’ Brows

Boxy, drawn-in brows are officially a thing of the past. “Just because it’s on trend, doesn’t mean a thick brow is right for everyone,” says celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin.

Smashbox’s pro-lead makeup artist Lori Taylor-Davis explains that any brow that looks like it has been overly created to look like a brow should be gone and done with. “Brows should have a light and feathery look to them which can be subtly intensified with a specific makeup look.” 

Going Grey Too Early 

According to Joyce, artificial grey and silver hair is also on its way out. “The trend can be very harsh and unflattering on most skin tones,” she explains. “I’m all for my clients wanting to try something new, but it still needs to complement their skin!”

Lash Extensions Year-Round

“Don’t get me wrong, I love a look with lots of lashes, but I really wish extensions would go away,” says makeup artist Jenn Streicher. “I see a lot of women opting for them for a special occasion like their wedding, but others are including them as part of their general beauty upkeep. The problem is they look really great for two to three days then they start getting a bit wonky—some pointing up, others down or sideways—and they are damaging your real lashes! There are so many great lash serums on the market that are a much better alternative to making your real lashes fuller and longer. Or, if you are looking for a short-term solution, individual lashes vs. strips are the way to go!”

Caked-On Makeup

Kristen Carriol, founder of Lano, says that over-contouring and just using too much product on your face is not the way to go. “It may still look great in a well-lit photo or under candlelight, but in real life it just looks too heavy.”

Tan Overload

James Read, tanning expert and founder of James Read Tan, says a trend he wishes would go away is when people are heavy-handed with their products and over-apply tanning solutions. “When you over-apply, you can end up looking quite orange. Wait until a tan has completely faded and get rid of the old tan before applying a new tan for a more natural, bronze glow.”

The Too-Precise Cat’s-Eye

“The perfected cat’s-eye will always be a classic, but what’s more interesting in beauty right now is the grunge smoky eye,” explains Lindsay Ellingson, cofounder and creative director of Wander Beauty. “To create it, use eyeliners that can be smudged for a slept-in sultry look; I love to wear bronze hues for a wearable daytime look. Just smudge into your upper and lower lash lines and don’t worry about staying inside the lines!”

Overly Dewy Skin

Ramy Gafni, celebrity makeup artist and brow expert, explains that this trend began as a backlash to heavy foundation. “Everyone wanted that JLo glow, but in their zest to achieve it, some ended up looking too shiny and oily.” Gafni explains that for a perfectly balanced look, the highlighter that imparts that dewy finish should be applied strategically. “High up on cheekbones, for example, and maybe one other spot on the face, like the bridge of the nose or the chin. Applying it to the eyes, cheeks, lips, nose and forehead all at once leaves you looking like you swam to the event.”

Bronze Overload 

A swipe of bronzer or a properly done sunless tan is a great way to warm up your skin and add a little life to your complexion. But, when overdone, it can make you look fake, or even worse, orange. Stick to a matte bronzer that won’t add any unnecessary shimmer to your skin and a tanning formula you trust—we recommend testing on your wrist before you apply to your whole body. 

Heavy Lashes

With the trend of eyelash extensions on the rise, there’s no doubt that full lashes are the finishing touch on almost all makeup looks. But, it can be easy to get heavy-handed on the false lashes or mascara, resulting in heavy, clumpy lashes. Opt for thin but full lashes (and avoid dramatic or “artistic” sets) when purchasing a set of falsies, or consider eyelash extensions for a truly natural-yet-glamorous look at your next event. 

Keep Your Brows

While a thinner brow is currently en vogue, Linter says to think twice before doing something drastic to keep with the times. “Don’t shave off your brows or tweeze them too thin—that trend will be going, going, gone!”