Trends in Colour Cosmetics in 2025

Key Trends in Colour Cosmetics for 2025

In 2025, colour cosmetics are shifting toward warmth, versatility, and individuality. Consumers are embracing earthy tones like mocha and terracotta, berry-inspired shades, and subtle metallic accents that add depth without overwhelming the face. Graphic eyes and playful liner applications bring a bold contrast to otherwise soft, skin-focused finishes. At the same time, the line between makeup and skincare continues to blur, with multi-use products and skin-nourishing formulas gaining ground. Shade ranges are expanding to reflect a wider variety of skin tones and personal styles, as buyers look for products that match both their complexion and their identity.

Mocha Mousse & Earthy Tones

The Mocha Mousse & Earthy Tones trend is driven by Pantone’s selection of Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown with soft reddish-beige undertones that evoke feelings of comfort, indulgence, and calm, as Color of the Year. 

In beauty, this has translated into makeup looks featuring velvety brown lids, softly sculpted cheeks, and nude-brown lips that enhance skin’s natural warmth. Earthy coffee-y tones are being applied across all colour cosmetic categories, from matte taupe eyeshadows and mocha lipsticks to cream blushers often used monochromatically or mixed with soft metallic accents for added dimension. Social conversations show strong consumer enthusiasm, with Reddit users sharing products like “Bbia Downy Choco” blush and “Peripera Hip Brown” lip tints that lean into this palette 

Multi‑functional formats, such as cream blushes that double as lip and eye tint, work especially well with this trend, supporting the monochromatic and earthy preferences. Consider texture variations from matte to satin and adding subtle shimmer to cater to a range of looks rooted in the grounded elegance of Mocha Mousse.

Berry-Tinged And Cherry-Inspired Shades

Deep berry and cherry-red tones are flourishing, moving beyond seasonal use to become a year-round favourite. The shift is backed by a 235 % surge in searches for “dark cherry red” and 325% increase for “cherry vibe” on Pinterest. The fresh take, often called “berry‑girl” or “cherry‑coded” makeup, blends richness with wearability, pairing berry-stained lips, flushes of blush in raspberry or plum, and smudged cherry-eyeshadow for subtle drama. 

Major launches from brands like Chanel, Fenty, Dior, and Glossier tap into this, offering everything from cream blush sticks to matte liquid lip paints.

For brands looking to tap into this trend, focus on richly‑pigmented pigments; formulations should deliver both soft blurred finishes and bold opacity. Developing multipurpose formats like cream-to-powder blush/lip tints enhance the monochrome “berry girl” style. Expand shade ramps and offer a spectrum from light raspberry to deep blackberry and cherry-cola tones, ensure inclusivity across skin tones. And explore finish variety by blending satin, matte, and juicy-gloss textures; jam-lip and blurred finishes that echo current runway and social interest

Metallic Accents & Multidimensional Finishes

Metallic accents and multidimensional finishes are gaining attention as subtle yet impactful additions to everyday makeup. Rather than heavy foils or glitter, this trend leans toward fine, light-catching textures that add depth without overpowering the face. Silver, gold, and champagne highlights are placed strategically on the inner corners of the eyes, brow bones, or cheektops for a refined glow. Eyeshadows with duochrome or holographic shifts offer layered effects that change with lighting and movement, appealing to consumers looking for a modern, expressive touch. These finishes work well across skin tones and pair easily with the year’s grounded color palette.

Playful Graphic Eyes

Playful graphic eyes in 2025 showcase eyes as expressive canvases, featuring dramatic liner, bold shapes, and pops of colour. Expect to see floating lines above the crease, double or reverse wings, and geometric designs in electric blues, greens, and neon shades. These looks often combine sharp edges with softened aesthetics, such as smudged lower-lash accents or pastel floating creases. Embellishments like rhinestones or pearls around the eyes add an artistic flair for those who want a playful, statement-making finish. 

Hybrid Skin Finishes

Hybrid skin finishes in 2025 reflect a shift away from full matte or ultra-dewy looks toward something more balanced, like satin or “cloud skin” finishes. These finishes aim to mimic real, healthy skin with a softly diffused, slightly luminous appearance. They blur texture and control shine without flattening the complexion. Consumers want makeup that looks like skin but still wears well throughout the day, especially under SPF or over skincare.

To tap into this trend, brands should focus on complexion products that combine skin-smoothing effects with breathable, flexible coverage. Ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and light-diffusing particles support both appearance and comfort. 

Makeup‑Meets‑Skincare & Multi‑Use Formats

The makeup-meets-skincare and multi-use format trend in 2025 continues to grow as consumers seek products that do more than provide color. Formulas are now expected to support skin health while offering wearability, which has led to a rise in cosmetics infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and squalane. Tints, balms, and sticks that blend across cheeks, lips, and eyes are popular for their convenience and minimalist appeal. These products cater to buyers who value simplified routines, travel-friendly formats, and a natural finish that improves skin over time. For brands, this means focusing on hybrid formulas with skincare benefits, flexible pigment loads, and textures that work across multiple application areas. Packaging should support mess-free use and easy on-the-go application.

Inclusivity And Personal Expression

Inclusivity and personal expression remain central to colour cosmetics in 2025, as consumers expect brands to offer shade ranges and finishes that reflect diverse skin tones, undertones, and cultural identities. Beyond simply expanding colour options, brands are embracing individuality by encouraging self-expression through customizable palettes, mix-and-match products, and finishes that suit different styles—from natural to bold. This trend pushes manufacturers to develop formulations that perform well across a wide variety of complexions without compromising on wear or comfort. Packaging and marketing should also communicate inclusivity authentically, supporting consumers in feeling seen and represented while celebrating personal creativity.