Is soft glam making room for something bolder?

Soft glam has long been a go-to makeup style for many, offering a familiar, understated look suitable for everyday wear, special events and almost any occasion. The soft glam aesthetic has remained a popular choice for those who prefer a subtle finish.

However, more colourful and expressive looks are gaining popularity: makeup that isn’t necessarily about looking flawless, but about having fun and showing personality. Bold makeup as a form of self-expression can communicate identity, confidence and individuality. Even when these looks attract attention, wearers embrace the chance to express themselves through their appearance.

Soft glam is still very much appreciated, but bold makeup is creating room for more interesting ways to tell a personal story.

Colour is back on the eyes


After years of neutral eyeshadows and barely-there eye makeup dominating beauty routines, colour is finding its way back onto the eyelids. From soft washes of pastel blue to striking graphic eyeliner and metallic finishes, makeup enthusiasts are exploring more expressive ways to define their eyes. Bold eye makeup trends include bright eyeshadows and colourful eyeliners. Rather than simply recreating the dramatic looks of previous decades, this trend offers different ways to introduce colour, whether through a subtle hint or a more adventurous combination.

Some looks feature bold, highly pigmented colours, while others use softer applications that make colourful eye makeup easier to wear every day.

TIP: If you’re new to colourful eye makeup, start with a coloured eyeliner or apply one shade of eyeshadow lightly across your eyelids. You can gradually experiment with bolder combinations as you become more comfortable.

Blush is no longer just a finishing touch


Blush is taking on a more prominent role in makeup routines, moving beyond a little colour on the cheeks to become a defining feature of the overall look. From rosy pinks and peach tones to deeper berry and terracotta shades, people are experimenting with stronger colours and different placements. Some apply it high along the cheekbones and towards the temples for a lifted effect, while others extend it across the cheeks and nose for a more noticeable flush. Choosing blush shades for different skin tones can also help create a more defined finish.

TIP: Start with a small amount of blush and build the colour gradually. For a lifted appearance, blend upwards towards the temples rather than concentrating all the colour on the centre of your cheeks.

Statement lips are having their moment

Nude lip combinations may remain a beauty staple, but bolder shades are giving people another reason to experiment. Deep berry, wine, cherry red, chocolate brown, and vibrant pink are among the colours making a statement. Whether paired with minimal eye makeup or a more dramatic look, a bold lip can easily become the focal point of an entire makeup look. Bold lipstick and glossy lip combinations continue to feature in makeup trends.

TIP: If you’re unsure about wearing a bold lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup relatively simple. You can also soften the colour with your fingertip or apply a little gloss for a less intense finish.

Makeup gets more experimental

For those who enjoy taking makeup beyond the everyday, glitter, metallic finishes and decorative details offer plenty of room for creativity. Small face gems around the eyes, shimmering eyeshadows and pearlescent finishes can transform a simple look into something more striking. Glitter accents and other decorative details are particularly popular in editorial makeup and beauty content, where artistic expression takes centre stage.

However, these looks don’t have to be reserved for elaborate photoshoots or special occasions. A little shimmer on the eyelids or a few carefully placed embellishments can introduce the same playful effect on a smaller scale.

TIP: Try adding a little shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes or using cosmetic-grade face gems for a special look. Avoid applying craft glitter or ordinary adhesives around the eyes.

Making bold makeup work for everyday life

While dramatic makeup can be exciting, not everyone wants to wear a full statement look every day. Experimenting with colour doesn’t have to mean abandoning a familiar makeup routine. A colourful eyeliner, brighter blush, or different lipstick shade can introduce something new without requiring an entirely different approach. Simple makeup techniques can also help achieve a balanced finish.

The idea is to find small ways to bring more personality into familiar looks, whether you’re getting ready for work, meeting friends, or attending an event.

TIP: Pick one feature to experiment with at a time. A bright lip, colourful eyeliner, or a different blush shade can make an everyday makeup look feel fresh without overwhelming the rest of your face.