One of the many things that spending more time at home has taught us is that reconnecting with ourselves through our beauty rituals can be a balm on tough days. Like virtually every other industry on earth, the pandemic has influenced the beauty world in ways both big and small. Here, six beauty trends you’re about to see everywhere in 2021.
If you miss your local nail salon, you’re not alone. The good news: many of our favourites now offer press-on nails designed by their talented in-house teams. Hand-painted and reusable, they're the easiest—and fastest—way to get your nail game back on track.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Drugstore press-on nails have come a long way in recent years, and you can now get a gorgeous manicure in a box that’ll last you up to a week. This is one trend we hope will stick around long after 2021.
$60, tipsnailbar.shop
$80, nakedbeautybar.com
As we got used to wearing masks and face coverings last year, data shows that eye makeup sales boomed. From April 2020 to June 2020, sales of products like eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara increased by a staggering 204 percent.
This year, focus is still on the eyes and the looks are getting even more experimental, featuring graphic shapes with plenty of negative space. This impressive outline technique reemerges every couple of years, but we're loving the fun updates we've spotted recently. Take, for example, the subtle, nude liner version on Ariana Grande’s Positions album cover. Sure, it’s a look that requires a steady hand and some practice, but who doesn’t have a little extra time to practice these days? And as for the steady hand, helpful tools like eyeliner stencils can help you fake it. If you're feeling particularly bold, may we suggest skipping the black liner and going for graphic liner in bold, neon shades instead?
$11, shoppersdrugmart.ca
$29, sephora.com
$22, nordstrom.ca
Money piece highlights—made famous by Beyoncé—are a great way to lighten up your look without the expense or hassle of a full dye job. (They’re also an excellent transitional look if you’re in the process of going grey.) Can’t decide between blonde and brown? Dye your roots—or the hair on one side of your part—a darker semi-permanent hue. (Yes, this Billie Eilish-inspired look is a trend best suited to the bold at heart.) The only rule worth following? Taking care of your freshly dyed locks with colour-saving products that prevent fading.
$15, shoppersdrugmart.ca
$24, aghair.com
$24, chatters.ca
Over-the-top multi-step skincare routines—which can do more harm than good, according to dermatologists—are a thing of the past. Instead, consumers are opting for pared-down routines that focus on cleansing, treating and moisturizing. In turn, many brands are offering tightly curated regimens with a small number of steps—so small, in fact, that they can be counted on one hand. Just remember, the golden rule still apply—always wear SPF.
$64, eviobeauty.com
$44, join the waitlist at starface.world
$217, lesseofficial.com
As many salons across Canada remain closed, it’s not surprising that the low-maintenance shag haircut is back in style. It’s casual, kind of messy (in a good way), completely effortless and it works on virtually every hair type and texture. While you don’t need a stylist to achieve this look, what you do need is a great leave-in conditioner and a styling product that offers a little control.
$18, curlshoppe.ca
$24, lusbrands.com
$16, getjusu.com
While the general rule of skincare (including the instructions on most products) has always been to apply any gentle creams and moisturizers on your face, neck and décolleté, we have a feeling that few among us have actually taken this directive to heart.
No more. The skin on your neck is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face, and it’s subject to a lot of daily wear and tear through movement. This year, commit to a routine that’s kind on your neck, featuring rejuvenating ingredients like retinol and ultra-nourishing hydrators like shea butter and glycerin.
$10, shoppersdrugmart.ca
$116, dermalogica.ca
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.