In the beauty realm of the past year, there was a notable uptick in Gen Z enthusiasts fully embracing extravagant self-expression, influenced by Y2K nostalgia and TV character revivals. This trend celebrated colour and creative freedom through sporting bold red lips, experimenting with avant-garde graphic-coloured wings, or flaunting cheeks adorned with a pop of pink.
Notable trends like the clean girl aesthetic, Barbie Core, mermaid core, strawberry makeup, latte makeup, and even ‘food-type’ makeup looks went viral on platforms like TikTok, showcasing the influence of niche trends born on social media. In 2024, more substantial trends will transcend TikTok-born fads, which have shaped MECCA’s product offerings with fresh and exciting launches.
Catering to time-poor beauty enthusiasts, the trend leans towards multi-use products requiring minimal application tools. Imagine iridescent eyeshadows swiped on with a finger, cream blushes dabbed on with fingers, and skin tints pressed in with hands. This approach isn’t limited to TikTokers; brand founders like Violette_FR and Westman Atelier advocate for a casual, time-saving, and on-the-go approach to makeup application.
- Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow
- VIOLETTE_FR Yeux Paint Twinkling & Matte
- RMS Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow
- NARS – The Multiple
- Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Highlighter Drops
While makeup makes a comeback, glossy, glassy looks take a back seat. From TikTok’s Cloud Makeup trend to the revival of ”90s/early 2000s fashion and makeup, Mecca is witnessing a return to matte and satin finishes. Picture the fusion of ultra-matte aesthetics from the 2010s with the dewy looks of the 2020s.
- bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Natural Matte Skin Perfecting Tint
- Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation
- Rose Inc Lip Sculpt Amplifying Lip Colour
- VIOLETTE_FR Petal Bouche Matte
- Kevyn Aucoin Complexion Sticks
- Byredo Liquid Lip Matte
The fragrance scene is undergoing a transformation led by self-taught, modern scent creatives, breaking traditional norms to offer innovative and unexpected fragrances to a broader audience.
Indie scents redefine fragrance as a new-age art form, emphasising inclusivity, accessibility, and gender fluidity.
Consumers are moving away from signature scents, instead opting for a collection of unique fragrances to match their mood and personality daily. Fragrance wardrobing allows for creative expression through scent layering, with brands offering sets and collections designed for mix-and-match.
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Wardrobe for Him
- Maison Crivelli Discovery Set
- D.S. & Durga I don’t Know What ‘Fragrance Enhancer’
- Escentric Molecules Molecule 01
Driven by modern skincare principles and a shift towards at-home hair rituals, haircare routines enhance growth, boost shine, and manage scalp health.
After years of neglect, scalp care takes centre stage in the beauty industry, with products targeting buildup and dandruff and promoting healthy hair growth.
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager
- Gisou Honey Infused Scalp Treatment
- Sam McKnight Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask
Hair routines emphasise skincare-inspired formulas, promoting healthier growth and addressing issues like hair loss and oil imbalance.
Showers are no longer just a daily chore but a chance to indulge in head-to-toe rituals, offering a moment of escape and self-care.
- Necessaire The Body Wash
- This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
- Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter
- Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub
Skincare trends shift towards celebrating real skin with bespoke, simplified routines that offer multi-functional benefits.
Real Skin Embrace: Less is more as consumers seek products designed for simplicity and efficacy, moving away from elaborate routines.
- LOOPS Beaty Sunrise Service Brightening Hydrogel Face Mask
- Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair
- Glow Recipe Cloudberry Essence Toner
- Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops
Brands backed by scientific research gain credibility, offering cutting-edge formulas for effective skincare.
- Dr Dennis Gross DermInfusions 3D Visible Fill + Repair Serum
- Dr Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Ageing Night Cream
- Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Crème Legere
- VERSO Daily Glow
- Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
The skin barrier takes precedence as brands offer products to support skin health through pre-biotic, probiotic, and fermented formulations.