The biggest spring beauty trends, from graphic liners to “tweakments”

We can always look to trends for a glimpse of the zeitgeist, no matter what is happening in the world. Trends are constantly evolving and adapting to meet changing demands. However, they can also reflect the times we live in, as well as a sign of a new beginning–especially for those working in the beauty industry. To celebrate the best season to embrace new styles and be inspired, we reached out to a group of industry experts to help us identify the top spring trends for 2022.

We broke down this story into four categories to cover as much beauty as possible: nail, hair, makeup and skincare. Whether you’re looking for a big aesthetic change or a few slight tweaks to keep things fresh, the following trends will guide you in the right direction–guaranteed.

2022 Spring Beauty Trends: Nails

It’s time for a refresh on your tips now that salon trips and general travel are more feasible than ever. Let your digits shine this spring with modern French manicures and pastels.

We reached out to Hang Nguyen, a professional nail technician (aka @TheHangEdit), Michelle Saunders, celebrity manicurist, and Emi Kudi, celebrity nail artist, for guidance.

Pastel colors in soft, pastel shades

We’ll still be seeing the opaque white but it’s subtler and softer this year. Think ‘Oat Latte’ or ‘Malt Shake. Saunders. I believe pastel colors will be a major trend for spring. We’ll see more fun designs that use negative space to play off modern French. Nguyen also predicts that floral designs in bright and fun pastel colors will continue to be a popular trend.

Design Tips

“Nail art is on the rise for Spring 2022. It could be because the nail salons have reopened and we can take all our Pinterest-worthy photos to our local manicurist.” — Saunders

“I see bright spring colors and floral designs being very popular this spring. You can choose to use detailed floral handpaint or graphic flowers with bright spring colors and dots.” — Kudo”– “I can see the “French Tip” moving about the nail bed to the sides, back and middle.

Neutral Nails

“I see a mix up of neutrals and bright colors in subtle nail art.” Saunders

Preference for Purple

“I am starting to get requests for all shades purple–from violets to aubergine.” — Saunders

2022 Spring Beauty Trends: Hair

Hair is the most important spot people focus when they want to make a difference. A new cut or color can make your hair look fresher. We tapped Wendy Iles, a celebrity hairstylist and Beau Bollinger, owner of Hairstory Dallas to help guide you and your locks this spring.

Nurtured, Natural Hair

Bollinger and Iles both noticed a trend during the pandemic. Clients were seeking to be all-natural. Iles says, “This trend not just translated to hair texture, but also a large percentage of women embracing natural hair colors and even grey hair over forced chemicals colors. I’m completely in agreement with it all.”

However, God-given colors don’t necessarily mean that color treatments are no longer possible. They may be more carefully considered. Bollinger says that there is an art to enhance color and keep it natural. The end result is a natural break from chemical treatments and allows clients to do their hair longer between appointments.

Bollinger says that while easy-to-maintenance styles are gaining popularity, Bollinger points out that some special styling moments (like a proper hairstyle) are making a comeback. He says, “It’s refreshing to finish hair in the salon with a slightly more polished look. It’s like a treat.”

Know your Accessories

Active spring means quick hair cuts and bright clips for keeping stray strands at bay. Iles is optimistic that accessories will see a greater focus this year. The celebrity stylist says, “Customers today are very focused on quality haircare and will spend a lot on luxury accessories.”

Iles and her colleagues noticed an increase in the sales of high-quality hair ribbons when the pandemic started.

2022 Spring Beauty Trends: Makeup

Spring is the best time to play with makeup. With the help of celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali and Shannon Pezzetta, you can emerge from winter doldrums with vibrant color and a “juicy” complexion.

Bold Expressions

Scali shared, “Two Years into COVID and all of us feel rather constrained.” Scali shares that the result has inspired a number of bold beauty expressions. Vivid color on the cheeks (color-draping), graphic shapes for the eyes (double liners), hyper-natural high gloss nudes, and transparent embellishments. “I believe neon colors and some pastel colours will add a pop to the eyes. Lip art will be big.”

Barely Foundation

Scali states that despite the bright expressions, Scali believes that a key minimalist trend will continue to be popular. Look for foundation serums and foundations that are barely there to enhance your skin’s complexion and give it a fresh, youthful look. The serums can provide skin benefits such as hydration, SPF and anti-aging.

2022 Spring Beauty Trends: Skincare

Although a tried and true skincare routine is timeless there are always new ways to experiment, especially when it’s scientifically supported, sustainable, and easy to execute.

We consulted Joanna Vargas, a celebrity facialist, to help us decide what investments to make. April Gargiulo, Vintner’s Daughter founder. Heather Rogers, a board-certified dermatologist. Kacey Boone is an esthetician and the owner of Glow Skincare Studio. Dr. Nancy Samolitis is a board-certified dermatologist who also co-founded Facile Dermatology + Boutique. Dr. Shuting Hu is a cosmetic chemist who founded Acaderma. Dr. Carlos Charles is a board-certified dermatologist who co-founded 4.5.6 Skin.

Simple, but effective

Multiple experts including Dr. Samolitis and Dr. Charles noted a return towards a simpler, more effective skincare regimen that is focused on effective ingredients. Gargiulo says, “People are realizing that the old saying of fewer is better can make all the difference.” “We are realizing that more is not always better for our world or us.”

Dr. Charles goes one step further with this trend. “I believe that the skincare industry will be more transparent with their ingredients, formulation process and overall value, so consumers will be more willing to invest in brands that do the hard work.”

Sustainable Packaging

People who are passionate about eco-friendly products won’t just focus on formulations. Dr. Hu shares that consumers will prioritize sustainable packaging options such as recycled plastic or refillable packaging.

Get Supplements

Dr. Rogers believes that skincare extends beyond the skin. Dr. Rogers explains that supplements will continue to play a major role in skincare. He cites more oral collagen and vitamin A to maintain the skin’s health and hair and anti-photoaging supplements to protect the skin.

Beauty for the Inside and Out

Prebiotics, probiotics and the microbiome of our skin are all still popular. Vargas says that the inside/outside connection to skin health and gut health will be important for how we take care of ourselves in this year’s health.

“2022 will see the stars of our gut microbiome as it governs immunity, sensitivity and overall wellness. In 2022, we will see more probiotic smoothies and supplements.”

Prevention is the Power

Dr. Rogers says that daily sunscreen should be used in combination with smaller doses of baby Botox or fillers in order to prevent sun damage. Remember that up to 90% of visible skin changes often attributed to aging can be attributed to the sun so sunscreen daily is essential!

Dr. Rogers: “I like a daily sunscreen that is zinc-based and blurs any imperfections on my face. I swear by powder sunscreens for easy reapplication of my makeup throughout the day. They are always with me in my purse or glove box.”

Ancient Rituals

Kacey Boone, a Los Angeles-based esthetician, has seen centuries-old techniques like Gua Sha and facial massage, facial cupping and reflexology become increasingly popular in her treatment rooms. Boone says, “I believe we will be seeing more emphasis on holistic skincare. I think we will be seeing more of ancient rituals that are both amazing for our skin and our overall well-being.”