Just like fashion and the seasons, the world of beauty is cyclical in nature. One look back over the many makeup trends throughout history, and it's easy to see how looks have evolved, inspired by the world around us. And as a brand new year approaches, 2020 will be no exception, with runways and social media already providing us with a plethora of rising trends that are expected to soar in the new decade. We're forecasting the most important beauty trends of 2020 just ahead – hair, makeup, and nails. Keep scrolling!

NAILS

SNAKESKIN NAILS

Creepy, crawly but very, very chic. According to the nail artists, snakeskin trend will be one of the biggest trends for 2020. The look is a bit of a challenge to DIY, but if you have the patience, a sponge that's on the smaller side can help mimic the signature texture and look of the print. Or simply go into your fave nail salon to request the trend.

Updated French manicures

Up until very recently, French manicures were still considered pretty dated and, let's be honest, boring. Alas, the new generation of French manicures is anything but, featuring bold colours, unique shapes, double Frenches, and other fun accents and accessories – 2020 will definitely continue the trend's playful whimsical direction.

HAIRCUT

The mid-length cut

For 2020, we believe a huge trend will be a mid-length haircut. Basically, it's between a bob and a lob, but definitely on the shorter side. It's a great trend for 2020 because the length gives you versatility in styling (low pony, updos, etc.), yet when worn down, it can look loose with lots of pretty movement or easily sleek and polished.

The French-inspired fringe

The trend is always toward the fringe, worn a bit shorter like Jane Birkin did. It's a lived-in look that women like Jeanne Damas, Bérénice Bejo, and Alexa Chung are making so cool. Plus, it's super easy to maintain, and you can even execute your own trims. We recommend keeping it shorter between the eyebrows for the true, French-girl styling.

MAKEUP

Blue gaze

Blue clearly will be on everyone's radar in 2020. We suggest finding fun ways to play with the colour, such as taking an unexpected bright shade and creating a sharp winged cat eye. But really, the sky is the limit.

Think pink

Be it a saturated pat of pink shimmer on our lids, a streak of hot-pink liner, or a mix of both, 2020 is going to be the year of pink-everything makeup. And frankly, we couldn't be more excited.

White stripes

Sure, we've heard for ages that the best way to open up our eyes and shed the look of sleep deprivation is to line our waterlines with a pop of white or nude. That said, makeup artists have been taking the trend up a notch by painting thick lines of white in lieu of inky black on their A-list clientele. Surprisingly wearable, the look is sure to spill into the coming decade just as fervently.

Candlelit Illumination

Highlighter is one of our most-prised beauty accessories, but the trend for 2020 is going to be a far subtler radiance. Glow will never be out of trend, but for 2020 we feel like highlighting products and complexion boosters are really going to get amped up for the ultimate flawless glow.

Less-is-more foundation

2020 will see the return of a more radiant, natural-looking skin finish when it comes to foundations and a less-is-more approach. New innovations in foundation formulas mean that you can get the coverage you need without having to use too much product.

Blush on Blush on Blush on

Blush will be back in a big way and is the perfect way to quickly add a flirty flush or drape dramatic colour across the cheekbones. Liquid and cream blushes are perfect to use if you're new to wearing blusher, as they're more forgiving and easier to work with. For a more amplified dramatic colour payoff, use a cream/liquid as a base and then product-cocktail a powder blush over top.

Classic rouge

In 2019, we began to see a resurgence of classic makeup looks – satin-finish skin, red matte lips, jet-black cat eyes, the like. And yes, the trend will only increase its momentum in the coming decade. 2020 will feature the ultimate mix of trendy and classic products and finishes. Classics are huge right now, and they will continue to be in 2020! A classic red will never go out of style and will be making a bold appearance in the New Year.