The Best Blockbuster Beauty Trends of 2015

By Dianna Mazzone
Updated Dec 07, 2015 @ 10:00 pm
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Credit: Steve Granitz Getty Images

If there’s a big book of beauty history somewhere, the year 2015 will make for a pretty interesting chapter. From colorful locks to new application techniques, the year’s top trends include a little something for everyone.

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Contouring

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Contouring isn’t exactly new, but this year saw the sculpting technique move into a more sophisticated era. With a plethora of specially-designed products on the market, we guarantee there’s a shade out there that’ll leave you looking sculpted, not skunk-like.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Cream Kit, $40; anastasiabeverlyhills.com.

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Pastel Hair

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Less shocking than neon but more playful than neutral, pastel dye made a splash this year with stars like Taraji P. Henson, Ellie Goulding, Julianne Hough, and Rita Ora sporting shades like lavender, peach, and baby blue.

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Baking

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Call it the YouTube effect: Once a handful of vloggers sung its praises, the Internet was suddenly buzzing over “baking.” The makeup-finishing technique is also referred to as cooking, since the process involves coating your concealer with a layer of powder in order for the heat from your face to set it to perfection.

Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder, $29; sephora.com.

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Ombre Lips

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Ombre hair had its day back in 2013, but this year, the trend migrated to the lips. In fact, it’s gotten so popular there are now products—like Topshop Lip Ombre ($14; topshop.com)—solely dedicated to achieving a gradient look.

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Strobing

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Our selfies got a whole lot glowier in 2015 thanks to strobing, the highlighting technique that took Instagram by storm. The trick behind the trend? Dabbing just a bit of illuminator—be it powder, liquid, or cream—on your face wherever light would naturally hit.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmer Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop, $38; sephora.com.

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Overdrawn Lips

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Rarely is the rise of a trend pinned on just one person, but when it comes to the upswing in overdrawn lips—that is, lining your lips past their natural border in order to make them appear fuller—Kylie Jenner is the undisputed source.

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By Dianna Mazzone