Who What Wear

FYI: These Will Be the Biggest Beauty Trends for 2020

Lately, we've been pretty caught up ensuring all of our holiday hair and makeup looks are in order, our skin is behaving as peaceably as possible, and our fashion game is fit to match. It's the most festive time of year, and one of the best opportunities to switch up our ho-hum manicure or basic hairstyle. Even better news? The New Year is just around the corner, which is inspiring in and of itself, not to mention we're entering an entirely new decade. Bye, 2010s, and hello, 2020!

Of course, we're planning on kicking things off with a beauty-centric bang, and we can't wait to see where the upcoming New Year takes us in terms of new product formulas, fresh brands, cool variations on hair and makeup, and so much more. To celebrate, and to get the juices flowing, I reached out to some of the best experts in the business from every inch of the beauty industry—from the hairstylist that cuts and styles Margot Robbie to the estheticians who cater to Hollywood's most glamorous faces, we're forecasting the most important beauty trends of 2020 just ahead—hair, makeup, skincare, and nails. Keep scrolling! Your excitement for the New Year is about to officially take off. 

Hair Color

According to Karissa Schaudt, colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, beautiful "orchard" shades of red will be huge for 2020. "Like an apple, orchard red contains both copper and auburn tones, which can richen your entire appearance. If your hair is natural, you can achieve this within a single process. If there’s previous color, you’ll need a base color and balayage to achieve this multi-reflective look"

That said, Schaudt does warn that red will fade faster than other colors, so she advises using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner like Oribe's.

"For brunettes who want to try something on trend for 2020, ask for twilighting," suggests Schaudt. Twilighting, she explains, is a shade of brunette with warm undertones where the color reflects pretty hints of gold. "The look is achieved by painting a few balayage pieces in addition to foiled 'baby lights.' It's a low-maintenance color that will carry from season to season. Plus, it gives a basic shade of brunette a touch more dimension."

"If you're looking to take your blonde shade to the next level, go 'beyond blonde,' an ultra-pale vanilla," says Schaudt. "By diminishing any dark face-framing shadows, this shade elongates, drawing attention to the cheekbones and jawline. You'll want to ask for a color that's not too yellow or too ashy. This color trend is a light, neutral beige that allows for variation."

For at-home TLC and color maintenance, Schaudt says to be sure you invest in Olaplex's Hair Perfector No. 3 ($28) and a toning shampoo—blue is better than purple here. (We're obsessed with Davines Alchemic Shampoo, Silver, $27) 

"This color works for brunettes or blondes and is focused on brightening the face with sandy tones around the hairline," says Schaudt. "Foiling the hairline and also balayaging the tips creates the most dimension, with minimum maintenance. This year, more women were embracing their natural roots and this will continue with the addition of a little dimension."