A new semester is a fresh start—replete with resolutions to attend every single class, finish your assignments on time, and make a new friend or two. Academics aside, it’s also an opportunity to reinvent your look. From a complete rebrand (a fresh hair colour plus a brand-new wardrobe? Yes, please!) to minor upgrades (note to self: wear brighter lipstick this year), nothing’s off the table.
Whether you’re looking for a total style overhaul or just want to appear a little extra polished at the fresher’s party, it helps to stay current. Below, find our top back-to-school beauty trends of the year and how to recreate them effortlessly for maximum head-turns.
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1. Ultra-juicy lips
Plump, luscious lips have been on trend for a while now, and it looks like they’re here to stay. You only need two products to nail this look (a lip tint and a gloss), but it helps to get the prep right. First, use a lip scrub to get rid of any dryness or flakiness, and follow up with a lip mask for maximum hydration. Once fully absorbed, wipe off the lip balm and fill in with a tint. A cherry red tint is universally flattering on Indian complexions, whereas a peachy coral can be a great pick for everyday wear. Finish with a generous swipe of a plumping lip gloss for that wet, juicy effect.
Tira recommends: The Face Shop Water Fit Lip Tint - Red Signal, GA-DE Crystal Lights Lip Gloss - 818 Pure Light
2. Barely-there base
There’s something super refreshing about a barely-there base—it looks and feels effortless and is surprisingly easy to create and carry. Plus, of course, embracing your natural skin with all its flaws is always a major win. To ace this trend, start with an intensely moisturised canvas—think hyaluronic acid serums and your most hydrating moisturiser. For an added boost of radiance, apply an illuminator or strobe cream below your base, and follow up with a skin tint (a BB or a CC cream should work just fine, depending on how much coverage you’re looking for). Although not mandatory (remember, freckles, blemishes and texture are all part of real skin), you can dab concealer on blemishes or pigmented areas if you so wish. The best part about this base is that it never feels heavy or cakey, which makes it ideal to wear on long, hectic days.
Tira recommends: M.A.C Strobe Cream – Pinklite, Thank You Farmer Be Beautiful Luminous CC Cream SPF 30 PA++ - Beige
3. 90s Berry lips
Nothing makes a statement like a bold, berry lip. This 90s-inspired iteration features an intensely pigmented matte finish that’s equal parts edgy and cool. The trick here lies in choosing the perfect berry shade—you want a darker, cooler shade of red, preferably with purple undertones. Choose a lip liner in a similar shade (or go a shade darker to add extra definition to your lips), and draw along the contours of your lips. Overline slightly near the cupid’s bow and the centre of your bottom lip to make your lips appear fuller, then fill in with the matte lipstick. Pick this look for days when you need all eyes on you, and remember to keep the rest of your look pared back to let your lips truly shine (a barely-there base works wonders with this lip!).
Tira recommends: KIRO Lush Moist Matte Lipstick - Lunar Berry 09, Makeup Revolution Irl Filter Finish Lip Liner Definer - Burnt Cinnamon
4. Mood-boosting eyes
The quickest way to brighten a dull day? Swipe on a bright eyeshadow, or experiment with graphic liner in a pop shade of your choice. The best part about this trend is that there are quite literally no rules, and the world is your oyster. The key lies in being playful and focusing on your mood as opposed to being worried about getting the technique right. Feeling coy and feminine? Try a pastel, shimmery wash of pink across your lids. Or draw a strong, electric blue liner across your lash line when you really need to stand out!
Tira recommends: Lakme Absolute Explore Eye Shadow Stick - Hawaiian Pink, Makeup Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette - Marvellous Mattes
5. Statement blush
Blush is the product du jour this season, without a doubt. You can dial it up, pare it down, try an unusual shade (purple looks surprisingly good on Indian complexions, almost delivering a brightening effect!) or place it strategically to contour your face and enhance your features. While shade selection is crucial (mauves, bright pinks, and corals are all on-trend), the mantra to follow for this trend is ‘more is more’. To nail this look, go in with a heavy hand and apply the blush. Liquid blush can be great for achieving an intensely pigmented look. Blend well to avoid any streaks or harsh lines, and you should be all set. Remember, your blush needs to be the focal point of your look, so it can help to have minimal makeup on the rest of your face.
Tira recommends: Lovechild Masaba Band Baaja Blush - 03 Lal Lal Land, Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush - Nectarine
Cover Image: Instagram/@shanayakapoor02
