The tired beauty trends and treatments it's time to DITCH in 2025 - and what I'm replacing them with for epic results: POLISHED by Elise Wilson
Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
I hate to say it, but some of your go-to beauty staples are officially on borrowed time.
And, if your makeup bag or skincare shelf hasn't had a proper clean-out and glow-up lately, consider this your sign to do so.
It's interesting because beauty in 2025 really is a tale of two halves: on one hand we're leaning into exciting ingredient upgrades in both skincare and fragrance, while on the other, we've gone full-circle back to (my) millennial roots of what we know and love - I'm talking about winged-liner, and I'm ecstatic about it.
As we hit the second half of the year, the beauty world has spoken and the verdict is clear with some cult favourites getting kicked to the curb in favour of fresher, smarter and often cleaner alternatives.
Think of it as a beauty spring clean. The kind where lipsticks are replaced by fruity stains, Shellac is snubbed for something much stronger, 'top treatments' are getting exiled and your trusty old tanning foam? Sorry, but she's on her last legs.
Oh, and if you're still clinging to your crusty tube of waterproof mascara, I'm here to stage a gentle intervention.
As a beauty expert, I get asked constantly about what's trending, what's dated, and what people should actually spend their money on, and this year it's all about skin-loving, low-maintenance, longevity-focused and, above all, smarter buys.
I've rounded up the top 10 trends that I am loving right now, and what you should ditch immediately if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
OUT: Shellac nails | IN: BIAB (builder in a bottle)
Look, I've never been a fan, but Shellac has officially had its day.
I'm very happy to report that a lesser-known alternative called BIAB (which stands for Builder in a Bottle) is the new go-to for long-lasting, natural-looking nails that actually help your real nails grow stronger.
It's basically the protein shake of manicures. Strengthening, protective and perfect if you're trying to ditch the cycle of brittle breakage. Plus, the high-gloss finish is pure luxury.
I was urged by a friend to book in at Sindoba in Sydney's eastern suburbs, because apparently their BIAB mani's are elite and last 'so long' because of the meticulous care and attention nail tech Soni takes.
At $150 per appointment, I was skeptical because for one, that is pricier than a traditional gel-mani. And two, I thought it would instantly chip and peel off like Shellac had always done for me - ruining my nail bed underneath while it was at it.
'Unlike acrylics BIAB is much more gentle and doesn't require harsh filing compared to gel or shellac,' Soni told me. 'It's also thicker and stronger, which means it adds more protection and is less likely to chip or lift.'
The fact that I can get four good weeks out of each manicure does justify the extra cost, but alas, I'm already addicted.
'BIAB is designed to be infilled, which helps maintain the nail structure and keeps the natural nail protected underneath. It's a lot healthier than removing and reapplying each time, and clients love the time-saving element too.'
OUT: Fillers | IN: Biostimulators
Aesthetic experts are seeing a major shift away from traditional fillers in favour of biostimulators like Rejuran (the one that uses polynucleotides (PN) derived from salmon DNA), PDO threads and skin boosters.
Instead of plumping instantly, they work with your body to stimulate collagen over time, giving you a more natural, gradual refresh. Think of it as ageing well... with a little help.
'The previously fashionable 'overfilled' look has fallen out of favour, with patients now preferring treatments that subtly enhance their natural appearance,' said Dr Josh Medical Director & Founder of Contour Clinics.
However, Dr Josh explained that unlike traditional dermal fillers, 'most biostimulators typically don't provide immediate volumisation'.
Instead, it's more about the long game - 'they activate your body's own regenerative processes, intensely promoting collagen synthesis. Over time, this leads to natural lifting, subtle volumisation, tightening, and improved overall skin quality'.
I was lucky enough to try a few Rejuran skin booster treatments with Dr Josh a few years ago and I loved the results.
The injections certainly stung a bit, and I looked like Quasimodo for a few hours afterwards (picture below for proof), but I was left with insanely glowing results that just kept getting better.
Over-laminated, 'electrocuted' crunchy brows? I've seen enough.
This year, embracing our natural brow texture is the way forward. Think brushed up, but soft. Less glue stick, more whispery and wearable.
A great, soft brow gel and strategic growth serum (if you have sparse, or patchy hairs), will do more for you than another round of overly-laminating ever will.
Amy Jean Brows Lamination Brow Gel ($48) - The comb on this really defines my brow hairs and keeps unruly ones in check, all day and night but doesn't make my brows look electrocuted
OUT: Traditional Lipstick | IN: Lip Stains
Say goodbye to lipsticks that smudge, fade or migrate, because now it's all about a just-bitten tint that lasts all day without touch-ups.
Lip stains are sheer, buildable, and way more low effort. I especially love the 'peel-off' formulas that have been going viral on TikTok like Balaeric Beauty's below.
OUT: Powder Makeup | IN: Jelly and creams
I honestly think anyone over the age of about 25, powder makeup is officially passé, and other makeup artist's agree with me.
'I personally think cream formulations are easier to apply to the skin,' said celebrity makeup artist Michael Brown. 'They are more blendable therefore easier to customise to your preferred pigment intensity [and] give more glow than powders as well as being multi-purpose for lips and eyes.'
The new wave of jelly blushes and cream highlighters are lightweight, blend like a dream and give your skin that healthy, dewy glow we're all chasing.
Plus, they feel like skincare, don't go cakey and can be reapplied seamlessly throughout the day as and when you need to.
OUT: Flat lifeless hair | IN: Face-Framing Layers
An evergreen classic that works for all hair types, so I'm told - face-framing layers are something I've only just embraced myself.
That's all thanks to my recent visit to see celebrity hair-guru Anthony Nadar, who literally squealed when I suggested we actually 'do something interesting' with my cut - instead of my standard (and boring) one centimeter trim.
'This style is a staple,' he told me. 'Hair layers that hug both the jawline and cheekbones add definition to the face instantly.'
As you can clearly see from my before and afters - he wasn't wrong.
Tanning foams may give fast colour, but they're often drying and patchy… and orange?
I still think they have their place, however tanning milks are my new obsession and great for busy people to still deliver glowing results within just a few hours.
The formulas glide on like body lotion (warning: they don't have a guide tan, so blending thoroughly is key to avoid missing a patch), don't smell, are moisturising, buildable and subtle enough for year-round use.
If you're constantly scrubbing black smudges off your under-eyes, it's time to switch to a tubing mascara.
I've been onto them for years - they coat each lash in a water-resistant 'tube' that slides off with warm water, meaning no panda eyes, no makeup wipes, no drama.
And for those that are still getting long, super-heavy (and also damaging) semi-permanent lash extensions, I'm sorry, but they have to go.
Between the maintenance, the shedding, and the temptation to pull them off mid-week, they're not worth the stress.
A professional lash lift paired with a daily growth serum (I'm obsessed with Revitalash's, and it won't break the bank) is my new secret weapon. Your real lashes, but longer, darker and curled to perfection.
Sticky, hair-catching gloss? It does get a bit annoying, doesn't it?
Lip oils are having a big (read: HUGE) moment, and I for one am fully on board, especially through a harsh winter chill.
The new launches are hydrating, nourishing and give that same glassy shine without the tackiness.
Most also come infused with skin-loving ingredients like jojoba, peptides, hyaluronic acid, or a tint if you want three-in-one balm/ gloss/ lip colour.
IN (again): Winged Eyeliner
Yes, you read that correctly - she's back. I know winged eyeliner received backlash on TikTok in 2024 (if you missed it, wings were largely deemed passé by Gen Z), however the feline flick is making a strong resurgence.
This time though, the cat eye is less 'Instagram baddie' and more 'French girl cool.' So imagine sharp flicks with clean skin and no heavy eyeshadow.
Millennials everywhere, like me, will be fist pumping at the news.
So there you have it, my official beauty trend forecast for the rest of 2025.
If you're still clinging to powder compacts, tube gloss and orange tanning products, consider this a loving nudge to evolve.
After all, beauty is about playing, updating and occasionally, letting go.
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