Is your most recent love a product of it's moment in pop culture or because it's a piece of who you are at your core?
It's interesting to consider the parallels between mainstream beauty trends and ways they *potentially* make their way into the alternative space. The concept as a whole is very interesting as the base of alternative, goth, punk, etc. is individuality, very rooted NOT in trends, but in uniqueness, DIY, and "going against the grain." It would be ignorant to assume pop culture influences don't still exist or seep into these spaces, even minimally, especially online.
That being said, micro-trends still exist within the alternative space. We saw this over 2024 with the rise of "Corporate Goth," "Clean Goth," and more. Trends often get a bad rep due to the nature of the idea itself, which is people adhering to something *simply* because it's popular.
On the flip side, what if you're finding something you LOVE that you've never considered or been exposed to before? It's an interesting occurance that we see in fashion, music, and more. Have you ever fallen in love with an artist from a surge in popularity? We don't always have the experiences that expose us to things until something viral occurs.
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This is a conversation that could take us in circles. It all truly lies in the soul behind the choices we make and because of that, the next question to be asked is.. 'Is your most recent love a product of it's moment in pop culture or because it's a piece of who you are at your core?' A good conversation to have, especially existing in a subculture rooted sense of self. Only you know your truth at the end of the day, and after all, that's what matters. Adhere to you: your truth, your values, your loves, your passions.
Okay. Moral, value-based trend conversation over, but feel free to share your thoughts and converse in the comments! We're curious about your feelings on that. For now, let's discuss the 2025 Beauty Trend Predictions According to Harpers Bazaar (And How They Fit Into The Alternative Space).
1. Lip Balm Bonanza
"With the success of products like the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment and Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, 'Every retailer in the world right now has asked brands to develop some type of lip oil, lip balm hybrid,' say Alexis Androulakis and Christina Basias..."
We've already seen a version of this in the alternative space in the tinted lip stains. The bloody take on these was ALL the rave in 2024 and it's safe to say they aren't going anywhere. The ability to layer these with other sheer, balmy lippies will be ever accessible. It wouldn't be surprising to see more of the blood-esque products in the form of balms and other mega-hydrating products. Blushes, even.
2. Tactile Textures
"Milk Makeup's viral Cooling Water Jelly Tints are just the start; expect more jelly-like makeup and skincare products to hit shelves in 2025... more soft, velvet-like textures too."
Tactile Textures goes hand in hand with the previous trend prediction for 2025. This could manifest in the alternative space in a very similar way to Milk Makeup. Our Magick Color Changing Blush Balm is a great example of this. It's a fair prediction to suggest that more product offerings will be tailored to our senses and the benefits they provide. Velvet is about to have the spotlight.
3. Peach Fragrance
"In fragrance, juicy peach is poised to have a moment. Close your eyes, and Rare Beauty's new body mist will transport you to a roadside peach stand... alongside rose petal, lavender, and musk."
This prediction and it's parallel to the alternative realm feels a bit distanced and not entirely relative. That's not to say peach or fruitier fragrances couldn't find their way into this space more, but to predict its uprising this year alongside mainstream trends feels not as likely as other moments in this blog. Do you agree or disagree? On to the next!
4. Butter Yellow
"The of-the-moment color—recently seen on the likes of Blake Lively and Elle Fanning... why not take a risk with eye makeup, too?"
It's hard to assume this would make it's way into the alternative space, unless it was in the form of another resurgence of Scene Culture and the pastels that are still deeply rooted in goth. Maybe in 2025 we will see more bands with throwback merch of this design and butter yellow will be all the rave, just discreetly. Would you be mad about these styles coming back around? We sure wouldn't.
5. Goddess Glow
"A warm glow like Jodie Turner-Smith's is always in, but the luminosity is amping up. According to Pinterest, searches for 'goddess core' are up 40 percent... searches for "goddess nails" are up a whopping 760 percent too."
Off the back of 2024's 'Clean Girl' and 'Clean Goth' micro-trends, this doesn't feel far fetched. In fact, with the rise of skincare and it's seeming supremacy, to predict a surge in alternative skincare lines over 2025 feels like a safe bet. We'd love to see this. Would you? Let us know in the comments! Calling 'Gothic Glow' as the newest micro-trend now.
6. Targeted Body Care
"Your body lotion is about to do much more than just moisturize your skin... think: niacinamide for uneven skin tone and ceramides for barrier repair."
This goes hand in hand with the previous mainstream trend prediction and we remain sat in our idea that a surge in alternative skincare lines over 2025 feels like a safe bet. We love a curated skincare moment that feels like it's crafted specifically to each of our needs. Do you? Maybe thats the true 2025 prediction. More curation to our specific needs and not the general public within products. We're VERY into that.
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Let's circle back this time next year and see what's come to fruition and what has not. Consider this the 2025 beauty time capsule. Leave your additional beauty and music predictions in the comments!