There’s no denying that 2025 had some unforgettable beauty moments. From beauty trends to PR packages, this year was proof that makeup is far more than just tutorials: It’s a form of creativity and expression that allows people to show the world who they are. Here are some of the iconic moments that defined beauty this year.
ZARA LARSSON’S Y2K GLAM
Shortly after finishing her opening run for Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive Tour (2025) in September, Zara kicked off her Midnight Sun Tour (2025) — which has been going viral in more ways than one. Aside from delivering showstopping performances that have led some to coin her “a daughter of Beyoncé,” Zara’s bold and sparkly glam have redefined her signature look. Her makeup artist Sophia Sinot blends neon cut creases with rhinestones and baby pink blush to complete the radiant look.
LANEIGE’S GLAZE CRAZE PR PACKAGES
Just when you thought Laneige was done going viral, it’s time to think again. While their lip sleeping masks were in everyone’s skincare routine last year, the brand has now launched their Glaze Craze tinted lip serums with a sweet twist. Leaning into the product’s donut theme down to the nude shades and its round cushion applicator, Laneige created PR mailers inspired by donut delivery boxes, fully immersing us in the glossy formula’s rollout.
FWEE’S CHERRY COLA GLOSS
With cherry cola taking over everyone’s lip combo this year, Fwee decided to put their own spin on the beloved shade. Their cola glosses are offered in darker shades, like black cherry and beige brown, compared to the lighter pinky tones seen in most K-beauty lip products. And the best part? You can choose from two different pigment levels, 30% and 70%, making the formula customizable to your preferred sheerness.
SZA’S FUCHsIA HAIR
At the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, SZA won for Best Female Artist — and, undoubtedly, for best hair. The singer debuted a bright fuschia color with curls we couldn’t get enough of. The cherry on top? SZA and her goddaughter Nova wore matching overalls, making them the most adorable duo of the night.
PAINTED BY ESTHER BLUSH
If there’s one makeup artist that had an impact on all our routines this year, it’s Ngozi Esther Edeme. Her signature under-eye blush has been featured on icons like Olandria Carthen, Tyla, and Anok Yai, to name a few. The technique and placement of the look result in a stunning blur and brightening finish for all skin tones that had everyone trying to recreate it at home.
ARIANA GRANDE’S CHERRY BLOSSOM GLOW
For the final Wicked: For Good (2025) premiere in Japan, makeup artist Michael Anthony proved to us that pink pairs well with Ariana. The look was composed of the Fembot liquid eyeshadow, Eternally Meowing lashes, and Matinee cheek and lip stick from the star’s own brand, REM Beauty. Topped off with a cherry blossom headpiece, Ariana’s natural glow felt more ethereal than ever on the red carpet.
SEONGHWA’S PORCELAIN SKIN
It seems like the closer we get to each fashion week, the closer we are to unveiling a new K-pop idol’s runway debut. Paris was blessed with theirs when Seonghwa from ATEEZ clocked in to model for SONGZIO’s S/S 2026 show. He rocked a slicked-back hairstyle with a glassy skin base even porcelain dolls would be jealous of. Seonghwa’s dedication and fearlessness to exploring genderless fashion is both pushing boundaries and bound to send him straight to icon status.
KATSEYE X GLOSSIER
Imagine if everyone’s favorite global girl group and clean girl beauty brand collabed – except you don’t have to, because they already did. KATSEYE teamed up with Glossier to release Lip Glaze, a collection of cooling lip oils for intense hydration and nourishment. A member was assigned to each of the 6 shades available, which made the collection all the more fun (and helped us finally figure out Sophia’s lip combo).
MEGAN THEE STALLION’S MANGA LASHES
In a world of uncertainty, know this: Megan Thee Stallion’s face card will never decline. For KPOPPED (2025), a reality TV show where K-pop and Western artists deliver crossover performances, Megan featured a bold new look during her appearance. The artist stunned in dramatic manga-style lashes paired with a gray cut crease and blunt bangs. She came out looking like she fell straight out of an anime, and went on to show out for her episode’s performance with girl group Billie.
NINGNING’S SUN-KISSED BRONZER
When W Korea released the cover of their May 2025 Issue, AESPA’s Ningning had us all do a double take. The star took our breath away with a terracotta bronzed blush look, complete with dark, siren-like eyes. The resulting warm-toned complexion brought out an effortlessly cool vibe no one but Ningning could excel in.
2025 reminded us that while beauty is always changing, it somehow manages to remain personal. Beauty is how people choose to express themselves and celebrate their individuality. We’re so excited to step into 2026 and see what new trends and beauty moments the year will bring!
Ready to explore some of the other bests of 2025? Check out our article on the Best Songs of 2025 here!
