In a world of ever-changing beauty trends, some “propaganda” is worth falling for, especially when it flatters melanin-rich skin, honors cultural expression, and simply makes us feel good. This roundup of viral makeup trends Black women are embracing in 2025 is more than a trend report; it’s a love letter to the glam that truly gets us.
Here Are the Trends Making Waves in Black Beauty Right Now
1. Red Blush on Dark Skin
Propaganda we’re not falling for: “Red blush is too harsh.” Not on this skin tone.
Red blush on melanin? Always a win. It’s giving sun-kissed, it’s giving flushed, it’s giving rich auntie at brunch. No wonder red blush is topping the list of viral makeup trends Black women are loving in 2025. Once seen as too bold, it’s now a go-to for deeper skin tones — mimicking a healthy flush and adding a radiant pop that lifts the entire face.
Why we love it: It’s giving sun-kissed. It’s giving flushed. It’s giving warm cheeks and radiant skin. Red blush doesn’t just sit on deep skin, it melts in, bringing out a flush that looks like a natural rush of joy.
Why Red Blush Just Works
- Bold & sun-kissed
- Melts into skin
- Complements warm undertones
- Gives sun-touched depth and dimension
Beauty pick
2. The Brown Lip Combo
Every gorgeous girl has a signature lip combo; this one’s a rite of passage.
There’s a reason the brown lip combo is a cultural staple. A classic brown liner paired with a nude or pinky gloss? Timeless! It defines the 90s, TikTok baddies, and every girl who knows how to finesse. No surprise it’s still one of the viral makeup trends Black women are embracing in 2025.
What it gives: Soft, defined, warm, flirty. It just works. There’s just something timeless about the simplicity and perfection of a crisp brown liner with a hydrating gloss.
Why It’s the Go-to lip Combo
- Flatters every skin tone
- Can be dressed up or down
- A generational beauty staple
Beauty picks
3. Burgundy Blush on Dark Skin
There’s something romantic about burgundy blush. We’re not fighting the propaganda — we’re embracing it.
Burgundy blush adds a sultry flush that hugs your cheekbones and brings richness to deeper skin tones. It’s less bright than red, more moody and luxurious; like velvet for your face.
What it gives : Burgundy adds depth and richness. It’s that cheekbone whisper that gives “you’re about to fall in love with me” energy.
Why we love it
- Velvety rich texture
- Warm depth without looking heavy
- The perfect balance of sculpt + glow
Beauty picks
4. Berry Lip Combo
Every brown-skin girl needs at least one berry lipstick in her stash.
Berry lips aren’t just a seasonal fling- they’re a statement. Rich, grown, and unmistakably bold, this lip combo gives main character energy with every swipe. It’s for the girl who isn’t afraid to turn heads, for the one who walks into a room and shifts the energy. Whether it’s a deep mulberry, a vibrant raspberry, or a juicy plum, berry-toned lips feel grown, a little edgy, and all the way unapologetic.
What it gives: Juicy. Bold. Grown. Adds drama without doing too much. It’s giving main character energy.
Why we love it
- Works across undertones
- Feels classic, not dated
- Can be rocked all year-round fine
- Dinner date special
Beauty picks
5. Underpainting (Blush + Contour First)
Blush before foundation? Sounds crazy, looks flawless.
This makeup technique gained popularity for a reason: it gives a lit-from-within finish that feels more skin-like. Layer your blush and contour first, then apply foundation lightly on top for that second-skin glow.
Why we love it
- Perfect for full-glam or no-makeup makeup
- Enhances bone structure subtly
- Makes blending easier
Beauty picks
6. Clean Girl Makeup
It’s not makeup-less…it’s minimal magic.
The clean girl look isn’t about erasing features. It’s about soft glam with intention. For Black and brown girls, it’s fluffy brows, neutral eye glam, skin work involves more concealer and little to no foundation, glossy lips, soft edges, and that effortless dew.
It gives polished. glowy. effortless.
Why we love it
- Lightweight, not lazy
- laminated brow finish + bomb lip combo
- Edge control is a lifestyle (for the ultimate sleek bun)
Beauty picks
7. Faux Freckles
Dot, dot… cute.
Faux freckles add playfulness and charm to any look. Whether subtle or stylized, it’s a detail that makes your beauty look more alive and undone in the best way. They soften the face, add dimension, and let’s be honest -when paired with a clean-girl beat or no-makeup makeup? Elite.
Faux freckles have gone from niche to necessary for many makeup lovers. Whether they’re drawn on with brow pencil or dotted on post-foundation, they whisper “effortless” even if you spent 20 minutes placing them just right.
We’re not debating authenticity here; just choosing cute over critique.
Why we love it
- Youthful & flirty
- Customizable placement
- Works across skin tones
Beauty pick
8. Graphic Liner
Subtle liner is for meetings. Graphic liner is for moments.
This trend is for the bold babes, the ones who treat their lids like mini canvases. Wings that float. Shapes that pop. Neon, white, metallic, or deep black – it’s less about rules and more about art.
It’s not always practical, but since when has beauty been about playing it safe?
Graphic liner is where creativity meets confidence. Wing it. Dot it. Float it above the crease. You’re the art.
Why we love it
- Bold & expressive
- Endless variations
- Looks amazing on melanin-rich skin
Beauty pick
Be it blush or brown lip combos, Black women are defining beauty trends and not just following them.
💋 Shop our Amazon beauty picks for dark skin: from highlighters to lip combos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Red blush, berry lips, brown girl lip combos, underpainting, and high-shine glosses are leading the beauty trends for melanin-rich skin this year.
Red and burgundy blushes blend beautifully into dark skin, offering both warmth and glow.
A brown liner paired with a nude or pink gloss. It’s iconic and timeless in the Black beauty community.
Absolutely. Each trend can be adapted for different skill levels, and most use minimal products.
