Viral Beauty Trends: NYC Makeup Artist's Honest Take

Not every viral beauty trend deserves a spot in your routine. As an NYC makeup artist who’s been in this industry for 15+ years, I’ve seen trends come and go — and I’ve learned to separate what actually works in real life from what only looks good on a runway or a highly edited Instagram reel.

Here are three trends circulating the internet right now, and my honest take on each.

👉 Trend #1: Cloud Skin

What it is: Ditching heavy, full-coverage foundation for lighter, skin-like bases that let your real complexion show through. Think breathable, natural, and soft-focused.

Shara’s Verdict:

Finally, a foundation trend I can get behind. After years of heavy contour, this shift toward letting your actual skin breathe is refreshing — and honestly, it’s what we’ve been applying on clients for years. The key is using a foundation that enhances your skin without hiding it. It should look like your skin, just perfected.

The product that nails it: Our Natural Liquid Foundation. This aloe-based formula delivers exactly what the cloud skin trend is asking for — flawless coverage that actually looks like skin. The natural soft-matte finish is never flat or cakey. It’s lightweight, breathable, and free of harsh chemicals and pore-clogging ingredients so your skin can actually function underneath. This is the foundation I recommend to clients who tell me they “hat how foundation feels.” Nine times out of ten, they just haven’t found the right one yet.

👉 Trend #2: Blurred Lips

What it is: Applying lip liner all over your lips and blending it out for a soft, diffused, almost cloud-like finish — sometimes called the “Nina Park” lip.

Shara’s Verdict:

I love this trend. It’s one of the few viral looks that actually translates beautifully in real life. The blurred effect softens the lips, makes color look more natural, and it’s incredibly forgiving if you’re not great at precise application. Plus, it stays put longer than traditional lipstick.

How to get the look: Start with our Luxury Automatic Lipliner in a shade close to your natural lip color — or go slightly deeper for more definition. Apply it all over your lips, then blend with your finger or a brush until the edges are soft and diffused. Top with our Luxury Lip Gloss for the perfect “just right” amount of shine. The result? Effortless, polished lips that look like you.

👉 Trend #3: Ultra-Thin Brows

What it is: Pencil-thin brows are showing up on runways and editorial shoots, giving off serious ’90s nostalgia vibes.

Shara’s Verdict:

Here’s the thing — this works for high-fashion editorial photos. In real life? For most people, it’s not flattering. Thin brows can make your face look unbalanced, age you, and if you pluck them to get this look, they might not grow back the same way.

My recommendation: Skip it. Natural, fuller brows frame and balance your face in a way thin brows simply can’t. If you over-plucked in the past, we can help you work with what you have through tinting, lamination, or permanent brow work at our Manhattan studio. And if you want to fill them in at home while they grow? Our Brow Fixx Gel keeps them in place, while our brow tinting services add definition without looking drawn-on.

The Bottom Line

Not every trend is for everyone — and that’s okay. My job isn’t to chase what’s viral; it’s to help you find what actually works for your face, your skin, and your lifestyle. Cloud Skin and Blurred Lips? Absolutely worth exploring. Ultra-thin brows? Leave those on the runway where they belong.

Have a trend you’ve been curious about? Hit reply on the newsletter or drop us a comment below. I read everything, and your questions become future posts.

xo, Shara Strand