By
PrettyKon
Chicago girls have long been the blueprint when it comes to beauty, and in 2025, the city once again proved why its influence runs deep. From neighborhood salons to studio chairs, makeup artists across Chicago helped shape the looks that dominated timelines, events, and everyday glam moments throughout the year.
Rather than chasing trends, Chicago makeup culture is rooted in confidence, creativity, and knowing how to adapt a look for real life. In 2025, that mindset showed up clearly. These five makeup trends stood out as the defining styles Chicago artists leaned into—and elevated—in a major way.
Glitter & Holographic Eye Moments
In 2025, Chicago makeup artists pushed shimmer beyond subtle accents and fully embraced glitter and holographic finishes. These eye looks weren’t limited to nightlife or special occasions—they became statements of confidence and creativity.
Artists played with reflective pigments across lids, inner corners, and even brow bones, creating dimensional looks that caught light from every angle. The result felt bold without being costume-like, striking a balance between experimental and wearable. Whether paired with neutral skin or full glam, glitter eyes became a signature look that reflected Chicago’s fearless approach to beauty.
Soft, Natural Glam With Precision
While bold eyes had their moment, soft glam continued to hold its ground. Chicago makeup artists refined this look in 2025, focusing on enhancing natural features rather than masking them.
This version of soft glam emphasized seamless blending, skin-like foundations, and subtle contouring that worked with face structure instead of against it. Brows stayed brushed and natural, lashes were defined but not overpowering, and lips leaned neutral. The trend proved that polished doesn’t have to mean heavy—and that restraint can be just as impactful as drama.
Creative Brows as Self-Expression
Brows became a creative focal point in 2025, with Chicago artists experimenting beyond traditional shapes. Instead of perfectly sculpted arches alone, artists introduced expressive brow designs that added personality to otherwise minimal looks.
From playful detailing to strategic highlights, these brow styles blurred the line between makeup and art. The trend resonated particularly well during festival season and creative events, but many adapted it for everyday wear. It was another example of Chicago beauty culture encouraging individuality rather than conformity.
Bold, Vivid Eyeliner Statements
Color made a strong return through eyeliner in 2025. Chicago makeup artists leaned into vivid hues—electric blues, rich purples, sharp whites, and neon accents—to transform simple looks into statements.
These liner styles ranged from crisp graphic wings to softer, smudged color placements that framed the eyes without overpowering the face. The appeal was versatility: one swipe of bold liner could elevate an otherwise neutral look, making it perfect for clients who wanted impact without a full glam commitment.
Ultra-Dewy, Hydrated Skin Finishes
Skin was a priority in 2025, and Chicago artists perfected the art of the glow. Ultra-dewy finishes took center stage, emphasizing hydration, texture, and healthy radiance over heavy coverage.
Lightweight bases, cream products, and strategic highlighting created skin that looked fresh rather than flat. The goal wasn’t shine for shine’s sake—it was skin that appeared nourished, balanced, and lived-in. This trend aligned naturally with Chicago’s beauty ethos: real skin, real glow, real confidence.
Why Chicago Continues to Set the Tone
What makes these trends stand out isn’t just the techniques—it’s the approach. Chicago makeup artists consistently blend creativity with practicality, ensuring looks translate from photos to real life. In 2025, that balance helped these trends resonate far beyond the city.
Chicago beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about showing up polished, expressive, and unapologetically yourself. As trends continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: when it comes to makeup culture, Chicago will always be part of the blueprint.
Glitter & Holographic Eyes:
IG creator KilaRenneBeauty took shimmer to the next level, sweeping glitter and holographic pigments beyond the lid and up to the brow bone for a high-fashion, futuristic finish.
Soft Natural Glam:
B.janiamakeup artistry delivered effortlessly polished soft glam, enhancing natural features with airy blending and subtle definition—proof that less really is more.
Star Brows:
Walking the line between dreamy and daring, GlammedbyKena introduced star-inspired brows. Think expressive shapes, inner-corner highlights, and playful placements that felt perfect for festivals—or making everyday glam feel special.
Vivid Liners:
ReneeBeats kept all eyes on the eyes, using bold, colorful liners to add personality and edge, turning a simple look into a statement.
Ultra-Dewy Skin:
P.Diddit owned the glow game, creating fresh, radiant skin with lightweight bases, creamy highlighters, and a soft pink flush that screamed healthy, hydrated, and chic.
