SPONSORED
With 2024 coming to a close and a new year on the horizon, we’re all especially curious about what direction hair and makeup will be headed come January. If you’ve been hoping for a little foresight on what to expect from the 2025 beauty trends, our friends at JCPenney Beauty + Salon have totally got you covered.
Not only are JCPenney Beauty + Salon’s team of hairstylists and beauty consultants incredibly talented, but they are also experts at spotting trends. That’s why we had to call upon two of their Professional Team Managers—Emily Baker and Arthuro (Art) Gray— to weigh in on next year’s must-have looks across hair, makeup, and skin. Keep scrolling for their 2025 hair and makeup forecast.
Emily Baker, JCPenney Beauty Pro Team Manager
What were some of your favorite makeup or skincare trends from 2024?
Emily Baker: I’m excited about so many of the 2024 trends! The espresso makeup trend, which embraces ‘90s brown tones in a monochromatic, feminine way, is a standout. Another favorite is the cherry cola lip, which combines a deep brown lip liner with a red lip oil, creating beautiful depth and fullness. This trend allows for playful variation that enhances lip definition. I also love the cloud skin trend, which achieves a soft, natural matte finish with a hint of cloud-like softness. I think this one will carry over into 2025!
What are the biggest makeup trends you foresee in 2025? Are there specific looks or products you anticipate will be popular?
Baker: In spring 2025, I expect a shift toward soft, light makeup with breezy, pastel hues. Makeup will trend toward colorful shades, with pastels replacing smokey black eyes and brown or blues mascaras adding pops of color. Lips will feature corals, pinks, berries, and nudes for a fresh, lively look.
Are there any changes you expect in clients’ approach to makeup that JCPenney Beauty will be prepared for?
Baker: Clients are leaning toward a natural, soft look rather than full coverage or super dewy finishes. They’re experimenting with products like tinted moisturizers, multitasking primers, and serums to keep things playful yet subtle. JCPenney Beauty is on top of this trend, offering products for both minimalist and full-coverage looks, from lip and cheek products to foundation essentials.
What skincare concerns do you believe will be most prevalent in 2025?
Baker: Eyecare is growing, as people want to reduce signs of exhaustion and aging, like dark circles, fine lines, and under-eye bags. Tinted moisturizers with sunscreen and light pigment coverage will remain popular in Spring/Summer 2025 for a healthy glow and minimal coverage.
How will JCPenney Beauty + Salon support its team members in learning or adapting to these current trends in makeup and skincare? How will your role as a Professional Manager aid in this?
Baker: Our Beauty and Salon teams keep up with trends and social media but, most importantly, listen to our clients. We offer over 200 brands, from clean to science-based products, that deliver results. I love that JCPenney makes beauty accessible to all. Follow me on Instagram @beautywithmeemilyd or TikTok @beautywithemily_d for beauty tips and trends!
Arthuro (Art) Gray, JCPenney Salon Pro Team Manager
What were some of your favorite hairstyles, haircare, or hair color trends from 2024?
Arthuro Gray: Cherry red and cherry cola shades brought a bold, unique edge, while buttery blonde highlights added dimension with a soft touch. Full fringes and the revamped mullet were statement looks that blended vintage vibes with modern twists. I predict full bangs will remain strong into 2025!
What are some top hairstyle trends you predict will take over in 2025?
Gray: My predictions for 2025 include the Bixie cut, which offers a perfect blend of softness and edge for a dynamic look. The deep side part will be another strong trend, creating asymmetrical framing that draws attention to facial features and allows for creative styling options, like a polished, tuckered look.
Are there any shifts in hair lengths, texture, or styling trends you expect to see in 2025?
Gray: For 2025, I foresee an emphasis on wavy textures, whether beachy or finger waves, to keep styles soft and versatile. Modernized bobs with undercuts, curtain bangs, or asymmetrical cuts will keep the classic look fresh. Textured fringes will add movement and edge, complementing everything from bobs to shoulder-length cuts with a sense of individuality.
What new tools, technologies, or product innovations do you think will impact hairstyling and haircare services in the coming year?
Gray: In 2025, the skinification of haircare will bring a new focus on scalp health, with skincare-inspired ingredients for deep nourishment. AI-driven hair diagnostics will offer personalized care, and home-use LED devices for scalp health will make salon-level treatments accessible. Waterless products are also gaining popularity for their eco-friendly, concentrated benefits.
How will JCPenney stay at the forefront of emerging trends in haircare and color services? How will your role as Professional Manager aid this?
Gray: As a Professional Manager at JCPenney Beauty + Salon, my proactive approach to trends and client preferences keeps our salons ahead of evolving demands. My commitment to ongoing education empowers our teams to deliver the latest techniques and services. Working closely with brands, we ensure our offerings are trendy and relevant, allowing stylists to thrive and clients to enjoy high-quality, fashionable results. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and aligning services with consumer insights, I help reinforce JCPenney’s position as a leader in haircare services.
If you’re a stylist, esthetician, or makeup artist, and are interested in starting a career with JCPenney, make sure to visit jobs.jcp.com.
