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Sephora UK’s Hottest Beauty Trends of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, one thing’s clear… beauty got smarter and far more intentional this year. The beauty trends of 2025 saw routines become more edited, products work harder and self-expression take over. Makeup trends 2025 leaned into skin-first finishes and shades that felt wearable yet elevated, while skincare trends 2025 were all about glassy goodness, barrier support and hydration-boosting formulas that actually fit real life.
Hair and fragrance had their own glow-up moments, too. Hair trends went big on glossy, touchable textures that delivered visible results, while fragrance trends became more personal than ever, with layered scents and mood-boosting blends taking over every feed.
One of the year’s biggest moments? Enter: rhode. The cult-loved brand made waves with its glazed skin essentials and minimalist approach. It quickly became the most talked-about brand... with over 398 thousand posts for #rhode on TikTok and over 364 thousand posts on Instagram.
With four thousand posts on TikTok and a huge 76 thousand posts on Instagram for the hashtag #beautytrends2025, we’re here to help you navigate Sephora UK’s biggest beauty trends of 2025 and offer some hot predictions for 2026. Buckle in and get ready to review the year’s most beautiful moments. *Tissues at the ready*.
Biggest beauty trends of 2025 at a glance - our top picks:
Makeup trends that you loved: 5-minute routines stole the show
Top skincare trends of 2025: K-Beauty took centre stage
Trends for the fragrance fanatics: Smellmaxxing took over
Hottest hair care trends 2025: Spotlight on scalp care
Sephora UK x rhode launch: Hailey Bieber made dreams a reality
By Sephora UK Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 23 December 2025
Makeup Trends That You Loved
5-minute routines stole the show
This was the year we embraced effortless beauty with super speedy routines that legit only took five minutes. Think: busy mornings, last-minute plans and everything in-between. With the launch of Merit, “I woke up like this” makeup became the vibe. Their impossible-to-mess-up products, like the Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick and Flush Balm Cream Blush, meant creating a natural, glowing look was quicker (and easier) than ever. We’re all for saving time and for products that are actually fool-proof, so this was a big yes from us.
Artistry tools for every look
We unlocked our inner artist this year thanks to all the right tools. Our very own Sephora Collection brushes were a makeup enhancing essential for both minimal and full-glam looks. From foundation brushes to do-it-all tools for eyes, lips and cheeks, these brushes made blending smoother, faster and way more satisfying. Makeup by Mario’s multi-use products also made it a breeze to create elevated looks with fewer products.
Unsure what brush (or let’s be real… brushes) you actually need? Our Brush Finder tool will be your new best friend.
Setting your makeup became a must
With powders, sprays and innovative new finishes stealing the limelight, this step was not to be mist. Products like One/Size’s On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray kept looks locked in for hours, while our Sephora Collection edit delivered fresh formats for both dewy and soft-matte moments. The result? Makeup that lasted all day without ever feeling heavy - game, set, match.
What do our Makeup experts think?
“Effortless beauty ruled 2025 - quick five-minute routines, pro-level artistry tools, and setting sprays that kept every look locked in. Time-saving, fool-proof, and long-lasting: that’s the vibe we love.” - Bianca Millan, Assistant Category Manager Makeup at Sephora UK
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, £34
Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cream Blush, £26
Sephora Collection Face & Eye Brush Set, £35.99
Sephora Collection Pillow Dream Brush Set, £32.99
ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, £32
Sephora Collection Spray & Stay Duo Set, £19.99
SHOP ALL MAKEUP AT SEPHORA UK
Top Skincare Trends of 2025
K-Beauty took centre stage
K-Beauty didn’t just arrive, it settled in and got pretty comfy. From glass-skin essentials to barrier-loving formulas, launches from Yepoda, Dr. Althea, Biodance and TirTir quickly became some of the most talked-about (and most-loved) skincare on our shelves. Known for innovation, texture-led formulas and insanely glowy results, K-beauty proved to be more than just a trending moment. With cleansers, toners and serums consistently topping our bestseller lists, this category only got bigger, better and more buzz-worthy as the year went on.
Skinvestment is the new self-care
Skincare became something we all properly invested in…and saw glowing returns. High-performance, science-backed formulas met next-gen tools and seriously levelled up our at-home routines. From LED devices to sculpting tools by brands like Shark and Medicube, the focus shifted from more skincare steps to smarter ones. By pairing effective formulas with clever devices, skin health got supercharged.
We got even more serious about SPF
SPF *officially* earned its everyday essential status. No longer reserved for summer holidays, it became a non-negotiable for us all. Lightweight textures, skin-loving ingredients and seamless layering made it feel effortless and (dare we say) enjoyable. Favourites like Beauty of Joseon proved that protection which can feel just as good as it looks, blending hydration, comfort and radiance in one. Whether worn solo or under makeup, keeping skin fresh, protected and glowing will never go out of fashion.
What do our Skincare experts think?
“2025 was all about glow-ups: K-Beauty stole the spotlight, skinvestment became the ultimate self-care flex, and SPF finally claimed its crown as a daily must-have. Smart, radiant skin is here to stay - and we’re obsessed.” - Michelle Tulley, Assistant Category Manager Skincare at Sephora UK
YEPODA The Calm Balm, £22
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, £22
Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask - Hydration and Firms x 4, £15.99
TirTir Milk Skin Toner, from £11
Shark Beauty FacialPro Glow + DePuffi at Home Facial Warm Black, £299.99
Medicube Deep Vita C Pad 150g (70pcs), £22.99
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50+ - Soothing Sunscreen With Rice and Probiotics, £15.49
SHOP ALL SKINCARE AT SEPHORA UK
Trends for the Fragrance Fanatics
Smellmaxxing took over
Fragrance became a full routine, not just a little finishing spritz. “Smellmaxxing” had (and is still having) its moment, with everyone layering perfumes, body mists (Sol de Janeiro ones of course), lotions and hair scents to create something totally personal. Minis, travel sizes and body sprays became a fun way to mix, match and experiment without committing to just one scent. Notes taken.
Smells like…. nostalgia
Fragrance became less about notes and more about the feeling. Comfort, confidence and nostalgia were front and centre, with sweet gourmands and soft florals stealing hearts. Think: cosy Vanillas, playful Cherries and scents that feel familiar in the best way. Fragrances like Rare Beauty captured that emotional connection perfectly, proving that the best scent choice was the one that instantly lifted your mood.
Perfume-Tok changed the game
Our social feeds became the new fragrance counters. Viral “PerfumeTok” moments, creator reviews and mood-based scent edits meant fragrances were flying off shelves… often before testers even came out. From niche brands and indie perfumers to big brand launches, things moved fast. If it popped up on your feed, chances are it didn’t stay in stock for long. Trust us, we did try.
What do our Fragrance experts think?
“In 2025, we saw more scents than ever evoking cherished memories and emotions, with notes of warming Vanilla and Marshmallow giving us that cosy, nostalgic feeling. Leaning into that personal connection, formats like layering balms and body mists became the go-to for creating a signature scent - a tool for expressing individuality and boosting your mood!” - Elise Vano, Junior Category Manager Fragrance at Sephora UK
Kayali Vanilla | 28, from £28
Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum, £71
Rare Beauty Layering Eau de Parfum Balm, £18
Sol de Janeiro Sundays in Rio Perfume Mist, £24
Merit Beauty Retrospect™ L'Extrait de Parfum, from £30
Glossier You Eau de Parfum, from £70
Fugazzi Angel Dust Body Mist 250ml - Sephora Exclusive, £45
SHOP ALL FRAGRANCE AT SEPHORA UK
Hottest Hair Care Trends 2025
Spotlight on scalp care
Since healthy hair starts at the scalp, routines shifted firmly upwards with exfoliating scrubs, soothing serums and hydration-first treatments at the root. Inspired by Korean scalp spa rituals and new hair therapy innovations, the focus turned to microbiome care and creating the perfect environment for growth. Treating your scalp like your skin became the secret to stronger, happier hair by strengthening follicles, supporting the scalp barrier and calming inflammation. Here’s to more good hair days in 2026.
The gloss revolution
Shiny strands have always been in, but hair glosses are now the ultimate hero. Promising mirror-like shine, softness and colour-refreshing benefits without a trip to the salon, we saw everything from in-shower treatments to quick post-wash finishes. Our Sephora Collection Shine & Care Hair Gloss Water was a particular fave for dialling up shine in as little as 60 seconds. Impressive, right?
Damage control and hair health
Overall hair health stayed firmly at the top of the agenda, with strengthening, smoothing and supporting every strand becoming headline acts. A real standout was Kérastase’s Genesis Serum, loved for fitting seamlessly into routines while helping hair feel stronger and more supported. Consider this the era of treating hair kindly.
What do our Hair experts think?
“2025 haircare is about doing less but caring more: healthier scalps, stronger strands, glossy finishes, multifunctional styling, and products designed for every texture.” - Seema Uddin, Hair Category Manager at Sephora UK
Sephora Collection Shine & Care Hair Gloss Water, £16.99
Kérastase Genesis Fortifying Anti-Hair Loss Serum, £49.50
K18 Biomimetric Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask - Treatment for Damaged Hair, from £30
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask, from £19
Color Wow Insta-Wow Advanced Dry Shampoo, £26.50
Fenty Hair The Water Boi - Reparative Leave-In Conditioner Spray, from £15
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x™ Multi-styler With Diffuser Amber Silk / Pink Champagne, £579.99
SHOP ALL HAIR AT SEPHORA UK
Sephora UK x rhode: The Beauty Launch of the Year
It finally happened… rhode landed and instantly became the brand on everyone’s lips (and skin). After months of anticipation, Hailey Bieber made dreams a reality. The brand arrived exclusively with us - and the excitement was very, very real.
With rhode now available online and on the UK high street in our very own stores, cult favourites were finally within reach with no waiting lists and no shipping fees. From the Pocket Blush delivering that satiny flush to Glazing Milk and Peptide-powered heroes flooding skin with hydration, rhode didn’t just arrive… it took over.
rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush, £25
rhode Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence, from £20
rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum, from £20
rhode Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze, £20
rhode Glazing Mist Hydrating Face Spray, £30
rhode Peptide Eye Prep Depuffing Eye Patches 6 Pack, £28
rhode Mini Rhode Kit Glazed Skincare Essentials, £69
SHOP ALL RHODE AT SEPHORA UK
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