Which So-Called Trends Have Overstayed Their Welcome?
Beauty trends come and go all the time…but a few of them should have gone by now! Most people try them because they’re fun, creative, or simply make them feel good—and there’s nothing wrong with that! That said, it’s normal to be curious about what others notice or don’t love, especially when something gets popular enough to feel unavoidable. Let’s dive headfirst into a few trends that no longer land with the fellas.
1. Overdrawn Lips
There was a time when lip liner was all over our mouths. The thing is, when the lip line is pushed way past the natural shape, it’s more distracting than polished. For some men, it pulls attention away from the rest of your features. If you love it, keep doing it, but expect that not everyone will get it!
2. Heavy “Instagram” Contour
A sharply carved cheek can look great in photos, but it often looks harsher in everyday lighting. This trend usually feels like makeup does all the talking; softer blending lands as more natural to the casual observer.
3. Ultra-Long Acrylic Nails
Extra-long nails get noticed immediately, and that’s part of the point. However, they don’t always yield the right kind of attention. For some guys, they seem impractical and a little over the top. If you’re constantly adjusting your grip on everything, people are going to comment.
Felicia Montenegro on Unsplash
4. Excessively Laminated Brows
Who doesn’t want standout eyebrows? While brow lamination looks clean and lifted, the extreme brushed-up version can look stiff. Some men say it gives a “surprised” expression even when you’re relaxed. Luckily, a lighter hand often keeps the effect without turning brows into the main character.
Antoni Shkraba Studio on Pexels
5. “Soap Brows” That Look Crunchy
This trend works best when it stays invisible, and that’s where it can go wrong. When brows look glossy or flaky up close, it breaks the illusion. Men might not be able to put a finger on the speciifcs, but they’ll definitely notice.
Reece van der Merwe on Unsplash
6. Lash Extensions That Hide Your Eyes
Impeccable lashes are supposed to highlight your eyes, not mask them. Extensions can be super-dense, covering the eye instead of opening it. They might even look heavy, especially from the side. If you want drama, a wispy style often gets the same impact with less bulk.
Hayley Kim Studios on Unsplash
7. Spider Lashes
That’s not to say everyday mascara gets the job done either! Clumpy, separated lashes are a style choice, but they can read as accidental to others. The average guy assumes the mascara went wrong rather than recognizing it as a trend, so a cleaner separation keeps lashes bold without looking messy.
8. Foundation That Doesn’t Match the Neck
We’ve all made this mistake before—only more and more people notice it nowadays. Men often frame the mismatch as confusion since the face and neck look like two different shades. If you’ve been there, you already know lighting can be brutal.
9. Over-Powdered Skin
We all love a good matte look, don’t get us wrong. However, too much powder can easily make skin look dry or lifeless. Men usually say it makes someone look older than they are, so if that’s a concern, a bit of dimension, even in small areas, makes makeup look more natural.
10. Blinding Highlighter
There’s nothing wrong with a little highlighter—so long as you have the right shade! Highlighter is meant to catch the light, not announce itself from across the room. A lot of men find the intense stripe shiny, not radiant. If you still want glow, a bit of precision can keep it flattering without blinding someone.
11. Dramatic “Bake” Lines
Baking can brighten, yes, but harsh, pale under-eye bands can also look theatrical. Not every man enjoys the look, especially when it looks like too much powder in one place. Blending it down sooner usually makes the finish much softer.
12. Overly Sharp Winged Liner
Call us crazy, but there’s nothing better than a sharp cat-eye. Though we appreciate the look, a constantly intense one only feels repetitive to onlookers. Men sometimes say it makes the face look way too severe, so switching up thickness can keep the look fresh without ditching it.
13. Excessive Self-Tanner
It’s not the early 2000s anymore, and we all know the dangers of too much tanning. Though a warm glow is nice, orange undertones are what people remember. Men often complain about the obvious contrast at the hairline, hands, or elbows. You don’t need to ditch it altogether; using lighter layers and checking in natural light can save you a lot of grief.
14. Obvious Lip Filler
Subtle enhancement rarely gets mentioned, and that’s a good thing. Overly projected lips, on the other hand, draw attention. Men aren’t really drawn to obviously filled lips anymore, so if you’re going for volume, shape and balance look more believable than size.
15. “Glass Skin” That Looks Greasy
There’s a fine line between glow and an oil slick. A lot of guys might mistake the deliberate dewy look for a swety sheen, so it all depends on how you apply the look. A targeted shine on high points can keep the effect clean instead of slippery.
16. Bleached Brows
Bleached brows were all the rage a few years ago, often marketed as being fashion-forward. While that may be true, they can also make facial expressions harder to read. If you like the trend, a toned-down bleach or subtle tint can keep it intentional.
17. Overpowering Fragrance
Men love a good perfume, and signature scents are a major part of beauty routines! That said, too much is where complaints start. You don’t want men to taste the air, so one or two thoughtful sprays are more than enough.
18. Extreme Blush
High, bright blush can be playful, but going too far can look a little like stage makeup. Do yourself a favor and stick with a slightly lower, blended placement—it usually reads more natural while still giving the color you want.
19. Glitter Everywhere
Guys don’t really go gaga for glitter the way they used to. Though sparkles can be fun, it’s hard to ignore them in daylight and even harder to clean up. If you still want that unique glow, finer shimmer tends to look more wearable.
20. Procedures That Change Too Fast
Constantly chasing the newest aesthetic can shift your look so often that it’s hard for others to keep up. Contrary to popular belief, men prefer consistency over sudden, dramatic changes. If you’re experimenting, doing it for your own enjoyment keeps the pressure off.
