UNSEXY BEAUTY

Over the summer, the trend of “unsexy” beauty products took off, focusing on practical, no-frills items that prioritize function over appearance, with influencers like Kelly McDevitt (@kellysbooknook) and Katie Villagomez (@kattvillla) sharing their must-have “unsexy” items. This fall, the trend is making a strong comeback as consumers continue to embrace affordable, effective staples that may not look glamorous but deliver real results.

According to Who What Wear, this trend centers around tools that "just work,” as beauty consumers shift away from aesthetic-driven purchases to more practical solutions, such as cuticle clippers or microfiber hair towels. As highlighted by PopSugar, these low-profile yet reliable products have gained widespread appreciation on social media for their effectiveness and affordability.

The resurgence of “unsexy” beauty products reflects a broader shift in beauty routines, where function is increasingly prioritized. Consumers are gravitating towards products that get the job done, regardless of packaging or branding. Substance over style is having a moment this fall.

CHOCOLATE NAILS

Chocolate Nails have become the must-have manicure for fall, with nail artists like Stephanie Yianni (@stephanieyianni_) and influencers like Alexandra Cooper (@alexandracooper) tapping into the trend. These luxurious shades of espresso, mocha, and deep brown are quickly taking over beauty feeds, offering a cozy yet elegant alternative to classic reds and burgundies. Nail brands like Essie (@essie) and OPI (@opi) are further fueling the trend, releasing influencer content inspired by the warmth of fall in a variety of finishes and tones.

Chocolate Nails have extended their reach beyond social media, with leading publications like Who What Wear and Forbes spotlighting these rich, autumnal shades as a must-have for the season. “Brown nail polish is very much in style, reflecting the luxurious tones of caramel, toffee, and chocolate from the popular ‘latte’ makeup look,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse, in an interview with Who What Wear. “Just as brown hues are making waves in makeup, brown nail polish is experiencing a massive resurgence, adding an air of sophistication to any style.”

MOO DENG BEAUTY

The Moo Deng beauty trend, inspired by a viral baby hippo from Thailand, has taken TikTok by storm, with influencers creating makeup and skincare tutorials to recreate the adorable, glowy look associated with Moo Deng.

Influencers like Mei Pang (@meicrosoft) and Brandon Scott (@itsbybrandon) are embracing this playful trend by blending humor with practical beauty tips, using dewy highlighters, grey shadows, and hydrating skincare to mimic the ultra-glossy, plump appearance of the beloved hippo.

Brands like Kosas (@kosas), Smashbox Cosmetics (@smashboxcosmetics), and Murad Skincare (@muradskincare) are also embracing the trend, offering products perfect for achieving Moo Deng’s signature hydrated, glossy finish. As noted in Forbes and Glamour, the playful yet practical nature of the Moo Deng trend is resonating with a wide audience, merging humor with beauty expertise in a uniquely endearing way.