16 Minimalist Nail Art Ideas with Black Polish

1. Upcycled ingredients

Alec Batis, CEO and co-founder of Sweet Chemistry, confirmed to Popsugarthat upcycled ingredients will be “gaining significant traction” in 2025.

Upcycled ingredients favor the health of the environment since they repurpose elements that might otherwise be considered as waste. Univar Solutions notes that olive oil, coconut, and coffee are a few of the most popular upcycled ingredients for producing skincare formulas like scrubs, oils, and cleansers.

In conjunction with this first 2025 skincare trend, I predict that eco-friendly skincare products will continue to rise, which not only includes 100% vegan and animal cruelty-free formulas (shout out e.l.f.), but also products with recycled packaging (Lush is my go-to) or ones with “refillable” features, like the ones below.

Vegan and cruelty-free: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

This lightweight $13 face cream hydrated with evening niacinamide, nourishing hyaluronic acid, and boosting peptides. It even provides an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays with SPF 30.

Vegan and cruelty-free: Pacifica Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream

This $12 face cream is fully vegan and cruelty-free. It's packed with moisturizing ingredients and even antioxidants that work against free radicals that cause pore blockages and breakouts.

Refillable: Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser Refill Pouch

This $15 refill pouch of Aveeno cleanser takes it real easy on the skin with a milky gel texture and a gentle formula that's suitable for all skin types.

2. Peptides on peptides

Peptides have grown to be a total holy grail ingredient when it comes to skincare. They can encourage collagen production, strengthen and protect the skin barrier, and even out skin tone, in addition to other benefits.

While tons of luxury skincare brands like Caudalie and Drunk Elephant have embraced peptides in their products, the trend has trickled down to plenty of drugstore mainstays, too. Cetaphil and CeraVe offer some truly affordable formulas that provide the same benefits as the ones you’d pay $50+ for.

If you’re looking for stronger, healthier skin in 2025, these products are the way to go.

For improved firmness, texture, and tone: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Anti Aging Face Serum

This gentle peptide formula does all the things a higher-end product would – for only $15!

For a stronger skin barrier: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Made with three essential ceramides and peptides, this $16 night cream helps renew and strengthen your skin's barrier overnight.

For anti-aging: Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum

This $12 serum is packed with several different kinds of peptides to help target fine lines and wrinkles. If anti-aging products are your jam, you've got to try this.

3. All things anti-wrinkle

Howard Sobel, MD, told Popsugarthat preventative Botox treatments are in "tremendous demand,” especially among Gen Z-ers. These treatments typically have to do with all things anti-wrinkle.

Though there’s no drugstore solution for injectables like Botox, there’s no shortage of affordable formulas geared toward preventing wrinkles before they drive deep. Most notably, products with retinols can help your skin generate more collagen and elastin, providing a stronger structure against wrinkles and fine lines.

Check out the best drugstore formulas below.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Moisturizer Cream

This $22 bottle filled with potent retinol and hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin and target wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Differin Acne Treatment Gel + Retinoid Treatment

This popular $19 (pack of two) pick employs retinol to encourage a faster cell turnover rate, which can help prevent new acne from forming and even out texture like fine lines and wrinkles.

Eucerin Pro-Retinol Night Cream

For just $13, this retinol-infused night cream helps hydrate your skin and reduces the look of fine lines while you sleep.

4. Mineral sunscreen > chemical sunscreen

Also known as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen will eclipse chemical sunscreen formulas in popularity this year. Bobbi Brown, renowned makeup artist and founder of both Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, recently told Harper’s Bazaarthat it’s “going to be big in 2025.”

While chemical sunscreen formulas tend to soak into the skin to block harmful UV rays, mineral sunscreen formulas include physical components that sit on top of the skin to prevent UV damage. This element can be especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin!

Not all mineral sunscreens are made the same, though. It’s common for formulas to leave a white cast after application, as well as have ingredients that aren’t necessarily kind to the environment. Look for sunscreens with SPF 30 or more, zinc oxide in the formula, plus labels indicating that they’re “reef-safe.” As far as the white cast goes, these drugstore mineral sunscreens also leave your skin protected from the sun’s rays without a noticeable trace.

Neutrogena Clear Breakout-Free Liquid Sunscreen

This $15 tube is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores that lead to pesky breakouts.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

CeraVe's sunscreens are so good. This $16 lotion adds an extra dose of skincare with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, in addition to the SPF 30.

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Sunscreen

This $21 pick sits on the skin so lightly, but still provides beneficial sun protection with SPF 30.

5. Décolletage care

The décolletage area – AKA your neck and chest where the skin is thinner and typically harder to treat with skincare products – will shift into the limelight when it comes to 2025 skincare trends.

The décolletage area can be especially sensitive to sun damage, pigmentation, and dryness, and skincare fiends of all kinds will be attuned to caring for it in 2025. You don’t necessarily need décolletage-specific products to help lift, smooth, and firm the skin there.

Products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and chemical exfoliants like AHAs that you typically use on your face will also keep the area bright, tight, and healthy. Check out these drugstore finds that’ll treat your neck and chest right.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Multi-Depth Hydration Serum

This tiny (but mighty) $10 bottle packs a punch for your skin by hydrating, plumping, and smoothing out unwanted texture and wrinkles.

COSRX AHA + BHA Treatment Toner

Chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA help refresh your skin by dissolving dead skin cells, giving newer, fresher skin the opportunity to soak in all the benefits from the rest of your skincare routine. This $19 toner formula works well for your face and décolletage area.

6. Passive patches

I predict that the abundance of pimple patch peel videos on everyone’s Instagram discover pages won’t be going anywhere in 2025. Not only are pimple patches super satisfying by nature (that peel though!), they’ve become the ultimate skincare accessory, thanks to brands like Starface. Plus, breakouts are always going to be a skin concern, no matter who you are (or your skin type).

Pimple patches aren’t the only patches on the skincare market, though. Patch brands like Frownies have engineered their products to smooth and lift everything from forehead wrinkles to smile lines. Beloved brand Hero Cosmetics even just launched a new big patch for body breakouts.

Any kind of skincare patch allows you to passively treat your personal skin concerns, which plays into the 2025 trend Harper’s Bazaar calls “the simplification of self-care.”

So, don’t be afraid to rock a patch or two! These drugstore finds will give you the perfect peel.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original

Ah, a classic. These $20 hydrocolloid patches effectively draw out impurities from whiteheads and help protect active breakouts from the elements (dirt, dust, germs, and grime) by providing an impenetrable barrier.

Starface Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

These stylish $11 patches do the same exact thing, though you'll feel uber-cool wearing 'em since they're star-shaped.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Body Patch

If you tend to break out on your bod, these $15 XL-sized patches immediately come to the rescue.

1. Full Coverage Foundation

There was a time where wearing full-coverage foundation was all the rage. From drugstore to high-end brands, it seems like they were consistently shoved in consumers’ faces to help us achieve a ‘full beat’ without sitting in a makeup artist’s chair. Also, those of us with dark spots or hyperpigmentation may have relied on them when we were in the thick of our skincare woes.

But these days, wearing too much foundation isn’t as popular as natural and skincare makeup are prioritized. If anything, more people are interested in wearing light-to-medium coverage foundation, skin tints, or tinted moisturizers.

2. Too Much Concealer

It wasn’t until I watched this video by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes that I realized some of us have been too heavy-handed with our concealers. There’s no reason we should be slapping products under the thinnest parts of our face, but we didn’t know any better!

Now that you know you can still get the desired effect with a minimal amount of concealer, don’t revert back to painting your under eyes!

3. 'Baking' Your Setting Powder

Before you throw away your setting powders, step away from your makeup drawer and have a sit-down chat with me. There isn’t anything wrong with applying them to your face to help ‘set’ your foundation and concealer. However, spending over 10 minutes ‘baking’ your powder (AKA letting it sit untouched) doesn’t work for everyone.

It can lead to creased makeup which can derail your look, plus it’s a pain to correct when you’re halfway through your routine!

4. Overlining Lips

I love a good lip liner, especially if it mirrors my favorite ‘90s makeup look. But, there’s such a thing as overdoing it. The key to lining your lips is following the natural flow of them. Going out of your way to draw above and under your lips’ lines comes off as comical and exaggerated. If anything, use a lip plumping gloss to help your lips look fuller.

5. Overtweezing Your Eyebrows

I don’t even have the words for this outdated makeup look besides wanting to say “no” 20 times in a row. But, I’ll bite and say why this shouldn’t be on your 2025 beauty moodboard.

Some people naturally have thinner eyebrows which is A-okay! However, purposely tweezing your eyebrows to smithereens is cringey. If you truly want to wear this look, here’s what you can do instead of tweezing:

• Create a faux bleached look by applying a skin tone colored setting powder all over your brows.
• Once they’ve ‘disappeared,’ take an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a thin line over them.

I’m…wondering what the ramifications of telling you how to do this will be, but only use go for this look if it’s a part of a themed party…like Halloween.

6. Exaggerated Highlighter On Cheeks

The shimmery look is in since it’s winter, but please don’t make it look like you dipped your cheeks into a vat of glitter. You can lightly dust highlighter onto your cheeks for a more natural glow that flows with the rest of your look. Otherwise you’ll look like a walking disco ball which could be the opposite of what you were going for.

7. Heavy Contour Or Bronzer

I know the ‘sculpted’ look is popular, but too much contour or bronzer can overpower the rest of your makeup and face. While it’s not impossible to fix if you do it by mistake, using the wrong shade of contour or bronzer may still peep through no matter how much you try to buff it out.

When in doubt, be gentle with your contour or bronzer application!

8. Incredibly Matte Makeup

Matte makeup that didn’t budge was the ‘It Girl’ look for oily and combination skin girls! We thought it was the answer to our skin’s incessant need to hydrate our faces instead of actually using skincare products that focused on combatting that issue (psst…Vitamin C serums help!).

But now’s the time to break up with this look for good for one reason: dewy skin looks healthier.

What is color therapy?

Color therapy is a holistic, non-invasive modality used for the body. Historical figures such as Pythagoras (circa 2,500 years ago) applied “color light” therapeutically, while “color halls” were used as a means of treatment in ancient Egypt, China, and India. The modern medical pioneer patron of color therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark in 1877. He discovered that visible light was how ultraviolet or red light energy could heal wounds, bacterial infections, or scars. Sounds familiar? In this present, infrared light therapy is used for pain relief, improved sleep, inflammation, facials, detoxes, and more. Knowing this, you can see why color and light restores our mind, body, and emotional needs.

There are many ways in which you can work best with color therapy. To implement physical changes, you can update your selection of colors in your clothing, nail colors, makeup palette, or home decor. For the mind and emotional system, you can work with colors through visualization practices like art, meditation, or a color therapy lamp.

How Can Color Therapy and Astrology Work Together?

Color therapy works by frequency or wavelengths of colors, which can have a physiological or psychological impact on our well-being. Using appropriate colors guided by your zodiac sign can rebalance or harmonize your body’s energy centers. How can color therapy integrate with your zodiac sign? It begins by knowing and working with your Sun sign, granting you more confidence and understanding regarding your direction. It extends our overall vitality and spreads endless radiance in our lives. It fuels our well-being and emits light wherever it touches in the birth chart. In principle, our Sun sign is our destination point, our identity. Now, the Sun Sign is where we can reach that higher level of understanding about our process and how we will experience fulfillment in this life. Incorporating color therapy guided by astrology can help you obtain confidence, and when you feel balanced, you make sound choices.

​How Colors Align With Zodiac Signs

Observing the astrological signs, they are all categorized within the elemental values. Starting with fire, the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are placed within this element. These signs hold precedence over the esoteric realm of spirit as they are meant to initiate, inspire, and teach. Fire tones are within the spectrum of golds, reds, and oranges.

The signs Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn reside within the earthy realm. They are supportive, detailed, and persevering in nature. The earth element enables humanity to take a firm stance involving patience or consistency. Deep greens, grays, and navy are colors that hold a grounded energy for these signs.

The signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius inhabit the air element. Those who hold this element strongly have the skill to circulate a constant flow of ideas, remain stimulated, and effectively communicate. Air energy guides humanity in the exchange of information, negotiation, and evolution. For clarity, the colors that best support these signs are yellows, pastel blues, or electric blues.

Ending with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, these signs embody the water element. Natives with a strong water element are receptive to others' feelings and can be intuitive. They can also conjure creativity, withstand intensity, and dive deep into the world of dreams. Colors such as purples, deep reds, or soft greens can help these signs invoke self-love and confidence.

Colors for Each Zodiac Sign

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Personality Traits: Aries is bold, energetic, and daring, often leading the way with confidence and courage. They are natural-born leaders who take on challenges fearlessly.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Colors like red and orange help Aries channel their energy and passion. These colors promote confidence, courage, and an enhanced sense of purpose to match their bold nature.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Personality Traits: Known for their patience, determination, and deep connection to nature, Taurus seeks stability and grounding. They are steady and reliable, with an appreciation for beauty and luxury.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like green and brown are ideal for Taurus. These colors promote relaxation, groundedness, and stability, aligning with Taurus' need for balance and connection to nature.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Personality Traits: Gemini is versatile, adaptable, and intellectually curious. They thrive on communication and change, with a playful and creative side. Their dual nature makes them curious and full of ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Bright yellow and light green stimulate mental agility, creativity, and versatility for Gemini. These colors foster communication and mental clarity, enhancing their natural curiosity and adaptability.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Personality Traits: Compassionate, intuitive, and deeply connected to family and emotions. Cancer nurtures others and seeks emotional fulfillment. They are protectors and caretakers.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft white, silver, and pale blue promote emotional healing, inner peace, and nurturing energy. These colors align with Cancer’s need for emotional well-being and tranquility.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Personality Traits: Leo exudes warmth, creativity, and pride. With their strong sense of self, they seek recognition and joy, and they inspire others with their vitality and passion.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Gold, yellow, and orange help Leo amplify their natural creativity and vitality, enhancing their self-expression and sense of pride. These warm colors increase confidence and fuel their dynamic energy.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Personality Traits: Virgos are known for their perfectionism, sharp intellect, and organizational skills. They are reliable, practical, and thrive on productivity and efficiency.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green and blue are ideal for Virgo, promoting balance, healing, and clarity of mind. These colors assist in maintaining a calm and focused environment, supporting Virgo’s need for order and tranquility.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Personality Traits: Libra values harmony, beauty, and fairness. They seek balance in all aspects of life, often striving for peace and cooperation in their relationships and surroundings.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Pastel colors, particularly light blue and pink, promote peace, harmony, and emotional balance. These soft hues help Libra maintain their sense of equilibrium and enhance their diplomatic nature.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Personality Traits: Scorpio is intense, passionate, and deeply transformative. Known for their mystery and depth, they possess great inner strength and are drawn to uncover hidden truths.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Deep red, black, and maroon channel passion, power, and transformation for Scorpio. These intense colors align with their transformative nature and help them harness their strength.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Personality Traits: Sagittarius is adventurous, optimistic, and philosophical. They love exploring new ideas, cultures, and places and often share wisdom and joy with those around them.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Purple and deep blue enhance spiritual growth, adventure, and wisdom. These colors stimulate the Sagittarian desire for exploration and wisdom while supporting their boundless optimism.

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Personality Traits: Capricorn is disciplined, ambitious, and pragmatic. They take a methodical approach to life and are determined to achieve their goals through hard work and patience.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Earthy tones like gray, brown, and navy support Capricorn’s need for focus, discipline, and groundedness. These colors help them stay on course and maintain a practical mindset.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Personality Traits: Aquarius is eccentric, innovative, and idealistic. They value independence and individuality, often challenging the status quo and embracing forward-thinking ideas.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Electric blue and purple enhance mental clarity, innovation, and independence. These vibrant colors support Aquarius' need for originality and their intellectual pursuits.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Personality Traits: Pisces is intuitive, empathetic, and imaginative. Known for their dreamy and artistic nature, they deeply connect to the spiritual and emotional realms.
Chromatherapy Suggestions: Soft green, seafoam blue, and lavender promote relaxation, creativity, and intuition for Pisces. These calming colors enhance their dreamlike state and encourage emotional balance and creativity.

​Color Therapy Visualization Technique

Now that you know which color vibrates with your zodiac sign, you can use this visualization technique to connect more with your Sun sign. Color therapy is a powerful tool for balancing energy, emotions, and well-being. By using the healing properties of colors, you can encourage emotional release, relaxation, and revitalization. Each color carries its frequency and vibration, which can help align and support different aspects of your life, from physical health to mental clarity.

This color therapy visualization technique will guide you through grounding, relaxation, and energetic renewal. Connecting with the colors that resonate with you will activate healing energy within your body and mind, clearing away any negative or stagnant energy. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that you can do daily to restore balance and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Energetic Healing Visualization Technique

1. Position yourself comfortably or sit in a lotus position. Place your left hand over your heart area.
2. Take a deep breath through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. With each breath, feel your body becoming more relaxed.
3. Focus on the soles of your feet and imagine an energetic pull grounding you, anchoring you in the present moment.
4. Take another deep breath, feeling a nurturing energy rising from the ground, reaching up to the soles of your feet. Allow this energy to gently move upward, relaxing and energizing your body—feet, calves, thighs, core, shoulders, arms, neck, face, and head.
5. Imagine a bright, glowing light in the sky above you. This light represents your Higher Self.
6. See the light spiraling down toward you, entering through the crown of your head and flowing through your body. As it moves, it changes into a vibrant color that resonates with you.
7. Take another deep breath and allow the colored light to fill your core center. Visualize it growing brighter and expanding with each breath, filling your entire body.
8. Imagine the light forming a dome or egg-like shape around your body, extending outward, cleansing your physical and energetic space.
9. Release any tensions, worries, or negative energy, visualizing them fading away into the ground. Trust the process of transformation.
10. Continue this visualization as long as you need. When you feel light and neutral, place your hands in a prayer position and silently offer thanks.
11. Visualize the light around you returning to its source, and when ready, gently open your eyes.

This practice can be done 1-2 times daily, ideally in the morning or before bedtime.

By integrating color therapy with your astrological sign, you can tap into a powerful tool for enhancing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These simple yet effective practices allow you to align with the natural flow of your energy and support your unique traits, helping you to feel more balanced and connected to yourself. Whether you choose to surround yourself with the colors that resonate with your sign or engage in visualization techniques, color therapy offers a profound way to nurture your overall health and personal growth.

Remember, your journey toward healing and balance is personal, and using the right colors can be an uplifting part of that process. Take time to explore the colors that speak to you and notice the subtle shifts they create in your life.

Do you wish to learn more about Lumi's work with astrology and her holistic approach? Lumi Pelinku invites you to dive deeper into your journey through an extended reading that can provide tailored insights and inspiration. Click here to book your reading today!