The Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025 have celebrated an array of innovative makeup collections that push the boundaries of traditional beauty. Among the notable winners is Hermès Beauty's Trait d'Hermès, a collection of eye and lip pencils inspired by childhood memories of stationery and vibrant colors. This year’s selections also include creations from Dior, Celine, Chanel, and Prada, each offering unique interpretations of makeup as an art form. These brands have embraced spontaneity and experimentation, inviting users to explore new ways of expressing themselves through makeup. The collections reflect a growing trend in the beauty industry where makeup is not just about enhancing features but also about playing with color, texture, and creativity.

Hermès Beauty's Trait d'Hermès embodies the joy and playfulness of creating with makeup. Launched in October 2024, this collection was conceived by creative director Gregoris Pyrpylis in collaboration with packaging designer Pierre Hardy. Drawing inspiration from his own childhood fascination with stationery and colorful palettes, Pyrpylis designed the line to evoke the excitement of using a fresh set of crayons. Each pencil in the collection comes in a variety of hues, ranging from imperial yellow to malachite green, encouraging users to experiment with different shades and textures. The packaging, too, reflects this playful spirit, combining elegance with a whimsical touch that invites exploration.

Dior’s approach to makeup innovation aligns with the theme of playful experimentation. Under the direction of Peter Philips, the brand has reimagined its Diorshow Mono Couleur eyeshadows and Stylo eyeliners. The campaign featuring model Deva Cassel showcases abstract black and pastel-toned stripes across her eyes, paying homage to the pioneering work of Serge Lutens. This bold use of color and texture highlights Dior’s commitment to pushing the limits of conventional beauty, encouraging users to embrace spontaneity and express their individuality through makeup.

Celine’s entry into the beauty world marks a significant milestone. Hedi Slimane, during his tenure at the brand, launched Celine Beauté with a single product—a satin lipstick named Rouge Triomphe. This effortless red shade symbolizes the brand’s timeless elegance while offering endless possibilities for personal expression. Slimane’s departure in October 2024 did not diminish the impact of this launch, which has become a testament to the brand’s ability to blend modern aesthetics with classic charm.

Chanel’s Cometes Collective represents a collaborative effort to redefine beauty through diversity and freedom of expression. The collective, comprising emerging makeup artists like Ammy Drammeh, Cécile Paravina, and Valentina Li, has introduced a limited-edition Spring 2024 collection that explores a spectrum of blues. Li’s artistic background shines through in this palette, which features cobalt and pale azure shades, transforming the face into a canvas for self-expression. This collection underscores Chanel’s commitment to celebrating the richness and complexity of individual beauty.

Prada’s S/S 2025 collection challenges conventional beauty norms by rejecting derivative and expected trends. Global creative make-up artist Lynsey Alexander crafted unique looks for each model on the runway, using products from Prada’s makeup line. The Dimensions eyeshadow palettes, described as a juxtaposition of contrasting elements, create extraordinary results. This approach emphasizes the brand’s philosophy of embracing both the beautiful and the unconventional, reflecting a broader shift in the beauty industry towards more inclusive and diverse expressions of beauty.

In conclusion, the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025 highlight a transformative era in the beauty industry. These winning collections from Hermès, Dior, Celine, Chanel, and Prada exemplify a new wave of makeup that celebrates creativity, individuality, and self-expression. By blending artistry with functionality, these brands invite users to explore new dimensions of beauty, turning makeup application into a joyful and expressive experience. The future of beauty lies in embracing the unexpected and celebrating the unique stories each person brings to the canvas of their face.