It's Official: These 6 Makeup Trends Will Be In Style in 2026

      As a beauty editor with ten years of experience analyzing trends, I find myself pondering what will characterize makeup styles in 2026 as we approach the new year. After discussing with makeup artists and following their social media updates, I have noticed a clear transformation in the makeup trends that are emerging. The "clean girl" aesthetic is fading away, making room for a more expressive approach to makeup. While it still retains some elements of the subtle, invisible makeup we've come to know over the last decade, there is a shift towards a bolder style, with a renewed emphasis on eyeliner and eyeshadow. I'm excited to embrace the makeup trends for 2026. Read on for the insider knowledge and predictions from makeup artists that will influence our makeup routines in the upcoming year.

      1. **Soft Focus**

      When you look at the social media accounts of celebrity makeup artists, you'll quickly see a trend towards soft-focused finishes. Lips appear softly blurred, eyeliner is gently smoked, and skin has a natural but subtle blur. Everything is delicately defined without being harsh, resulting in a balanced look that feels like an evolution of the no-makeup makeup trend. With a new range of products, you don’t need the precise touch of a makeup artist to achieve this blurred effect; these products simplify the artistry for you. From balmy, sheer lipsticks giving a just-bitten effect to diffused smoky eyeliners that create a soft smolder in no time, our makeup is embracing a soft-focus aesthetic. This extends to the skin as well, with natural-matte formulas in foundations, concealers, and blushes that mimic real skin and blend effortlessly.

      2. **Lip Contour**

      Lip liners have surged in popularity, boasting a 52% increase in Google searches over the past year. As we approach 2026, this trend is set to continue, but instead of traditional sharpened pencils, we're seeing the rise of lip contour products, such as Rhode Peptide Lip Shape and Merit Signature Lip Liner. With their creamy textures and larger dome-shaped tips, they simplify the contouring and blending process in one go. Whether used alone or paired with lip gloss or oil, these products make sculpting and softly defining the lips a breeze in 2026.

      3. **'80s Influence**

      Bold blush has been popular in recent years, and for 2026, the Pinterest Predicts 2026 Trend Report highlights a resurgence of '80s luxury aesthetics, suggesting that bold blush will remain a staple. The pigmentation is vibrant, and the application extends beyond the apples of the cheeks all the way to the temples, creating a healthy glow. This trend is complemented by creamier, sheerer formulas that add transparency and modernity to the bold placements. The Merit Flush Balm was among the top beauty products in the last year, noted for its dewy, sheer blush that melts into the skin for a glass-like glow. Similarly, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush and Dior Backstage Rosy Glow provide a naturally radiant appearance.

      4. **Hot and Kohled**

      While the "clean girl" look dominated earlier this decade, bolder eye makeup is making a comeback, according to makeup artist Harriot Babin. "In 2026, we are moving away from minimalism and returning to fuller, more expressive eye looks with vibrant, rich shadows and softly smoked liners," she says. Achieving this involves layering shadows, combining matte and shimmer finishes, and incorporating individuals or half-lashes for added lift. Victoria Beckham Beauty's Satin Kajal Liners have gained immense popularity—being the best-selling product on Who What Wear UK this past year—and their variety of colors and finishes allows for playful experimentation with eye makeup. If vibrant colors feel overwhelming, classic brown, black, or navy liners are excellent for crafting a smokey eye effortlessly.

      5. **Dew 2.0**

      After trends like glass skin and butter skin, 2026 will usher in makeup that enhances the skin's natural glow without being greasy. "For 2026, I envision skin that appears fresh, healthy, and naturally radiant—a glow without the shine," says Babin. "This involves using very light coverage, soft highlights, and allowing genuine skin to show through." Recent advancements in foundations and skin tints yield a more natural finish than ever before. Korean beauty’s influence continues with innovative cushion foundations and tinted SPFs, ensuring skin looks enhanced yet not masked. A trend report from John Lewis & Partners even indicates a rise in demand for lighter bases, leading to increased stock of skin tints.

      6. **MUA Renaissance**

      In a beauty landscape filled with influencer and celebrity brands and endless tutorials, makeup artist-founded beauty lines are becoming increasingly meaningful. They satisfy our desire for quality products along with the expertise on their effective application. Since makeup artists work with diverse faces daily, investing in their products feels like gaining access to backstage tips and techniques. For example, Lisa Eldridge's Pin