From Glass Nails to Soft-Focused Lips, Here Are the 6 Beauty Trends Shaping 2026

      A new year has arrived, and as a beauty editor, I'm inherently interested in the beauty trends that 2026 will unveil. With over ten years of experience in beauty journalism, closely observing trends in hair, skincare, makeup, and nails, as well as being attuned to fragrance innovations, I can confidently say that 2026 will showcase many thrilling beauty trends. At Who What Wear UK, I have the privilege of getting early looks at product launches, testing top-notch beauty items, and consulting with industry experts. This allows me to foresee emerging trends from afar. We’re sure to see advancements in skincare and aesthetics, a transition towards soft-focus lip liners, and our most brilliant, glossy manicures yet. In fragrance, minimalist scents will continue to thrive, and for hair, there's a promise of added fun with some exceptionally stylish accessories this year. Below, I've compiled the upcoming beauty trends that will be prominent in 2026. From hairstyles and skincare ingredients to aesthetics, makeup, and the resurgence of classic beauty trends, here are the key beauty trends to watch for in 2026.

      1. Glass Nails

      I've noticed a surge in neutral and milky manicures on my feeds, and with the latest innovations in nails, we can anticipate even glossier nails in 2026. Sheer nail polishes, like nail perfectors, offer the same effect as glass skin, providing a translucent finish that perfects the nail bed with just a couple of coats of lacquered gloss. This trend has gained traction since celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland introduced her own line through Westmoreland Cosmetics, featuring collections such as Glass Gels and Glass Polishes. "All the shades are sheer, allowing for layering different colors, making them look juicy and glass-like," she states. Meanwhile, Manucurist's Active Smooth line offers a range of sheer tones to suit all skin tones and strengthen nails, while Essie’s recent Glass Nail Polishes provide a sheer hint of color, reminiscent of stained glass windows.

      

      Shop the Trend:

      - Westmoreland Cosmetics - Glass Polish Vanilla Gloss 1

      - Manucurist - Active Smooth 00

      - Essie - Glass Nail Polish in Cin Cin

      2. Amino Acids

      Eleanor Hartley, founder of Hart Medical, indicates that amino acids will be a key skincare ingredient for 2026. "These biochemical building blocks have been present in skincare for ages, but their use will certainly increase in supporting regenerative aesthetics," Hartley claims. She explains, "While 2025 focused on polynucleotides, amino acids act as the fundamental components that everything, including collagen and elastin, is built from. Enhanced use of amino acids alongside collagen stimulators boosts the skin’s response to treatments." While these treatments are available at aesthetics clinics, amino acids are also appearing in new skincare products.

      Shop the Trend:

      - Allies of Skin - Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

      - SkinCeuticals - Advanced RGN-6 Rejuvenation Cream

      3. Blurred Lips

      As a beauty editor, I often learn about product launches ahead of time, and the buzz suggests that blurred lips will be a standout makeup trend in 2026. Google searches for blurred lips have increased by 300%, and artists like Nina Park have popularized the look with their signature blurred lip liner techniques. This trend features a soft-matte finish that creates a sheer wash of color for a just-bitten appearance. Numerous products now provide this effect in a single application, including Violette_FR's Bisou Balm, which offers a soft-focus blur, and Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape, which contours lips without harsh lines. Lastly, Merit's Signature Lip Blush gives a blurred look when tapped onto the lips.

      Shop the Trend:

      - VIOLETTE_FR - Bisou Balm in Mon Chéri

      - rhode - Peptide Lip Shape in Twist

      - MERIT BEAUTY - The Archival Set

      4. French Hair Accessories

      French hairstyles are timeless in the world of hair trends and continue to be popular. While claw clips have been a favorite accessory lately, I've noticed that fashionable individuals are now gravitating towards French-inspired hair accessories for 2026. From French pins for effortless twists to combs for relaxed half-up, half-down styles, expect to see a rise in French hair accessories this year. Currently, there’s a 1275% increase in Google searches for French pins. These stylish accessories, often available in chrome or classic tortoiseshell, can also serve as decorative pieces on your dressing table.

      Shop the Trend:

      - LIÉ STUDIO - The Frida Gold-Plated Hair Pin

      - Bremorou - Acetate Hair Sticks

      5. Smart Fillers

      In terms of treatments, Hartley forecasts that smart fillers will be a significant aesthetic trend in 2026, designed to stimulate your own collagen through biochemical signals. "New