Another year brings new (and old) cosmetics trends. And the 2026 cosmetic trends appear to indicate a push toward statement looks rather than gentler approaches from prior years. There are numerous options, including strong colors, detail-oriented fashions, and specialized aesthetics. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t any easy, effortless everyday styles in the mix. Rather, it’s all about going with the flow and doing whatever makes the most sense in the moment.
The nice part is that these 2026 styles are meant to highlight your features. Whether you use grungy eyeliner to highlight your eyes or experiment to find what makes you feel the most confident.
If you haven’t seen them on celebrities yet, you’ve undoubtedly seen Nina Park’s signature blurred lips when scrolling through TikTok. The blended lip liner effect is a subtle method for enhancing the pout, comparable to popsicle lips but slightly less obvious. With winter break allowing us to practice the technique at home, we’ll definitely see this look a lot at the start of the year.
As the blended lip liner look gains popularity, the liner itself may be dropped entirely, particularly as bolder hues make a huge comeback, as we witnessed in the fall. Sophia Sinot, Zara Larsson’s makeup artist, adds, “The past few years have been all about the nude and brown lipliner and gloss combos, but I’m seeing a shift. In 2026, more ‘no-lip liner’ trends may take over, and individuals are beginning to experiment with bolder, surprising lip colors, generating fresh, lively appearances.” However, if you prefer neutrals, an unexpected gray wash may provide you with the best of all worlds.
Grunge makeup is a chaotic, effortless alternative to the current softer glam style. The grunge look encourages imperfection, providing a respite from the need to apply makeup lightly and meticulously in order to attain a flawless finish. There are no special specifications here; simply line your eyeballs and smoke them out as you choose. If you want to put in a little more work, a smoky eye is the ideal complement, but there’s no rush. Finish with a quick sweep of dark lip color.
Whether you go with smokey, sloppy grunge eyeliner or perfect siren eyes, filling your waterlines will be a go-to tip in 2026. This is not a new trend; it has been a staple in many civilizations, but we’re embracing it this year as we opt for bolder designs with a cohesive finish.
2025 was the year of blush, and 2026 is all about reinventing it. People are already seeking for new ways to wear blush, choosing tones that impart liveliness to their faces. On TikTok, orange blush and MAC’s Film Noir, a bold, warm, chocolate blush, have already gone viral. Sinot concurs: “Expect tanned, sunburnt blush placements that really emphasize warmth and glow.”
