Makeup is back in a big way: By 2026, self-expression, vibrant color, and texture will replace minimalist beauty.
Instead of being more rigid, skin and lips are softer: Instead of sharp lines, imagine smudged, blurred “makeout” lips and polished yet natural skin.
Cool tones, frosted finishes, and Y3K shimmer modernize well-known trends, creating a cool, forward-thinking atmosphere.
I am a beauty editor, yet TikTok is unaware of this. I see tarot readers and lesbian thirst traps telling me that I should actually go back to my ex when I browse. What about the newest trends in makeup? Not at all. Up until, well, recently, when things changed and my FYP began posting in-depth assessments of the “it” lipstick color for 2026 along with cosmetic techniques. Maybe the algorithm has finally noticed that I lead two different lives. However, I’m open to the possibility that there’s more going on—that makeup is genuinely, finally, and truly back.
Beyond my very specific For You Page, there have been several indications that 2026 cosmetics will appear significantly different from previous years. I saw big lips and significant eyeshadow moments backstage at NYFW that I hadn’t seen in years. Makeup artist Kyle Anderson tells Cosmo, “We will definitely see an increase in artistry over the next year and really get back to having fun with makeup.” Consider: A move away from uniform perfection and toward uniqueness, texture, and self-expression. Ahead, our full 2026 makeup trend prediction, from the looks that won’t feel aligned to what’ll take its place on your FYP.
Makeup trends that are in for 2026:
1. Supermodel Skin
The clean girl is dead, everyone says. That’s not what I would say. She has simply been reimagined, but she is still alive. A skin-first approach to cosmetics, featuring lighter formulas that provide moisturizing skincare benefits, is one thing that clean girls provided us. And even if you’re adding rainbow-hued eyeshadow or a ’80s blush on top, these skin tints and corrected foundations have a place in your routine.
However, the makeup professionals at every spring/summer show I was able to see backstage during NYFW emphasized the same thing: Skin is natural but finished. Not necessarily too matte or dewy. However, the under-eyes are color adjusted and the cheeks are sculpted, but not in the same manner as before.
“We have graduated from the minimalist approach when it comes to skin and are going to start adding glam back in, but with modern and intentional placement,” Anderson states. Nina Park is one performer who is receiving a lot of attention on social media. She collaborates with Zöe Kravitz, Margaret Qualley, and Addison Rae. Professional techniques that gently lift and blur flesh are scattered throughout her distinctive makeup. With a blend of cream contour and highlight shades for a natural, diffused effect, M.ph Beauty, created by famous makeup artist Mary Phillips, introduced their Underpainting Palette.
2. Makeout Lips
“We’re predicting there is a more hazy/blurred moment on the horizon,” Anderson states. Softer shapes with more organic edges are produced by smudging and diffusing outlines. “It’s sexy and stained,” Anderson continues, “because you just kissed and smeared your lipstick a little.” If you want to define your lips using a lip liner, apply it, then use your finger to blend it out. For a long-lasting appearance, use a lip stain after that. Depending on your mood and how chapped your lips are right now, these lips can also become glossy or matte.
3. Welcome to Y3K
Over the past ten years, the early aughts have influenced numerous beauty trends, such as concealer lips, cool tones, and tiny eyebrows. However, it makes sense to turn to the future for inspiration as we move into the second part of the 2020s.
“As AI begins to weave into our everyday life, we can only anticipate seeing it influence the makeup industry as well,” Anderson states. “AI-generated makeup looks and styling are able to take the essence of the Y2K aesthetic and add futuristic elements to level up.” As a result, he expects increased eye moments with increasingly contemporary styling and liner trends. High on the list are frosted lips (like MAC’s Dazzle Lip Crayons and L’Oreal’s Ballerina Shoes lipstick, both of which have gone viral) and saturated shimmers, like those worn by Zara Larsson and Tyla. It’s a sophisticated version of 2000s cosmetics.
4. Cooled Down
“Varying waves of milky pinks, warmer peaches, and neutrals will always be in, no matter how the trends evolve,” Anderson asserts. But there’s no denying that cool hues add a touch of refinement to any ensemble. It has a certain “it” quality, so it seems sense that all of the coolest celebrities—Julia Fox, Gabbriette, Chappell Roan, Jenna Ortega, Doechii, you name it—are frequently spotted in gray. For a subtle, powdered effect, dust them on your lids with a powder shadow (found in some of the newest eyeshadow palettes, like as Urban Decay Naked Shaped). Alternatively, apply a cool-toned brown lip liner (we adore Make Up For Ever’s Endless Cacao) and smudge it off. Regardless of the color you choose to finish it with, this will not only add fullness and contour your lips, but it will also make your entire appearance seem more edgy.
Meet the experts:
Kyle Anderson is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based National MAC makeup artist. He has applied makeup for fashion shows, advertisements, and celebrities.
Why should I trust Cosmopolitan?
With seven years of experience writing, researching, and editing makeup features, Beth Gillette is Cosmopolitan’s beauty editor.
