6 Beauty Trends Set To Dominate 2026 ✨
Move over Clean Girl. From 90s grunge to 'Halo Lips', here is the makeup we'll be wearing in 2026
As we bid farewell to 2025, there are also a fair few beauty trends I feel that we’ve seen the last of.
The End of “Clean Girl” Aesthetic?
For the past few years, it’s been all about minimalist, clean girl makeup - but I think the vibes for 2026 are all about smudged eyeliner, fun colours and easy-to-achieve looks.
Keep reading for the six beauty trends that we’ll be seeing everywhere in 2026…
1. Smudged Eyeliner: The “Slept-In” Look
Goodbye, clean girl aesthetic, in 2026 we’re leaning into a messier, undone look. I love a little black smudged-out eye, mainly because it’s way easier to achieve than a perfect black flick.
I’m not fussy with what eyeliner I use, I just grab any pencil and do a rough line, and use your finger to smudge it out.
Is it the remnants of a crazy night the night before, or did I intentionally do it this morning? The world may never know…
2. Halo Lips: The Katie Jane Hughes Method
Makeup Artist Katie Jane Hughes is all about a blurred lip. For the past few years, lip looks have been all about crisp lines, but Hughes is predicting a softer edge for 2026.
To achieve the look, use a little bit of contour around the shape of the lips, then dab colour in the middle. The result is natural, plumper-looking lips.
Here is the link for Katie’s tutorial. She’s responsible for Dua Lipa’s makeup, so I think we’re in safe hands trusting her!
3. The Ultimate Merge: Skincare-Infused Makeup
So many brands have been slowly putting skincare benefits into their makeup products, and I think this is only on the rise.
Rhode already uses peptides in their lip glosses and blushes, and the infamous £104 Victoria Beckham/Augustinus Bader Foundation Drops also worked wonders.
If you are interested in skincare-infused makeup, my favourite brands are Kosas and Ilia!
4. Casual Glitter: Low-Effort Sparkle
I’ve never needed an excuse of a trend to partake in casual glitter, but I think we’ll be seeing it much more in 2026.
A makeup artist I was working with once told me that the best thing about using glitter is that you can be as messy as you want, because you can’t tell where the glitter ends or begins. Perfect for the easiest eye you’ve ever done.
I’m obsessed with Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Moonstone for the eyes or Fenty Diamond Bomb for everywhere else.
5. Cool-Toned 90s Resurgance
Trends always come back, and I’m thinking 2026 is going to give us a resurgence of cool-toned looks à la the 90s.
The best thing about this is that there is a plethora of perfect inspo pics to look at - think Cindy Crawford, JLo and Jennifer Aniston.
M.A.C recently bought back its iconic '90s lip liner shade Cool Spice (which is of course a cool-toned version of its classic Spice liner, if that wasn’t obvious?)
6. Maximalist Nail Art: Gems & Textures
Again, I think we’re straying away from the clean girl aesthetic and turning to a more fun energy.
I’ve had so much fun browsing Pinterest for nail art inspiration, and let me tell you, people are so talented.
Textures, bold colours and gem stone nails will be all over your Instagram feed in 2026 - so you may as well start gathering inspo now!
Final Thoughts: Why 2026 Is About Effortless Fun
Well, my friends, there you have it: the six beauty trends that will dominate 2026 (according to me?)
Will you be trying any? Let us know your favourite in the comments…
Here’s to a fabulous New Year, and don’t forget to subscribe to read more of The Beauty Ed®!
P xx