Every year the makeup trend cycle moves at a quickening pace, but we’re more interested in hand-choosing a few that really resonate. 2026 is all about nostalgia and experimentation: the return of eyeliner, continuation of lip contouring, imperfect shapes and colours, not to mention the Nina Park effect.
Below, we’ve rounded up seven of the biggest makeup trends we’re paying attention to this year, as well as references and the products to help you execute, should you be so inclined.
1. Lip contour
About the trend:
The soft over-lining lip technique from 2o25 is being carried over into 2026, reimagined by makeup artists like Mary Phillips and Nina Park. Instead of a harsh line, the focus is gentle contour to ensure the lips look full and pouty but deceptively natural.
What to look for:
- Chubby liners with a soft, blendable finish
- Brown and pink shades for a multi-dimensional finish
- Try Rhode, Copini Club, Ilia or Refy
RHODE Peptide Lip Shape
2. Baby Wings
About the trend:
Another Nina Park inspired makeup trend is super soft winged liner (so soft that it’s almost invisible). It’s subtle and most importantly, easy for beginners or anyone who’s intimidated by winged eyeliner as a concept. The beauty of this trend is it doesn’t need to be long – the wing only needs to extend ever so slightly, and you can even use your finger to do so.
What to look for:
- A twist-up crayon that can be gently smudged
CHANEL Stylo Longwear Eyeliner
3. Tight-lined eyeliner
About the trend:
If a wing is not your vibe, find middle ground with a little bit of eyeliner, especially in the water line. By tight liner, it can enhance your eyes and lashes without the need to commit to a complete ‘look’. Zoë Kravitz is the blueprint.
What to look for:
- A dense kohl pencil
- Soft shades of grey, chocolate brown or slate instead of black
4. 80s blush
About the trend:
From Olivia Dean to Sabrina Carpenter, bright blush and high placement is a makeup look to try this year. It’s easy, fresh and adds youthful energy to your face instantly. Try patting it just under your eyes, blending up towards the temples.
What to look for:
- Cream formulas
- Bold shades of pink, fuchsia, orange and cherry red
Violette Fr Bisou Blush
5. Matte colour blocking
About the trend:
This year, expect to see colour but in a refined way – an oxblood lip, opaque chrome shadow or a swipe of British racing green liner. Dense pigment and a matte finish is the easiest way to keep it grown up, cool and wearable.
What to look for:
- Matte lipsticks, eyeshadow, eye paints and liners
- Colours like dark red, silver, gold, navy and forest green
Merit Signature Lip in Power
6. Hot grunge
About the trend:
Part BRAT hangover (and now The Moment), part A.I. rebellion, imperfect, grungy makeup is big for 2026. Think raw skin, smudged liner, crunchy mascara and dirty shades of khaki, grey, taupe and beige on the eyes and lips. The less polished, the better.
What to look for:
- Black mascara and eyeliner
- Flesh-toned lipsticks
- Shadow sticks in grey, khaki and flesh-tone
Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Patina
7. Baby blue
About the trend:
Eyeshadow, nails, cool-toned highlight and frosted lip colours – soft, powdery blue is absolutely going to rule this year as far as makeup is concerned.
What to look for:
- Pastel blue eyeshadow
- Frosted lipsticks and highlighters with flecks of blue, silver or pearl
Mecca Max Single Shadow in Mom Jeans
Opening images: @haileybieber, @laraworthington, @ninapark
