Another year means new (and old) makeup trends. And the 2026 makeup trends seem to signal a shift toward statement looks rather than the softer styles of previous years. With bold colors, detail-oriented styles, and niche aesthetics, there are so many possibilities. But that's not to say there aren't easy, effortless everyday styles in the mix, either. Rather, it's all about going with the flow and doing what makes the most sense in the moment.
The best part is that these 2026 styles are designed to accentuate your features. Whether you emphasize your eyes with grunge eyeliner or experiment to see what makes you feel your best.
As we head into the new year, we reviewed trend reports, spoke with experts, and searched through celebrity photos to identify the hottest makeup trends of 2026 and how to recreate them at home with buzzy trending products. (But be sure to check out our tried-and-true fave eyeliners and mascaras to help you complete every look.)
1. Blurred lips
If you haven't seen them on celebs yet, you've probably come across Nina Park's iconic blurred lips while scrolling on TikTok. The blended lip liner look is a subtle trick to enhance the pout, similar to popsicle lips but slightly more subtle. With winter break giving us time to practice the technique at home, we'll probably be seeing this look a lot at the beginning of the year.
2. Bold lip colors
As the blended lip liner look continues to gain momentum, the liner itself may be skipped altogether, especially as bolder hues make a significant return, as we saw in the fall. Zara Larsson's makeup artist, Sophia Sinot, says, “The past few years have been all about the nude and brown lipliner and gloss combos, but I’m noticing a shift. In 2026, more ‘no-lip liner’ looks could take over, and people are starting to experiment with bolder, unexpected lip colors too, creating fresh, playful looks.” But if you do love a neutral, perhaps an unexpected gray wash could give you the best of both worlds.
3. Grunge makeup
Grunge makeup is the messy, effortless alternative to softer glam trending. A reprieve from the pressure to be light-handed and meticulous with makeup to achieve a perfect finish, the grunge look embraces imperfection. There are no specific requirements here, just line your eyes and smoke them out as you please. If you do want to put in a little more effort, a smoky eye is the perfect pairing, but there's no pressure. Finish it off with a quick swipe of a moody lip color.
5. Bronze blush
2025 was the year of blush, and 2026 is all about innovating it. We're already seeing people looking for twists on typical blush looks, opting for shades that bring life to the face. On TikTok, orange blush and MAC's Film Noir, a bold, warm, chocolate blush, are already going viral. Sinot says, "Expect tanned, sunburnt blush placements that really emphasize warmth and glow.”
6. Barely-there mascara
If there is one thing we're paring down this year, it's mascara. With so many falsies out there and lash maintenance becoming as common as hair appointments, layering up on mascara for volume or length isn't as big a step in our makeup routines anymore. Instead, we're embracing what we have and letting our own sleek, smooth lashes elevate our looks. Just a couple of coats are all you need to enhance them. Don't believe us? Just look at FKA Twigs, Rosé, Olivia Rodrigo, or Manon.
7. Dewy makeup
Put the base makeup down, because we're not talking about skin this time. Now, it's all about dewy focal points. Think jelly blush, glowy eyeshadow, body glitter, and the like. Just check out the Pinterest Predicts report for 2026.
8. Freckle forward
Yes, we're doing bolder looks this year, but no, we're not covering up our faces. Instead, our freckles, beauty marks, and other unique features will take center stage. You can make your own, too, whether that's with a freckle pen or gems. It's just another way to let your artistry shine through.
9. Color happy
Neutrals and simple routines have had their time, but bold, colorful looks are returning to claim their stake in the makeup world. Between Sinot's viral looks for Larsson's tour inspiring makeup lovers and Donni Davy's unforgettable looks for Euphoria poised to make a comeback as the series returns this spring, you can expect bold, colorful makeup to be embraced this year. “In 2026, makeup will be playful again,” Sinot says. “We’ve moved past the clean girl aesthetic and are ready to bring back color into our lives. Makeup should be fun and a way to express yourself without overthinking it. Colorful looks are returning effortlessly, with less perfection and more freedom.”
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