Make-Up Artists Name 6 Beauty Trends That Will Take Over 2026

This year, makeup is all about individuality.

It is a new year, and makeup in 2026 is all about expression and individuality. This year, trends encourage bold color choices, daring techniques, and playful experimentation, inviting everyone to step outside the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic and embrace their unique style. Makeup is no longer a tool to enhance features or to improve looks, but a form of personal artistry, a way to showcase personality, mood, and creativity-it is about making a statement.

Here are six makeup trends to expect this year, each one offering a fresh opportunity to express yourself, body, and creativity:

AI-Inspired Glow

AI is now influencing makeup trends, and the key to achieving an AI-inspired glow starts with your products that light radiance from within, which often means glowy primers or a good skincare routine that balances and hydrates.

“People want a smooth appearance that reminds [them of] an idea of perfection, often seen in highly retouched or AI-generated images,” said Montreal-based makeup artist Brigitte Lacoste, with CBC Life.

Colorful Eyes Make a Comeback

Getting a colorful vibe shift, colorful eye shadows are also making their way back this year. Blues, greens, pinks, and purples, and many other colors, are set to make an appearance in more editorial-inspired looks.

“[It’s expressive and maximalist, a complete opposite to the minimal ‘clean girl esthetic,” said Lacoste. “Makeup will not simply enhance, but will show a strong identity and a style.”

Statement Lashes

If you thought voluminous false lashes were a dramatic statement, lashes are about to get even more dramatic. Accessories, feathers, and asymmetrical designs will add drama to your lashes and for those who want a subtle yet bold look, try a pop of color or glitter mascara.

Overall, lashes will now be a fun way and expressive way to showcase your personality.  

Flushed & Fearless

When it comes to makeup, sometimes all you need is a touch of blush to brighten your look. Vibrant, glowy cheeks will be the expressive statement your makeup needs with a focused flush of a more precise and intentional application.

Blush layering will be the secret to building up color and intensity, as well as blush draping, where “blush is applied closer to the eyes and higher on the cheekbones, which creates the illusion of lifting the face,” said Lacoste.

Statement Smiles

“Lips will become the primary focal point if makeup look,” said Lacoste.

So, expect an emphasis on bold standout shades like dark browns, deep pinks, and true reds that draw all the attention.

Jewel-Encrusted Glam

Thanks to Zara Larrsson’s Midnight Sun tour glam by makeup artist Sophia Sinot, jewel-encrusted shimmer makeup looks will become a must-try statement trend perfect for nights out, festivals, or a casual day.

Ultimately, 2026 is all about makeup as a form of personal and expressive artistry, whether it is bold lips, jewel-encrusted embellishments, or colorful eyes. These are some of the most expressive makeup trends to showcase your unique identity and creativity with confidence.