I asked top makeup artists what’s coming in 2026 – these 8 trends dominated

The complexion shifts this year are subtle but decisive. No more glass or chalky matte, instead a soft focused blur is vying for our undivided attention. Copenhagen Fashion Week veteran Sidsel Marie Bøg calls it “Mannequin Skin,” though the effect is more lived-in than plastic. “It’s hyper-natural,” she says. “Seamless, soft-blurred, with real texture showing through.” Technology is doing some of the heavy lifting here. “Products adapt to undertones now,” she adds. “And personalised palettes mean the shade guessing is over.”

The Kardashian's favourite half-Swedish makeup artist Ash K Holm sees the same softness from another angle. “It’s the next iteration of no-makeup makeup,” she says. “Everything is less perfect. Softer lines. A bit smudged. More human.”

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The shine pendulum swings back into full force and Holm sees a wet-look summer ahead. “I think the wet-look will be back for 2026.” For her, the clue comes from outside of the makeup industry entirely. “We’re seeing a lot of slicked back hair on the runways and red carpets, and I think that will translate to dewy, glossy skin for the summer.” Bøg widens the scope: “Makeup in 2026 embraces textures that play with light. Chrome finishes, glossy lids, and micro-shimmers.”

For Swedish makeup artist and founder of LH cosmetics, Linda Hallberg, the shift goes beyond finish. “We want sensorial makeup again,” she says. “Texture, scent, the feel of it.” A far cry from the sterile minimalism that briefly tried to take over our beauty cupboards.

Colour returns to the mouth with conviction, and Bøg doesn’t hedge: “2026 brings a major resurgence of dramatic lips. Rich plums, fiery reds, glossy berries, and high-impact stains.” Or why not go for gold like Pat McGrath at this year's Vogue World instalment? No matter your preferred pigment, there's an emphasis on wearability. “Today’s bold lip focuses on boldness with comfort," says Bøg.

Holm predicts technique is what will make the trend stick. “Diffused edges,” she says. “Blurred, softened lips instead of heavy liner. It works on every colour.”

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After a few quiet seasons, eyes return as the site of experimentation. “Statement eyes are back,” says Bøg. “Floating liner, geometric shapes, unexpected placement.” The charm lies in how unprecious it all feels. “Freedom and imperfection,” she adds. “Makeup as art.”

Holm leans into structure. “Liner is going to get bolder and more structured in 2026.” She flags the inner corner as new beauty ground to conquer: “Playing with bold liner at the inner corner of the eye adds another level of interest to the look.” And yes, lashes: “I’m all about a statement bottom lash.”

Hallberg closes the loop with a simple diagnosis: “Makeup makeup is back.” Her barometer? “We see more bold and fun makeup both on the runways and on the streets. Fun colour combinations, different textures, and bold eyeliners.”

Colour enters 2026 with discipline as Holm turns to monochrome. “There are so many ways to do it,” she says. “Rosy with rosy. Bronze with bronze. Red blush with a red lip.” She highlights texture – matte against satin, gloss against – as the element keeping it modern.

Bøg takes a smaller-scale approach. “Playful pops,” she says. “A turquoise inner corner. A pastel wash. A blush shade that shouldn’t work but does.” To her, the placement and showing a modicum of palette restraint is the trend.

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Beauty tech has made big promises before. This year, it’s actually delivering on those promises. “Beauty tools are getting a smart upgrade," notes Bøg. "App-connected brushes, guided blending devices, and tech-assisted application tools will help users achieve artist-level results at home.” The future also involves less guessing. “Foundations and tints that adapt perfectly to individual undertones and personalised palettes created through in-store scanning or at-home devices will eliminate shade guessing altogether," says Bøg.

Hallberg adds the sustainability angle. “Mono-material packaging is growing,” she says. “Being able to recycle the whole piece matters.”

Eyeshadow palettes – once declared obsolete by the five-minute face – return with enthusiasm. After years of pencils, creams and minimal effort, the appetite for actual colour stories is back. Hallberg is unreserved: “Eyeshadow palettes are making a comeback in 2026 and as a makeup artist, nothing makes me happier.” After all, a palette offers direction and a little room to wander, which feels very 2026.

The embellishment trend shows no sign of retreat. “Rhinestones and stickers are going strong in 2026,” Hallberg says, pointing to Sophia Sinot’s work with Zara Larsson as the cultural flashpoint. The ripple effect is clear and we're all craving a deliberate Pop Star-approved glint that suggests we're not taking ourselves too seriously.

Related: Zara Larsson’s makeup artist Sophia Sinot breaks down the Midnight Sun Tour looks reviving full-throttle pop star glam