Our predictions for beauty and make-up trends of 2026 Did we get it right? The difficult verdict will be left to future generations
We borrowed a witch’s crystal ball (no, it’s not Gianmarco Zagato) to help us put together a list of Beauty Forecasts for 2026. We only had to shake it a little to find out what the future holds for our makeup bags, but also for our algorithms and social media profiles. The keyword is: “rupture.” Something has to end, but don’t worry, we’re not talking about romance. This is about a clean break from the past. If the last decade was ruled by the discipline of the clean girl aesthetic and the pixel-perfect polish of social media filters, reports like Pinterest Predicts make one thing clear: we’re ready to go off-script, or rather, we desperately need to. On Substack, Zeynab Mohamed refers to the concept of Trend Fatigue: we’re exhausted. Not so much by trends themselves, but by the pressure to constantly participate. “Trends were supposed to be optional, but they’ve become mandatory… Maybe in 2026 they’ll finally offer a way out of the trenches of conformity,” Mohamed says.
Our beauty predictions for 2026
Jelly Candy: makeup you can almost chew
@sophiegnat Sugar candy makeup Using @Kaleidos Makeup @MADEBYMITCHELL @about-face beauty @Haus Labs @Half Magic by Donni Davy @Huda Beauty #creativemakeup #editorialmakeup #decora #candytok #funmakeup Sugar On My Tongue - Tyler, The Creator
Forget natural shades and nude tones: 2026 will be dominated by gummy textures, glossy finishes, and 3D volume—just like candy. This sugar-rush aesthetic moves between pastel hues and neon colors, echoing the “cute-everything era” we’ve been living in lately. Think bag charms or raised nail art. Why do we love it so much? Because it’s fun, childish, and deliberately ridiculous. A way of saying, “I’ve had enough of this overly serious world.” But Mohamed also urges caution, explaining that when the real world becomes too heavy,whether because of eroding rights, economic crises, or wars, retreating into an aesthetic of gummy candy, pastel colors, and “cutesy” objects can act as a defense mechanism. Is clinging to a trend like this a way to escape reality instead of confronting it? Or is it a form of “aesthetic anesthesia,” a way not to think about how precarious our future really is?
Alien Core & Glitch Beauty
A new archetype comes to our rescue: the Alien Girl. Inspired by icons like Ayo Edebiri as Mimi Rush and Zara Larsson, this trend uses icy blues, silvery reflections, and “dragonfly nails” to create an ethereal, slightly unsettling look. Many online users claim that Larsson’s career truly took flight again thanks to her makeup. Behind the viral looks of the Midnight Sun tour is makeup artist Sophia Sinot, who created not just strong personal branding, but a full-blown style manifesto. Sinot drew inspiration from the sunset colors seen in the meme, as well as the world of Malibu Barbie and the Y2K glam vibes of Christina Aguilera. Gems and rhinestones, animal prints, and bold colors make up Zara’s looks. You could call it a bit brainrot, and that’s exactly why it works. In 2026, the bizarre is in charge.
Vamp Romanticism: the return of darkness
According to Pinterest, in contrast to pop colors, a need for darkness will emerge. “Vamp Romanticism” seduces Millennials and Gen Z with a gothic yet luxurious aesthetic that already began spreading in 2025. Think Jenna Ortega’s gothic chic take on the Addams Family, the collaboration between Charli XCX and John Cale for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film, or the Twilight Renaissance. From raven-black nail polish to softly blended smokey eyes and ultra-glossy dark lips: a nocturnal, mysterious response to the chaos of the outside world.
The elegance of opera: will theatrical luxury win over Gen Z?
@sevaoli Dark, divine, deliberate.
According to the 2024 SIAE Report, the “Musicals and revues” sector saw a +17% increase in audience spending, with over 1.6 million spectators. This genre has become a key “bridge” for younger generations, thanks to languages closer to pop culture and cinema—just think of the big-screen success of Wicked. Operatic audiovisual productions such as the Netflix series “Il Gattopardo” were widely appreciated in 2025 and laid the groundwork for 2026 looks. “Dramatic drapery, red roses, and a string quartet playing dark cabaret music” are the winning ingredients according to the platform, perfect for embracing a new elegant, classy aesthetic. Velvet-textured lipsticks, elongating eyeliners, and simple yet effective eyeshadows will define our upcoming makeup looks. Draped silhouettes, long silk dresses or garments rich in sequins paired with statement jewelry: are we ready to reclaim the theater?