After scrolling through #beautytok and chatting with a few professional makeup artists, one thing is clear: we’re collectively craving more personality and expression in our makeup. Think bolder, brighter, and far less restrained (bye-bye clean-girl minimalism...for now). According to the pros, 2026 will be defined by luminous skin paired with unapologetic color—whether that shows up as bright and colorful eyeshadow, bold statement lips, or flushed, rosy cheeks.
“The theme will be divided. I think there will be some that still cling to the 'clean girl' aesthetic, while others are starting to rebel and revert to colorful, bright, fun makeup,” says New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. “I’m seeing this with celebrities like Zara Larsson, whose recent tour featured some of the most fun, bright, tropical-colored makeup—a cute and nostalgic nod to the highly creative makeup looks of the 2016 era."
