2026 Beauty Trends to Actually Be Excited About

After years of microtrends and viral-driven beauty buys, 2026 feels like a collective exhale. Beauty trends for 2026 signal a meaningful shift from novelty for novelty’s sake to purpose. It’s a return to ritual, a return to products and practices that feel grounded, personal, and truly support our well-being.

2026 beauty trends across makeup, hair, and skincare are being shaped by science, hormonal health, a deeper understanding of the nervous system, and a growing awareness of the long-term effects of what we do to our bodies. I’m learning how to ask better questions instead of chasing every new release. Will this work for my skin too? Will it support my energy? Will my routine be simplified? The result is a beautiful landscape rooted in longevity and self-reliance, and it’s less about preserving it and more about intentionally building distinctive rituals.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

What’s next for the beauty industry in 2026?

2026 beauty trends show a more grounded and intentional way to care for ourselves. Expect skincare that prioritizes barrier health over powerful active ingredients, makeup that emphasizes effortlessness, personal features that come back to feel like you, and tools that blur the line between beauty and health. There is also a growing focus on longevity, as treatments and products are designed to support the skin over the long term, rather than just providing temporary solutions.

Perhaps most compelling are the emotional changes that are occurring alongside these trends. Beauty in 2026 is less about fixing perceived flaws and more about creating a space that feels good in your skin. It’s the beauty of adapting to real life, whether it’s a five-minute routine in the morning or a slow, sensory ritual in the evening.

Beauty in 2026 is less about fixing perceived flaws and more about creating a space that feels good in your skin.

Top skin care trends for 2026

Ahead, we’ll break down the 2026 beauty trend predictions that will shape skincare, makeup, hair, and self-care, and provide expert insights on how to thoughtfully and realistically incorporate them into your daily life.

marine active

Salt water has been touted as a panacea for years, so it’s no wonder marine-based skin care continues to gain momentum. Ingredients such as algae, seaweed, and marine minerals are used in a variety of formulations and are prized for their hydrating and replenishing properties. Through line? Skin feels plump, refreshed and deeply hydrated, literally like a tall glass of water.

According to lee ann dolanesthetician body + beauty labthis change is already taking shape in the treatment room. If you’ve heard of the viral salmon facial, expect it to become even more accessible in 2026, with a further wave of salmon-derived ingredients and regenerative treatments. Consider this year’s answer to snail mucin.

“PDRN will see significant growth in 2026,” says Dolan. “PDRN is polydeoxyribonucleotide It is derived from a piece of salmon DNA. It is used in regenerative medicine for wound healing and tissue repair, promotes collagen synthesis, improves skin elasticity, supports scar repair, reduces inflammation, and can also help resolve pigmentation when used in dermatological treatments. ”

Longevity of exosomes

When we last covered exosomes, they were something of a hidden gem, usually only available as an add-on during a visit to a dermatologist or facialist. Now they’re firmly in the spotlight, becoming popular among skincare biohackers for their potential to increase collagen and support skin longevity.

According to Dr. Gina McCarronis a triple board certified cosmetic surgeon. surgeonexosomes are rapidly gaining a reputation as the new retinol. “Many of us are starting to get tired of the irritation and peeling that comes with strong retinoids,” she explains. “As a result, products featuring growth factors and exosomes are gaining traction as gentler yet effective alternatives.”

Leigh-Anne Dolan adds that exosomes work at the cellular level to stimulate collagen, smooth texture and enhance overall radiance. What about take-home? Exosome-infused serums are set to be ubiquitous by 2026, signaling a shift towards results-driven skin care that prioritizes tolerance and long-term skin health.

A rich face while resting: The rise of broken skin

The clean girl aesthetic is evolving, trading sophistication for presence. Undoubted beauty: skin that looks like it just had a facial, brightened, hydrated, soft and glowing. What are the important differences? You don’t need to book a treatment to achieve that. This trend reflects a return to basics and rituals, where healthy skin looks vibrant rather than flawless.

When it comes to damaged skin, the condition is more important than coverage. Ask simple questions: Are you hydrated? Does your skin have a natural warmth, like when you spend time in the sun or take a deep breath? That’s the essence of a undone look. That means skin that feels cared for, not hidden.

According to a famous makeup artist Christian Briseno“The most important change is skin that looks as if almost nothing has been done to it.Clients want their skin to look healthy, hydrated, and really cared for, like it was before a drop of make-up.” He points out that this approach is especially suitable for mature skin. This means using fewer cosmetics and focusing on texture.

To achieve this look, Briseno recommends starting with a nutrient-rich moisturizer and giving your face a contouring massage over a few minutes to increase circulation and loosen muscle tension. The result is a freshly-applied glow on your face that leaves you feeling relaxed, hydrated, and effortlessly glowing.

2026 hair mood

Hair trends for 2026 reflect a shift towards care, movement and intention. The emphasis is on healthy, textured, vibrant hair rather than a strict style or well-groomed look. Preference is given to volume instead of smoothness, softness instead of sharp lines, and rituals that support the health of the scalp and hair. The result is hair that looks polished without feeling overworked. This is an approach that values ​​durability, individuality, and ease of use over perfection.

intentional ease

Hair trends for 2026 take a more thoughtful approach to styling, one that prioritizes care over excess. Devin Graciano, professional hairstylist and CEO, said: goldilocksthere is a clear shift towards a finish that is sophisticated but never overdone. “People are drawn to styling that looks intentional,” she says. “Think soft volume and a classic round brush blowout. Sophisticated, but still natural.”

The secret to this look is surprisingly simple. The right tools and a strong foundation. A high-quality brush and comb will help keep your hair from coming undone and making it easier to see. This is not about recreating “This is how it happened.” We’re talking about hair that looks really well-groomed, moisturized, and well-conditioned.

As Graciano says, “Shiny, healthy hair is the new flex.” In other words, if your hair is properly nourished and thoughtfully styled, you don’t need anything else.

short and sweet

While blunt bob was the norm in 2025, short hair hasn’t gone mainstream, but 2026’s silhouette is noticeably softer. “We’re seeing more diffused edges, softer surrounds, and a gentler approach to the fringe,” Graciano says. “Short hair can still feel bold, but it’s more fluid, sophisticated and wearable.”

When it comes to styling, the focus shifts from rigidity to movement. Light styling gels and flexible hold products help add volume and definition without weighing down your hair, making short cuts tactile, modern, and easy to polish.

big hair, don’t worry

No matter the length of your hair, volume will be king in 2026. According to beauty expert Annabel Taula, Freshathe transition from slick-back style is both aesthetic and practical. “People are tired of looking sophisticated, and for good reason,” she says. “These styles put constant tension on the scalp and rely on heavy product use, which can weigh down the hair and cause damage over time.”

This trend is all about letting your hair move naturally and look healthy, rather than pulling it tight or applying lots of gel. Volume becomes a sign of consideration, not confusion.

“This trend is especially effective for curly hair,” Taura adds, “with short, ’80s-inspired layers and soft fringe, encouraging people to embrace their natural texture. Think more volume, softer silhouettes, and glamorous, tousled finishes.”

hair peptide

Peptides have long been a mainstay in skin care, from topical treatments to supplements, and are now making their way into hair care. With growing interest in scalp health and overall hair health, hair peptides, especially copper peptides, are emerging as the next frontier in supporting growth and strength.

Copper peptides work at the scalp level to nourish your hair from the roots, strengthening it for healthier, fuller hair over time. This is a science-backed change that reflects what we’ve already seen in skin care. In other words, if you support the basics, everything else will follow.

Where will makeup go in 2026?

In 2026, makeup will focus on expressiveness rather than correction. As routines are simplified and skin takes center stage, makeup is reclaiming its role as a creative outlet – something that feels personal, playful and intentional. Rather than following every trend, focus on colors, textures, and finishes that reflect your mood and personality, rather than perfection.

makeup maximalism

After years dominated by a clean-girl aesthetic, color and play are back, but with a more thoughtful edge. Makeup maximalism in 2026 isn’t about piling on products or hiding perceived imperfections. It’s about using makeup as a form of self-expression, based on your own signature shades and techniques. Think of it as applying a dopamine dressing to your face.

“The quiet, luxurious, and clean girl had the best moments,” Taura says. “But with so many innovative products and beautiful formulas now available, people are ready to enjoy makeup again as part of their everyday expression, not just for a night out.”

soft matte skin

After years of glossy, glass-like finishes, matte makeup is making a comeback, but it’s nothing like we remember. Matte was last mainstream a decade ago, but today’s formulas tell a different story. Advances in product quality, shade range, and skin-like textures make 2026 mattes feel more sophisticated than heavy.

This new version is softer, more dimensional, and never cakey or powdery. Picture fuzzy, velvety skin that still reflects light and movement.

According to Briceno, soft matte is quickly becoming the new coveted finish. “Blurry and matte skin is emerging as the luxury standard,” he says. “It gives your face a sleek, modern look without sacrificing shine or making your skin look flat.”

warm neutral makeup

If maximalism isn’t your mood, warm, neutral makeup is a soft way to add depth and dimension. This trend elevates natural makeup with an emphasis on nuanced browns and warm neutrals that compliment skin tones without being too harsh.

“It’s important to use warm, earthy tones to tell a cohesive and flavorful story,” says Briseno. “The key is harmony: shades that warm the face without looking muddy or orange.”

To achieve this look, be intentional about balance. Pair warm, softly contoured eyes with creamy, diffused cheeks and a subtle bronzed lip with a dewy finish. The result is effortless, sophisticated, and timeless.