Courtesy of Launchmetrics Courtesy of Launchmetrics Next year, prepare to up your lash game, whether that means breaking out a tube of colored mascara or finally learning to apply false lashes on your own. The spring 2026 runways were full of exaggerated lash looks, many of which may be a bit too exaggerated for the office or a first date; but, according to Spate Data, interest in how to enhance your lashes at home is at an all-time high. Searches for “cluster lashes” and “magnetic lashes” across both Google and TikTok are up over 50% since this time last year. Meanwhile, the brand Eylure has been generating tons of buzz on TikTok for its magnetic lashes as a way to achieve the effect of lash extensions at home. “People are moving back to strip and cluster lashes for at-home convenience, cost savings, and something that really fits their lifestyle,” says Tisha Thompson , makeup artist and LYS founder, of the growing trend. Lash clusters are especially nice because they’re less hassle than strips. “Right now I love enhanced corner lashes—anything that will make the eyes appear lifted and dramatic but still have that natural look to it,” says makeup artist Erika La’Pearl , who recommends the i-Envy Cluster Palette. Andersen is a fan of individual Ardell lashes and Lashify clusters, while Levy likes Kiss lashes for their ease and price point. We’re also fans of LYS’s Uplifted Pre-Glued Lash Clusters , which are some of the easiest fake lashes we’ve ever used. Enhancing your lashes, whether that’s with a few small clusters or a colorful mascara, “doesn’t require a ton of extra products to get the look done, like brushes or sponges,” says Levy, who gives a shout-out to Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky-High Mascara for having a great shade range, if you prefer to go that route. “It’s an easy and effective way to transform your look in a subtle, less high-stakes way.” Lip Stains Will Continue to Reign Supreme Lip stains will remain the lip product of choice in 2026, according to just about everyone we spoke to. “They have become a staple ‘lazy' beauty hack for consumers who want long-lasting performance and convenience,” says Megan Bang , beauty strategist at WGSN, a trend-forecasting agency in London. In the new year, Bang predicts, formulas will continue to improve in terms of comfort and good-for-your-lips ingredients, and take inspiration from the innovative textures and nuanced tones seen in K-beauty brands. “Blurry-matte textures will dominate the category, with ‘cloud lips’ that emphasize comfort and a soft, blurry finish leading lip conversations,” Bang adds. At Ulta Beauty, customers are already loving “softer, more blurred-out looks that they can achieve with products like Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding ,” says Rinehart. Regarding K-beauty’s influence on the category, she explains, “we are seeing a number of established brands like NYX Professional Makeup innovate with new product launches that are inspired by some of the global trends and products we are seeing in the beauty category overseas.” “A lip stain is perfect for the blurred-lip trend, because the color looks lived-in and personal,” says Andersen, who loves Dior Addict Lip Tint and Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint for getting that just-bitten effect. One of the soft-focus lip liners from brands like Merit and Refy will also work well for this look, but we foresee a lot of newness in the lip-blur category next year. Says Erin Lindsay , ColourPop’s director of product development, “I can’t wait to share what ColourPop has been working on for 2026 to reignite our community’s love for our lip products while bringing them something trendy and innovative…. Stay tuned!” Pastel Lipstick Will Be Your Dopamine Kick Courtesy of Launchmetrics Courtesy of Launchmetrics Makeup artists were feeling sweet—and a little quirky—backstage at the spring 2026 shows. Runway after runway featured statement-making pastel lips, from Pepto pink at Chloé and Connor Ives to a full range of Sweethearts candy-inspired hues at August Barron. These looks, applied boldly and unapologetically, were shocking in their overt sweetness. Though that might seem out of left field, it does play into a growing desire for all things sugary and delightful, a trend that Spate Data has been tracking over the past few months. “Consumers are seeking more dopamine in their daily lives, and infusing everyday moments with whimsy has become one way to achieve it,” the company wrote in its 2025 Culture Report. “From fashion and hairstyles to makeup… consumers are increasingly looking for—and sharing—playful ways to bring more whimsy into their lives, across Google Search and TikTok.” This trend is less about finding a shade that perfectly complements your skin tone and more about choosing one that brings a little joy to your life. At August Barron, makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver dipped into the matte Haus Labs Hy-Power Pigment Paints , mixing primary shades with white to pale them out. Makeup artist Lucy Bridge also custom-mixed hues at Connor Ives, blending MAC Painsticks and Chromalines , although the brand does have plenty of pastel options in its Macximal Sleek Satin and Silky Matte Lipstick lines. Here’s hoping NYX might take notice and bring back its Macaron Lippies from 2014. For now, though, Kylie Cosmetics King Kylie A Decade Matte Lip Kit has the return of a pastel beige-pink favored by the reality star from around that same time. Base Products Will Do the Most Launchmetrics Launchmetrics Skin will remain the priority in 2026, says Andersen: “People want luminosity that looks like it’s coming from within rather than from a highlighter on top,” she explains. “And I’m seeing more requests for sheer textures, lightweight bases, and products that move with the skin instead of masking it.” This isn’t any different from what people wanted throughout 2025 . What is different is that brands are racing to develop base products that promise to be more moisturizing and offer greater skin-health benefits. “We’ll continue seeing brands play in the hybrid space between skin care and makeup,” says Thompson, “as consumer demand will turn these formulas into more of an expectation than a nicety.” But can skin-care ingredients in makeup really make a difference for your complexion? “If you use the same makeup every day, you might benefit from even a small amount of active ingredients, such as SPF or minerals to help maintain a good moisture barrier,” says Ellen Marmur , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Kelly Dobos , a cosmetic chemist and adjunct professor of cosmetic science at the University of Cincinnati, adds that there are limitations on which additives can be used effectively in makeup. In addition to what Marmur mentions, you'll likely see hyaluronic acid (a moisture retainer), niacinamide (for brightening), and salicylic acid (for treating acne) on product labels, as they're easy to combine with pigments. Still, you shouldn’t expect dramatic results from skin-care-infused makeup alone, as the concentrations tend to not be very high. The popularity of Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick , LYS’s Bright Start Concealer , TIRTIR's Mask Fit Red Cushion , and Best of Beauty-winning Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation are all examples of foundations that feature skin-care ingredients. We’ll see more serum-like foundations in 2026, starting with The Outside In Silk Serum Foundation , the first product from a new brand by Hourglass’s Carissa James. “These products are taking off because people want beauty that fits real life,” says Yolonda Frederick , a makeup artist and global artist in residence for Bobbi Brown. “Formulas that blend fast, last long, and feel effortless are winning because they make makeup easier, not heavier. It’s about smart beauty, not more makeup.” Meet the experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Lauren Andersen is a makeup artist who splits her time between New York, Austin, and Los Angeles. Megan Bang is a beauty strategist at WGSN, a trend-forecasting company in London. Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist and adjunct professor of cosmetic science at the University of Cincinnati. Yolonda Frederick is a makeup artist and global artist in residence for Bobbi Brown. Alexandra French is an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist in Los Angeles. Molly Hart is the founder of Highr Collective. Erika La’Pearl is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and iEnvy spokesperson. Alex Levy is a New York City-based makeup artist. Erin Lindsay is ColourPop’s director of product development. Ellen Marmur , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Kaitlin Rinehart is the vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty. Tisha Thompson is the founder and CEO of LYS Beauty. Now, read about the latest trends: Source: https://www.allure.com/story/makeup-trends-2026