The 2026 Makeup Trends You Need to Know

Cherub cheeks are about to be everywhere

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Beauty looks are more playful than ever right now. Many of this year's biggest makeup trends thus far, including romantic blush and statement liner, are simple yet impactful, making it clear to Bazaar editors that less really is more when it comes to your makeup look. Flushed cheeks, glowing skin, and sharp cat-eye flicks will probably never go out of fashion, but in 2026, professional artists are giving these classic styles a twist.

Why it matters

The article highlights the top makeup trends that are expected to dominate in 2026, providing readers with insights into the evolving beauty landscape and the latest looks that will be popular in the coming year.

The details

The article covers several key makeup trends for 2026, including romantic blush and monochromatic looks, bold and intentional eyeliner, statement red lips, a comeback of light blue eyeshadow, an emphasis on bronze and radiant skin. These trends are showcased through runway looks from various fashion shows, with commentary from professional makeup artists on the inspirations and techniques behind the looks.

  • The article was published on February 20, 2026.

The players

Tiffany Dodson Davis

The author of the article.

Shain Kish

The director of global artistry at Saie.

Raisa Flowers

A celebrity makeup artist.

Sir John

A lead artist at Danessa Myricks Beauty.

Diane Kendal

A key artist at Nars.

Dick Page

A key artist at Michael Kors.

Thomas de Kluyver

A lead artist at Byredo.

Fara Homidi

The lead artist for Fara Homidi Beauty.

Romero Jennings

A lead artist at M.A.C. Cosmetics.

Peter Philips

The creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup.

Romy Soleimani

A celebrity makeup artist.

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What they’re saying

“I really wanted love-struck eyes, where you can't fall asleep because you're thinking about them, and your eyes have a little rush of blood to them, same with the lip. Don't we all love a little tormented love?”

— Shain Kish, Director of global artistry at Saie (Harper's Bazaar)

“It's all about luminosity. To me, there's nothing more that captures youth than luminous radiance.”

— Peter Philips, Creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup (Harper's Bazaar)

“Here, we played more with subtle tones, a more youthful, more modern approach to skin, with highlighting and pearlescence.”

— Peter Philips, Creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup (Harper's Bazaar)

The takeaway

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the top makeup trends that are expected to dominate in 2026, highlighting the evolving beauty landscape and the latest looks that will be popular in the coming year. Readers can use this information to stay ahead of the curve and incorporate these trends into their own makeup routines.