Makeup Trends That Are Defining 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a year of expressive beauty. The days of no-makeup makeup aren't going anywhere, but bolder choices are making a comeback. Here are the trends our makeup artists at Plaza Park are seeing.

Glazed Skin Is Still Everything

The dewy, glass-skin look continues to reign. Think luminous primers, skin tints instead of heavy foundation, and strategic highlighter on the high points of the face. The goal is skin that looks naturally radiant — like you just had a facial.

Bold Lips Are Back

After years of nude lips and lip gloss, bold color is returning. Deep berries, classic reds, and even vampy plums are showing up everywhere. The modern take is slightly blurred — applied imperfectly for a lived-in, editorial vibe rather than a sharp, precise line.

Soft Sculpting Over Heavy Contour

Heavy contour is fading in favor of soft sculpting — using cream products and gentle blending to enhance your natural bone structure. It's more forgiving, more natural-looking, and works better on camera and in real life.

Colorful Inner Corners

A pop of unexpected color in the inner corner of the eye is trending hard. Think gold, copper, lavender, or even a bright teal. It's a small touch that makes a big impact and works with minimal other eye makeup.

Want to try these trends? Our makeup artists at Plaza Park Salon Suites can help you find the perfect look. Browse our directory to book a makeup session.