Side fringes are set to dominate 2026, drawing inspiration from iconic 90s looks like Amber Valetta’s Gucci era fringe that softly skims the eye. Contemporary versions, seen on names such as Bella Hadid, feel fresh and wearable. Simply changing your parting can instantly refresh your style, making this one of the easiest updates for the year ahead.
A More Polished Hair Finish
The direction for 2026 leans towards healthy, glossy and refined hair that still feels natural. It’s not overly styled or stiff, but fluid and well cared for. Think hair that looks effortlessly put together rather than perfectly set. Maintaining good condition is key, with regular trims, weekly masks and mindful drying techniques that create a soft curve at the ends for a smooth yet relaxed finish.
Elevated Minimalism
This season champions elevated minimalism — beautifully groomed lengths with subtle movement and a luminous sheen. Instead of controlling natural texture, the focus is on refining it. The result is hair that feels modern, understated and undeniably cool, with a polished but effortless appeal.
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Modern French Twists
As power dressing makes a comeback, up-dos are returning in a more relaxed form. The modern French twist looks as though it was styled in moments, yet remains ornate, chic and intentional. Minimalist in feel, it carries a soft nod to 90s glamour without appearing overworked.
Make-Up Trends for 2026
Bold Eyes and Statement Lashes
After seasons dominated by clean, pared-back beauty, eyes are once again taking centre stage. Expect intense smokey eyes, graphic or elongated liner, soft watercolour washes and doll-like clustered lashes. The mood is expressive, playful and confident, making this trend easy to experiment with.
Lightweight, Radiant Layers
2026 make-up focuses on radiant, healthy-looking skin achieved with lightweight formulas. Heavy, mask-like finishes give way to products that feel barely there, enhancing natural glow. The look is completed with juicy lips and a subtle, skin-kissed flush that feels fresh and effortless.
A Sensory Beauty Ritual
Consumers are increasingly drawn to how products feel and fit into daily routines. There’s growing demand for luxurious, sensorial formulas that deliver results without complexity. Beauty is becoming more ritualistic, turning everyday application into a moment of enjoyment while still offering effortless efficacy.
Skin Priorities in 2026
Barrier and Microbiome Support
Skin barrier health remains a major focus, with increased use of postbiotic and microbiome-based ingredients. Fermented extracts, bacterial lysates and prebiotics help strengthen the barrier and support skin’s ability to self-regulate. Ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide continue to play a crucial role in maintaining resilient, balanced skin.
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Cellular Health Awareness
There’s a clear shift toward a proactive skincare mindset, centred on cellular health, longevity and prevention. Rather than quick fixes, the emphasis is on long-term support — asking what can be done today to protect skin health over the next five, ten or even twenty years.
Longevity-Driven Beauty
Beauty and wellness continue to merge, with skin longevity at the heart of this evolution. Functional skincare, supplementation and fragrance are growing, with a strong focus on sleep, microbiome balance, barrier repair and long-term skin health. The goal is sustained wellbeing, not temporary results.
Dedicated Lip Care
Lip care has firmly established itself as a standalone category. Consumers want products that deliver performance while feeling indulgent, blending effective treatment with enjoyable textures, flavours and shades. It’s about caring for lips properly while still enjoying products that feel special.
Regenerative Skin Treatments
The future of aesthetics is shifting toward treatments that work with the skin’s biology. Regenerative approaches, such as polynucleotides and exosomes, focus on improving skin function from within. These treatments support repair, reduce inflammation and encourage regeneration, prioritising overall skin health over surface-level correction.
Nail Colour Trends for 2026
Milky Whites and Rich Browns
Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, highlights the ongoing appeal of soft, milky white nails. Alongside this, brown tones remain a key trend. From mocha to deep chocolate, these velvety neutrals add warmth and sophistication, offering a refined alternative to classic nudes across a range of skin tones and seasons.
