BEAUTY MANIFESTO
Erin Parsons is the ultimate “it girl” beauty historian—the makeup artist-turned-archivist who brought glamour and curiosity back to the beauty world. This article exists because of her.
Move over, "Clean Girl." The era of barely there restraint has officially left the building. In 2026, we aren't just applying makeup; we’re wearing it as an accessory, a mood, and a rebellion. This year is a high-contrast blend of 90s grunge, futuristic "Aliencore," and 80s maximalism. If it’s not FUN MAKEUP, why are you wearing it?
Modern Emo Goth: The "Wednesday" look will be all week. We’re seeing a return to Vamp Romantic aesthetics: blurred plum eyebags, duochrome eyeshadows, and grey scale lips.
The "Blonzer" Revolution. Forget the 10-step contour, the Blush-Bronzer is the 2-in-1 MVP, draped from the temples to the bridge of the nose for a sun-drenched, dimensional glow.
Warm, orange-toned palettes are out; Cool Tones are back in a big way. Led by makeup historian Erin Parsons, the industry has pivoted to "true" cool tones. Think greige liners, mauve-pinks, and icy blues that feel sophisticated, not "ashy."
Diversity this year means precision Color Analysis. Brands are releasing specific "Baby Pinks" and "Perfect Reds" tailored to your exact undertone—whether you're Olive, Deep-Cool, or Warm-Neutral.
Pale Pinks are the focal point of 2026, alternating between 90s nostalgia and candy-coated futurism. From the “Pam Lip” Pamela Anderson to Ballerina Shoe frosted pinks of Anna Nicole Smith, 90s Playboy-era lips are the ultimate bombshell.
High-Gloss is back, but with a twist. We're seeing flavored, tactile, and "squishy" lip oils that look like liquid glass and smell like childhood nostalgia (cherry, grape, watermelon and even gummy bear).
The "Aliencore" trend is taking over with an ethereal, out-of-this-world glow. Frosty white eyeshadow and duochrome lip gloss. Even highlighter as foundation, we’ve moved past dewy to opalescent. E.T. by K.P.
Garage Door Lids: Effortless artistry is key. One swipe of a matte grey or a bold blue lid—applied with the finger—is the go-to effortless look.
Makeup is no longer just for the face; it’s part of your "Anik-Anik" culture. Lip balms that double as rings, cellphone charms that hold your favorite gloss, and bag-hanging palettes are the new must-haves.
Stickers, Stencils and Pimple Patches are now fashion statements. From rhinestones, star-shaped stencils to heart shaped pimple patches, we are turning imperfections into maximalist art.
