An Expert Has Spoken: These 5 Makeup Trends Will Dominate Autumn 2026
Our take
The cyclical nature of beauty trends is undeniable, and the anticipation of Autumn 2026’s dominant looks offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving aesthetic landscape. While the article highlights cool-toned lips, bold lashes, and other specific predictions, the underlying shift it represents—a move toward richer, more deliberate expressions of self—feels particularly resonant. We’ve seen echoes of this in recent years, a reaction, perhaps, to the stripped-down, “no-makeup makeup” era. It’s a return to artistry, but with a considered sensibility; not a frantic rush towards maximalism, but a deliberate embrace of impactful details. It’s fitting, then, that this comes on the heels of a summer that, as the article notes, felt unusually prolonged, prompting a desire for a more substantial, layered aesthetic. The resurgence of interest in vintage style, as seen in Sofia Richie Grainge’s recent choice to borrow Kendall Jenner's Sofia Richie Grainge Borrows Kendall Jenner's Vintage Chanel Cruise Dress From 2014 for a Wedding Weekend, further underscores this appreciation for enduring style and thoughtful curation.
The predicted trends themselves aren't entirely unexpected. Cool-toned lips, in particular, feel like a natural progression from the warmer, berry tones that have dominated recent seasons. The focus on lashes, however, suggests a continued desire for drama and expressiveness. It’s about enhancing, not masking, and creating a focal point that draws the eye. This aligns with a broader movement toward celebrating individuality and embracing bolder choices. Considering the influence of past runway trends, revisiting looks from the 2010s—like those explored in The 2010s Runway Beauty Looks That Defined The Decade—provides valuable context for understanding the current trajectory. Those earlier trends, though sometimes perceived as excessive in retrospect, demonstrated a willingness to experiment and push boundaries, qualities that are now being reinterpreted through a more refined lens. The beauty industry is constantly seeking innovation, but true evolution often involves revisiting and reimagining what has come before.
Beyond the specific colors and techniques, the core message of these Autumn 2026 trends points to a growing demand for makeup that feels both intentional and empowering. It's less about conforming to a prescribed ideal and more about using makeup as a tool for self-expression. This resonates with the broader cultural shift toward authenticity and celebrating individual differences. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver results but also align with their values and personal aesthetic. A truly impressive concealer launch, like the one highlighted in Not to Be Dramatic, But This Is the Most Impressive Concealer Launch of the Year, understands this, hitting all the right notes in terms of performance and ethos. This isn't just about covering imperfections; it's about enhancing natural beauty and fostering a sense of confidence.
Looking ahead, the most intriguing question is how these trends will evolve as technology continues to reshape the beauty landscape. Will augmented reality filters play a larger role in shaping our perceptions of beauty and influencing makeup choices? Will personalized skincare and makeup formulations become the norm, blurring the lines between product and bespoke experience? Or will we see a renewed emphasis on traditional techniques and artistry, as consumers seek a more tangible and grounding connection to the creative process? The convergence of technology and beauty is inevitable, but the enduring human desire for self-expression and connection will ultimately shape the direction of these trends, ensuring that beauty remains a powerful and deeply personal form of art.
It might just be because of the what felt like never-ending heatwave we had here in the UK this summer, but I’m really starting to feel the chill in the air. And, as a makeup lover, I can only think about one thing: swapping out my simple beauty routines for heavier makeup trends perfectly suited to the autumnal weather. Gone are the days when overly hot temperatures meant I could only throw on a tinted SPF and a simple brown lip gloss, and in their place lies an opportunity to experiment with bolder makeup looks that let me express my creativity. And there’s no better way to do this than by looking at the trends set to dominate the season.
My first port of call for finding out these trends? Well, as someone who works in beauty, I’m lucky enough to have a contact book filled with professional makeup artists who, thanks to their years of experience, can get ahead of the pack and predict the hottest trends before anyone else. And last week I sat down with Fara Homidi, a New York-based makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Fara Homidi, to discover the five makeup trends that are set to be huge in autumn 2026. Working across runway shows and campaigns for the likes of Miu Miu, Hermès, Chloé, Ferragamo, Coperni and Off-White, Homidi is well-versed in predicting trends before they hit the mainstream. And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below so that you too can be in the know about the makeup trends that will dominate autumn 2026.
From cool-toned lips reminiscent of the ‘90s to future-forward two-toned eyelashes, keep scrolling to discover the five easy-to-recreate trends that I’m planning to try out this season.
1. Cashmere Eyes
Homidi says, "I’m predicting we’re going to see a lot more cashmere-coded eye looks this autumn. Take a soft taupe, warm brown or deep espresso depending on your skin tone and wash it around the entire eye for a soft, minky haze of colour. It should feel monochromatic, diffused and incredibly soft around the edges, almost like cashmere for the eyes. Finish with a brown mascara on both the top and bottom lashes to keep everything tonal, and the result will be a plush, soft-brown eye that feels effortless but still very considered for autumn."
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2. Cool-Toned Lips
"It’s official: the cool-toned lips that dominated the ‘90s are back for autumn 2026. But instead of an obvious one-dimensional liner, focus on creating a buffed-out, sculpted lip through layers of cool-toned neutrals. To do this, you’ll need to take a gradient of soft, medium and deeper taupe lip pencils and layer them strategically to create natural-looking dimension and a fuller, 3D pout. The softer shades diffuse and blend the contour while the deepest tone creates the structure and dimension. It’s less about an obviously lined lip and more about using colour to manipulate shape and volume. And I may have something coming later this autumn that will do just the trick...", says Homidi
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3. Weathered Cheeks
Homidi states that, "Instead of an overly pigmented blush look, why not try giving your cheeks a natural, windswept effect, like you’ve just come inside after a cold day or spent the afternoon skiing? Known by beauty insiders as the 'weathered cheeks' trend, you can get this look by applying a low-to-medium coverage blush toward the lower mid-face. Then use a translucent, natural-looking highlighter across the high points of the cheeks and even the eyelids to bring back a glowy, champagne sheen. It’s that contrast between cold-weather colour and fresh, reflective skin that makes it feel modern."
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4. Soft-Focus Skin
"Forget the dewy makeup looks we all opted for in summer, as well as the overly matte finishes that can often make the face feel dry; for autumn 2026, it’s all about skin that sits somewhere in the middle. Think about the way makeup looked in film photography throughout the 1990’s—softly diffused and blurred whilst still looking like skin. With radiance, but not an obvious shine, and coverage without the complexion ever feeling flat, the goal season isn’t flawless, but rather beautifully softened skin.", explains Homidi
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5. Two-Toned Lashes
Homidi says, "An updated, modern take on a 60’s eye, two-toned lashes create a unique sense of depth and dimension to your makeup looks. Not to mention, it looks extremely intentional and elevated, acting as an incredibly simple switch that changes the entire feeling of the eye. For a more natural look, opt for a black mascara on the upper lashes for definition and intensity, then a soft brown on the lower lashes for a softer, smokier contrast. Or go bold and add in a cobalt blue or rich burgundy that is sure to turn heads and earn you compliments."
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