In 2026, beauty trends are shifting away from the minimalist, clean-girl aesthetic in favour of more maximalist and experimental make-up. Inspired by celebrities, fashion runways and social media, the trends are encouraging us to embrace creativity, colour and confidence like never before.
The Painted By Esther Bold Blush Look
Popularised by Nigerian-born, London-based make-up artist Ngozi Edeme, better known online as Painted By Esther, this trend is best described as ‘intentional blush blindness’, with blusher becoming the focal point of the whole look.
You’ll need a liquid blusher, two similar shades of powder blusher, bronzer for warmth and setting powder to lock everything in.
Start by adding bronzer to your temples, then apply liquid blusher to the apples of the cheeks, sweeping it towards the under-eye area. Layer the lighter powder blusher on the inner cheeks and deeper shade on the outer cheeks, blending the two together for a soft, seamless gradient.
@vanessa.zinoMy version of the painted by Esther blush look 😍💕 I know it’s not nearly as much blush as she uses but it still looks pretty good♬ original sound – vanessa.zino
MAC Sunstruck Radient Bronzing Powder R820
Foschini All Woman Blush Trio R99.00
Revlon Illuminance Gel Serum Blush R249.95
Sophia Sinot x Zara Larsson Tour Looks
The mastermind behind singer Zara Larsson’s gorgeous looks is Dutch make-up artist Sophia Sinot. They channel the bright, fun, nostalgic make-up of the Y2K era, with a modern twist.
You’ll need an eye primer, colourful eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner and rhinestones to match your chosen shade. Start with the primer, then add a frosty highlight beneath the brow arch before applying your main eyeshadow colour across the lids. Finish with winged eyeliner, false lashes and strategically placed rhinestones around your eyes, on your brows and cheeks for a bold, festival-ready finish.
@sophiasinot riga show tonight ✨✨✨✨✨ #zaralarsson #sophiasinot #zaralarssontour #midnightsun #makeuptransition ♬ Stateside + Zara Larsson – PinkPantheress
NYX Ultimate I Know That’s Bright 16 Shadow Palette R499.95
MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base: R530.00
Rimmel Wonder’Ink Precision Eyeliner Pen R179.95
Rihanna’s Oyster Met Gala Look
Widely regarded as the Queen of the Met, Rihanna’s standout look featured molten gold and bronze make-up created by her long-time make-up artist, Hector Espinal.
You’ll need brown and gold eyeshadow, gold or bronze highlighter and face gems.
Apply warm brown shadow across your lids, add gold shimmer to the centre and lower lash line, then finish with highlighter on the brow bone, cheekbones, nose and cupid’s bow for a radiant finish. Place face gems on the outer corners of the eyes.
This is a look that catches the light from every angle, proving that all it takes is a little shimmer to create a statement worthy of fashion’s biggest night.
@varietymagazine Rihanna breaks down her #MetGala ♬ original sound – Variety
Illumin-ate Curved Highlighter in Gold, The FIX R85.00
Catrice The Dark Cocoa Eyeshadow Palette R149.95
Euphoria’s Maddie Inspired ’90s Make-up
If there is one TV series that consistently shifts make-up trends with ease, it’s HBO’s Euphoria. Love it or hate it, one of the show’s greatest strengths is its make-up, thanks to the creative artistry of Donni Davy.
And the look that the internet continues to obsess over is the double-wing eyeliner worn by Maddie Perez.
You’ll need a liquid eyeliner, brown eyeshadow palette and a dark-brown eyeliner pencil.
Blend brown eyeshadow across the lids, add a touch of beige beneath the eyes, then create the signature double wing by extending lines from both the upper and lower lash lines. Finish with brown lipliner for a modern, cool-girl look.
@marssoro #maddyperez #euphoria ♬ angel – Kali Uchis
Catrice The Pure Nude Eyeshadow Palette R149.95
Maybelline Lifter Liner R130.95
Revlon ColorStay Ultra Precise Line Liquid Liner R229.95
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Think you can ace one of these looks?
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Words: Lethabo Mncwnga
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images, Shutterstock, Supplied, Gemini, ChatGPT Generated
