Microtrends can be hard to keep up with, but not all trends are created equally. From red carpet to everyday glam, here are some of the top beauty trends of 2026 that are sticking around.

1. Blush it up! 

Instead of reaching for that bronzer or contour, try using blush to add dimension to your cheeks. Using blush on the high points of your face gives you a youthful glow. Pop some of your favourite blush on your cheekbones, under the nose, and under the chin (I know it sounds a little crazy, but you’ll thank me later) to tie your look together and give your makeup a boost of colour. Add a little shimmer to the same points to lift them even more, and you’ve gotten dimension without ever touching that contour shade.

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2. Nude is the New Black

Nude lips have gone in and out of style, but they’re always on the market. Right now, artists are opting for soft nude lips with blurry edges. Going a shade or two darker than your natural lip colour will even out the tone and give the appearance of fuller lips. Opt for a satin finish lipstick and lightly smudge out the edges, especially at the center of the lips, for a subtle overline without harsh lines. Alternatively, use a dark brown lip liner to line your lips, placing the nude lipstick in the centre and blending the two together. Pop on some gloss if that's your thing, and now your lips are ready for the red carpet or a trip to the mall.

Getty Images/Angela Weiss

3. Keep it Soft

With nude lips making their rounds, it’s no surprise that the rest of the face would follow. Blurring formulas and natural finishes are dominating the scene. When in doubt? Smudge it out. Keeping away from any harsh lines in your routine, smoky and subtle eye looks are the way to go. Use a cream eyeliner and smudge it out instead of reaching for that liquid liner. Don’t be afraid to go bold, blurry doesn’t have to mean boring! 

Getty Images/Steve Granitz

4. Glow Baby, Glow!

Korean beauty and skincare products have been steadily making their presence known in North America. With an emphasis on hydration and rejuvenation, it’s no wonder that consumers are going crazy for these miracle products. Ingredients like Centella Asiatica boost collagen synthesis and improve the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid locks in moisture to keep your skin hydrated, and niacinamide evens the skin tone with its antioxidant properties.

Getty Images/Astrid Stawiarz

5. Blonde Bombshell Era

We all know Sabrina Carpenter has been rocking the iconic blonde bombshell look for her whole career. Now, her iconic look is inspiring a new wave of blonde styles. And it’s not just her. After the winter Olympics in February made us fall in love with American figure skater Alysa Liu, her blonde stripes rekindled the blonde flame. American pop group Katseye have also stoked the fire, the group going blonde for Coachella. From a full head to extensions, they highlight the versatility of the colour, showing that blonde is BACK and better than ever.

(Matrix)