As we step into the end of 2024 and beyond, beauty trends are becoming more than just they way you look—they’re reflections of the emotions, challenges, and cultural shifts shaping our world. The period from 2024 to 2026 is heavily influenced by feelings of uncertainty and exhaustion. As the world grapples with economic, political, and environmental challenges, beauty trends are reflecting a collective longing for balance, self-care, and authentic expression. Consumers are no longer just looking for aesthetics—they are seeking products that offer reassurance, optimism, and a deep connection to nature. There’s a noticeable shift from a business-oriented society to a human-focused one, with people prioritizing mental and physical health, authenticity, and inclusivity.
Key behaviors include the search for positivity, a reconnection with nature, and moments of escapism. This also manifests in radical self-acceptance, where perfection is shunned in favor of celebrating imperfections. This “anti-wellness” movement challenges unrealistic beauty standards, allowing consumers to embrace their flaws and embrace radical escapism through both nature and digital realms. The color palettes for the coming years mirror a collective response to uncertainty, exhaustion, and the longing for balance. From soothing natural tones to bold, escapist brights, these shades tell a story of resilience, self-expression, and the ongoing dance between reality and fantasy.
Moon Cherry
The Moon Cherry trend reflects the growing popularity of dark, moody lips, combining deep reds and browns for a bold, sultry aesthetic that captures a sense of control amidst the chaos. Reminiscent of 90s grunge, these cherry-cola-inspired shades exude intensity and depth, offering radical escapism in uncertain times. Alongside this, darker, sensual tones such as rich berries, midnight blues, and mystical purples are gaining traction, embodying the rise of anti-wellness and radical acceptance. Imperfection is embraced, with darker shades offering a cosmic allure. These luxurious colors extend into eye makeup, where pearlescent shadows and soft matte finishes create dreamy, night-sky-inspired looks.
Phygital
Phygital, a fusion of physical and digital realms, is the driving force behind 2024’s Color of the Year. This trend epitomizes the shift between natural reality and digital escapism, drawing from both nature-inspired tones and futuristic metallics. The rise of Golden Terra and CyberGem symbolizes the blurring of lines between the organic and the virtual. This aesthetic speaks to the growing influence of digital culture, AI, and the metaverse, and it’s where holographic and chrome finishes thrive.
Reassurance in Authenticity
The Power Berry palette, which dominated in 2023, focused on inclusivity and authenticity, key values for a generation craving realness. This rage of berry shades offers a balance between expressiveness and classic beauty. With cool to neutral undertones, Power Berry harmonizes with a wide range of skin tones, symbolizing the demand for diverse, inclusive beauty. The shades evoke individuality while staying timeless, offering a wearable palette that’s elegant but still full of personality.
Meadow Reverie
Drawing from the soft, dreamlike aesthetic of Meadow Reverie, this trend taps into Mermaidcore, the playful, aquatic-inspired beauty movement. Pastel shades like minty blues and soft lavenders transport us to whimsical, underwater worlds, evoking a sense of escapism. Inspired by delicate flowers and flowing water, these colors create a romantic yet modern fantasy. This palette is perfect for soft, ethereal makeup that blurs the lines between seasons and trends, ideal for both eyes and cheeks, where creativity and fluidity take center stage.
Celestial Odyssey and Future Dusk
Celestial Odyssey and Future Dusk encapsulate the hi-lo glamour trend, which blends high-fashion luxury with everyday wearability. Celestial Odyssey is all about cosmic, futuristic vibes, with pearly blues, shimmering silvers, and dark reds that mimic outer space’s ethereal beauty. In contrast, Future Dusk delves into a soothing, bio-synthetic world, offering icy shades and shimmering finishes. Together, these trends encourage consumers to experiment with glamour in their daily routines, fusing high-impact textures with a playful, accessible approach.
Anti-Wellness
The Anti-Wellness movement reflects a reaction to perfectionism and rigid beauty standards, giving rise to dopamine brights. These playful, bold colors—ranging from neon pinks to reflex blues—are meant to uplift and inspire creativity. They reject conventional beauty norms and embrace individuality, allowing for boundary-pushing makeup looks. This palette thrives on the joy of self-expression, with the freedom to be loud and bold, making it a Gen Z-centric rebellion against perfection.
Hug
The Hug trend, linked to 2022’s Radiant Pink, symbolizes the human need for warmth and physical connection in an increasingly digital world. Soft browns and gentle pinks offer a sense of security, bringing together nurturing tones reminiscent of skin-on-skin contact. This palette embodies comfort, inviting users to wrap themselves in colors that feel emotionally and physically soothing. Hug transcends makeup, offering a sensory experience that connects the user with self-care and wellbeing.
Timeless Luxury
The Timeless Luxury trend is a celebration of classic beauty, with vibrant reds and golds that never go out of style. This bold combination, ideal for special occasions, speaks to a sense of grandeur and refinement. The shades work together to create high-impact looks, from smoky red-gold eyes to luminous red lips, blending elegance with opulence. These colors are versatile, offering a polished aesthetic that suits various styles and moods.
Mystic Darks
Mystic Darks bring sensuality and spirituality into beauty, reflecting the rise of holistic and alt-wellness trends. These rich, moody hues—such as midnight blues, mystical purples, and deep earth tones—evoke a sense of mystery and depth. With a focus on smooth, dewy finishes, the look is soft yet intense, blending spirituality with sensuality. Ideal for evening looks, Mystic Darks enhance natural beauty while adding a touch of intrigue and drama to any makeup routine.
Formulating beauty products for the 2025-2026 color trends demands a keen understanding of the emotional and cultural shifts shaping consumer preferences. As we move between earthy neutrals, bold brights, and deep, moody tones, it’s essential to create products that balance creativity with inclusivity and sustainability. Whether crafting shades inspired by nature or futuristic digital realms, formulations must offer high-performance finishes, versatility, and innovative textures that resonate with consumers’ desire for authenticity and escapism.
To develop products that capture the essence of these trends, contact us for expert solutions that turn visionary colours into market-leading beauty offerings.
