2026 Trend Predictions: Old Favorite, New Flavor

2026 is about being in a state of flow and ease, and the new year’s trends are aligned with just that. As the health and wellness industry continue to find new ways to be innovative, the industry continues to find new ways to continue to integrate into the beauty world and branch into new spaces. Fashion is taking romance and masculinity, the features that are constantly contrasted, and showing that they two do exist at the same time. In beauty, makeup is trending again, the makeup tutorials are coming back but revamped. Some popular beauty tutorials in 2026 will be soft focused makeup looks, and a play on sophistication. We will also see new ways to compliment natural features, makeup artist Nina park has inspired a new perspective when it comes to beauty, embracing our natural “flaws.” And move over ladies, skin care and grooming are becoming more inclusive, with a wave of men’s products hitting the scene.

We’ve also seen the impact of tech’s rapid development. Now, we’ll see a surge of mental‑health‑driven initiatives as a response to that very impact. Brands are going beyond the retail landscape to continue to connect with people, small content creators have found social media to be a powerful tool to build follow their dreams while building connections and making worthwhile memories.

Let’s dive in!

Fashion

Cape Detailing
In 2025, the mock necks were everywhere, and it will still have its moment in 2026. But stepping onto the scene now is cape detailing. Think Queen Latifah in The Last Holiday. This look will be huge, appearing in dresses, coats, and more. It’s a modest yet elevated way of dressing that transforms an outfit. Imagine it as a top with an asymmetric cut: sophisticated, flirty, and chic. Pair it with cabochon earrings, tailored pants, and kitten heels and you’ve got an elevated outfit with little effort. 

Romantic Lace
The details matter, and lace is in the details. Jackets, dresses, collars, and more. Satin and silk with lace detailing, especially in dresses, will look absolutely stunning.

I’m especially excited to see lace in the wedding industry. Growing up, I dreamed of being a fashion designer and even took classes in high school. When paired with the right fabric lace can add a soft and delicate look to outfits. Or paired with a more structured fabric it can create dimension. I’m currently hunting for my graduation dress… maybe it will be lace.

Heels with a Modest Height & Slingbacks
Modest heels are making their way onto the scene, ranging from kitten heels to 3.5” heels, just enough to be just enough. As kitten heels continue their moment, evolving far beyond Grandma’s closet. They’re chic, colorful, bold, and versatile. Slingbacks, too, are showing up in every variation; short, tall, bold. Both styles elevate outfits effortlessly.

Wellness

Med Spa Galore
Preventative care has been on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. As life expectancy continues to increase, more people are turning to preventative practices, and med spas have become a sought‑after service to meet those goals. With the growing emphasis on longevity and wellness, the demand for med spas will only continue to expand in 2026. 

Med spas are going to undergo a major transformation. No longer defined by sterile, clinical atmospheres, they’ll evolve into spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and restorative. The integration of wellness practices will weave its way into med spa culture, creating environments that nurture both body and mind.

Signature Smoothies
Erewhon has put $20 celebrity smoothies firmly on the cultural map. Celebrities have partnered with the brand to design signature blends; colorful, wellness-inspired creations that quickly captured the public’s imagination and dominated social media feeds. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as more stars experiment with unique flavor profiles and personal branding through their drinks. There will also be an increase in people creating more affordable versions of these celebrity favorites, making the trend accessible beyond Erewhon’s walls. Looking ahead, the craze could even expand into at-home smoothie kits, allowing fans to recreate these iconic blends in their own kitchens.

Nutrition as Therapy
Nutrition is emerging as a new form of therapy, one that goes beyond simply fueling the body. As more people recognize the profound connection between gut health and overall well‑being, the emphasis on prioritizing digestive health will only grow. Ancient traditions and time‑honored practices will continue to take deeper roots, reminding us that the food we eat is a part of our healing journey. In 2026, expect to see creative approaches to preparing meals, curated menus designed with nutrition at their core, and a renewed focus on food as both medicine and ritual.

What are some new things that you are looking forward to in the wellness industry? 

Beauty

Muted Makeup
Celebrity makeup artist Nina Park has captured many people’s attention, and her artistry is shaping a fresh perspective heading into the new year. The “no‑makeup makeup” look is evolving to complement what some might consider their “undesirable” features. Instead, Park’s approach encourages people to embrace them; showcased through her signature pinched cheeks and softly diffused yet bold lips. Makeup continues to evolve toward softness and subtlety, enhancing rather than masking, and creating a look that feels effortless yet intentional.

Alongside this shift, there’s a growing push to celebrate human qualities. As AI filters and digital perfection have become widespread, people are beginning to resist the pressure of flawless, computer‑generated beauty. Instead, they’re leaning into the unique textures, tones, and quirks that make us authentically human.

Multi‑Use Makeup
Beauty lovers have started to show interest in multiuse makeup. No, I’m not talking about the familiar blush‑and‑contour palettes. We’re moving toward products that continue to blur boundaries beyond the dynamic duos of a lip‑and‑cheek stains or eyeshadow‑blush hybrids. These versatile formulas are designed to simplify routines while unlocking creativity, allowing one product to deliver multiple effects. Of course, you could experiment with this approach using what you already own, but in 2026, brands will spotlight multiuse beauty as a defining moment, giving you your time back while also inspiring playfulness, and the art of doing more with less.

Layered Perfume
2025 felt like the perfume gold rush, an era of bold, statement fragrances dominating the shelves. But as we move into 2026, consumer preferences are shifting. The appetite for strong, overpowering scents is fading, replaced by a desire for subtlety and personalization. People want fragrances they can layer, scents that evolve with them throughout the day. Jo Loves Fragrances has long been celebrated for this very quality: perfumes that transform as they warm to the skin, revealing different notes in harmony with your body’s chemistry. Their fragrances are designed to complement one another, creating endless combinations that feel both intimate and unique. The result is a one‑of‑a‑kind, custom scent experience, less about wearing perfume as armor, and more about curating a signature that tells your story.

Bare Nails & Jelly Nails
I love the look of a bare nail, clean, manicured, buffed, and glossed to reveal strong, healthy nails. When bare nails began appearing on red carpets, it felt like a refreshing shift from elaborate manicures..But I couldn’t help but wonder what inspired this? Maybe a desire to pause and embrace simplicity. Or maybe just taking a break from manicures.  Whatever the reason, the “naked manicure” is inspiring people to step back and appreciate the natural beauty of their own nails.

For those not ready to give up their manicures, there’s fresh inspiration in the rise of “jelly” nails. These translucent, candy‑like colors create a playful, glassy effect that feels like something right out of candy land. The trend encourages individuality, the nails should complement one another, but they don’t have to match. Imagine a set where each nail carries a different hue or design, all unified by that glossy, jelly‑like finish. Bringing new ways to express your nail creativity.

Lip Liner Revival
Lip balm and gloss have had their moment, but now they’re gaining a new companion: the lip liner. In 2026, lip liners are making a bold comeback with innovative formulas and striking packaging. Some will arrive in chubby sticks for easy application, others with precision triangle tips to carve out a perfect crease, and still others with built‑in brushes for smudging into that soft, bitten‑lip effect. This revival is intended to bring new discoveries. Now is the time to experiment with your signature lip look, or, if you already have one, to reimagine it with textures and tools. 

Do you think that these beauty trends are going to last? What kind of trends are you looking forward to dying out from 2025 and what trends are you excited about for 2026? 

Skin Care

Male Grooming Boom
Self‑care is no longer reserved for women, men’s grooming is stepping in to share the spotlight. At‑home kits for skincare, hair, and beard care have surged in popularity, offering men accessible ways to invest in their wellness. Self care routines are now designed to go beyond the bathroom mirror, with beauty and wellness centers increasingly tailoring services to male clients. In 2026, expect a stronger focus on men’s skincare routines, grooming rituals, and holistic wellness practices that redefine what self‑care looks like for everyone.

Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy remains a wellness favorite, but its role is shifting. Rather than standing alone, it’s being woven into habit‑stacking practices that can be paired with meditation, sauna sessions, or even post‑workout recovery. Imagine stepping into an infrared sauna where red light therapy enhances both relaxation and rejuvenation, amplifying the benefits of each practice. This integration makes the therapy more accessible and sustainable, turning it into a lifestyle ritual rather than a one‑off treatment. In 2026, expect to see red light therapy offered in more creative formats: boutique wellness studios combining it with breathwork, gyms incorporating it into recovery lounges, and even at‑home devices designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines. It’s no longer just about the science, it’s about creating a holistic experience that nurtures both body and mind. But just a friendly reminder: habit stacking shouldn’t cross the line into multitasking. We’re not designed to juggle too many things at once, so be mindful of cognitive health and avoid overloading the brain by trying to layer on too many practices simultaneously.

Face Masks
Face masks are reclaiming their place as the ultimate at‑home self‑care essential. Collagen‑infused sheets, cooling gels, vitamin C treatments, and more are sparking renewed excitement. Though masks have always been around, 2026 will see them reimagined with fresh textures, targeted benefits, and playful packaging. Whether it’s a quick midweek refresh or a weekend ritual, face masks are a great option to indulge, relax, and bring a moment of stillness. 

Lifestyle

Social Clubs
People are craving social connection, but not just in the traditional sense of gathering with like‑minded individuals. The new wave of social clubs is about inclusivity, respect, and genuine support. These communities are designed to foster belonging, where differences are celebrated and members feel uplifted. Think of spaces that blend networking with wellness, or clubs that combine creative expression with cultural exchange. In 2026, social clubs will evolve into sanctuaries of connection. A place where people can recharge, collaborate, and find joy in shared experiences

Micro‑Influencers & Content Creators
Micro‑influencers and niche content creators are stepping into the spotlight. While large influencers have proven valuable for building community and driving sales, poor management has led many businesses to suffer losses. As the social media landscape matures, brands are realizing the power of smaller creators who bring authenticity, relatability, and trust. In‑house influencers and content teams will become increasingly desirable, allowing businesses to maintain creative control while nurturing genuine connections with their audiences. This shift signals a move away from mass influence toward curated, community‑driven storytelling.

Pop‑Up Dining Experiences
Shoppers today are more conscious of the value of their money and their time, and brands must rise to meet that awareness. Companies will need to work smarter and more creatively to attract and engage their audiences. Pop‑up experiences, interactive campaigns, and collaborations with creators are just a few of the strategies that will redefine consumer engagement. I recently saw a video of an influencer who curated his own menu and took over a restaurant for a day, it was a huge success, sparking buzz and excitement in a food industry that has felt stagnant. Events like this breathe life back into dining and show how creativity can reignite consumer interest. In 2026, expect brands and entrepreneurs to embrace this level of innovation, blending entertainment, community, and commerce.

Audio Acting
Audiobooks are being reimagined through audio acting, where different voices bring characters to life in dynamic, theatrical ways. This trend transforms listening into an immersive experience, closer to a stage performance than a simple narration. While it will never replace the quiet satisfaction of reading, audio acting adds a new layer of engagement, making stories feel vivid, emotional, and alive. For many, this will become a reason to purchase specific titles, not just for the plot, but for the artistry of the performance. In 2026, audio acting will carve out its own niche, merging literature with entertainment in a way that captivates both readers and listeners.

Closing Thought

2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by creativity, inclusivity, and intentional living. Across fashion, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle, the emerging trends encourage us to express individuality while cultivating balance. It’s a season of ease and flow, where bold design meets mindful practice, and where self‑expression is celebrated not through excess, but through authenticity. Together, these movements invite us to slow down, savor the details, and embrace a way of living that feels both elevated and deeply human.