Key Takeaways:

• Consumers personalize trends, prioritizing authenticity over fast-moving, fatigue-inducing aesthetics.
• Emotional comfort drives beauty choices, fueling nostalgia, rituals, and soothing textures.
• Escapist optimism emerges as tactile, surreal, and atmospheric looks dominate 2026.

Each year, Pinterest unveils a look into the future of consumer beauty for the next 365 days through its Pinterest Predicts report. The data helps brands and markets become early adopters of emerging cultural trends and has an 80% success rate in identifying the next big hitters across industries, according to the company.

The platform’s 2026 Pinterest Predicts report shows trends are growing 4.4x faster than they were seven years ago. As a result, consumers are looking to combat trend fatigue through the 21 predictions outlined in this year's edition. These trends focus on personal exploration in three key ways:

• Emotional comfort and belonging: Comfort is becoming key for consumers, as 55% of global respondents state they prioritize it as a need in their day-to-day lives. Specifically, people are seeking safe havens, finding relief in everyday rituals, and turning to nostalgia to feel like themselves again. 
• Curating, not copying: Consumers are aligning with trends that reflect who they are and who they aspire to be. Forty-two percent of respondents state they only participate in trends that are authentic to them. 
• Grounded optimism: The five-year plan no longer exists; most consumers aren’t thinking of the future beyond the next few days. People are looking for grounded optimism in the present, using escapism as their emotional fuel.

“In 2026, people will make these trends their own, put unique spins on each, and ensure that what’s trending never comes at the cost of personal expression,” said Pinterest Global Head of Trends and Insights, Sydney Stanback, in a company press release.

BeautyMatter breaks down the beauty trends set to define 2026.

Gimme Gummy

Gen Z and millennials are looking to bendy phone cases, elastic cheek tints, and probiotic treats with a “spring back bite.” 2026 is predicted to bring rubberized nail art and 3D jewelry as the next tactile craze. 

• Gummy bears aesthetic: +50% year over year
• Yokan: +60%
• Agar agar: +35%
• Jelly blush: +130%
• Jelly candy aesthetic: +100%

Glitchy Glam

In 2026, beauty is purposely missing the mark. Gen Z and millennials will sport mismatched manicures, two-toned lipstick, and bright eyeshadow in two hues. 

• Eccentric makeup: +100%
• Weird makeup looks: +115%
• Nails with different colors on each hand: +125%
• Asymmetrical lob: +85%
• Avant-garde makeup editorial: 270%

Laced Up

The doily is making its debut in 2026, with everything from phone cases to makeup getting laced and collared. 

• Lace nails: +215%
• Lace belt: +55%
• Lace bandana: +150%
• Lace doily: +105%
• Lace makeup: +120%

Scent Stacking

Younger generations are ditching one scent for their own bespoke notes, blending oils and perfumes to craft their own preferences. 

• Niche perfume collection: +500%
• Perfume layering combinations: +125%
• Signature scent: +45%
• Scent layering: +75%
• Perfume notes: +80%

Vamp Romantic

Beauty is taking an after-dark aesthetic next year. Expect the embrace of jet-black nails, romantic goth hairstyles, and smudged kohl smokey eyes, all with a touch of glossy glamour. 

• Vampire haircut: +40%
• Dark romantic makeup: +160%
• Carmilla aesthetic: +60%
• Vampire beauty: +90%
• Goth coffin nails: +180%

Cool Blue

Subzero sophistication is the focus for 2026. Cool-tones, glacier-inspired accessories, and frosty cocktails are set to take center stage. To promote this trend, Bleach London collaborated with Pinterest to take over their Dalston salon, curating a menu of blue hair looks. 

• Glacier aesthetic: +35%
• Blue drinks aesthetic: +55%
• Icy blue: +50%
• Frosted makeup: +150%
• Ice-blue wedding dress: +55%

Wilderkind

The animal aesthetic is set to roar into action, with a delicate touch. Fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art, and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic will become increasingly popular. 

• Bug jewelry: +60%
• Deer aesthetic: +55%
• Dragonfly nails: +145%
• Flower outfit men: +105%
• Animal-inspired outfits: +90%

Extra Celestial

Intergalactic holographic home accents, opalescent eyeshadow, and cosmic silhouettes reminiscent of a sci-fi movie will land across fashion, makeup, and lifestyle. 

• Alien core aesthetic: +80%
• Opalescent: +115%
• Futuristic truck: +60%
• Alien-inspired makeup: +140%
• Soft, dewy makeup: +115%

Taken together, Pinterest’s 2026 beauty predictions point to a consumer base craving individuality, sensory comfort, and a bit of escapist wonder. Rather than chasing trends for trend’s sake, people are reshaping them into personal expressions, whether through tactile textures, off-kilter glam, cosmic shimmer, or grounded, nostalgic rituals. As the pace of trend cycles accelerate, these themes signal a shift towards beauty that supports self-discovery and emotional resonance, offering brands a roadmap for connecting with consumers who want to feel more like themselves, not more “on trend.”