In the world of beauty, a refreshing shift is underway as glamorous, experimental makeup makes a triumphant return, signalling the end of what industry insiders often refer to as the post-Covid "beige buffet." This movement embraces flashy textures and clashing formulas that encourage a carefree, playful approach to application.
The Decline of the 'Beige Buffet'
For years, trends have leaned towards subdued, smooth, and glassy finishes, but recent developments suggest a vibrant revival. The announcement of Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year, an unremarkable off-white named Cloud Dancer, highlighted how mainstream predictions can fall flat when real-world trends are becoming far more exciting and dynamic.
Mac Embraces Glamour with Chappell Roan
Mac Cosmetics has boldly stepped into this new era by appointing glam pop queen Chappell Roan as its new global ambassador. Roan's signature style—featuring grunge glitters, colourful face jewels, and clumpy mascara—celebrates an experimental and edgy aesthetic that challenges conventional beauty norms.
This move is seen as a direct response to the monotony of recent years, offering relief from all-over "camel" tones and perfectly polished looks. Instead, it champions the joy of a glinty eyelid or a haphazardly applied gemstone, purely for fun.
Tools for the Glam Revolution
Mac is well-prepared with products like its Connect in Color palettes, priced at £46. These palettes contain 12 eyeshadows in a range of textures, from smooth mattes to chunky glitters, in interesting yet complementary shades. Even the Unfiltered Nudes option carries an edgy vibe, making it easy to "smoosh on carelessly" with fingers.
Roan herself often wears Mac's sooty Feline Eye Kohl, costing £20, which pairs perfectly with these vibrant looks for a smudgy, kohl-enhanced effect.
Other Brands Join the Creative Wave
Cool-girl brand Violette FR is also pushing this fresh, creative approach to beauty. Its Lune Liners, at £35, offer a striking eye effect with minimal effort, thanks to a holographic finish that cleverly masks any application wobbles.
For instance, the shade Cuivre 29 shifts from Big Bird yellow to acid green depending on the angle, adding a touch of slightly silly colour to everyday makeup routines and noticeably boosting mood.
The Rise of 'Dopamine Beauty'
This trend towards "dopamine beauty" is embodied by figures like makeup artist and social media star Emily Wood, younger sister of White Lotus actor Aimee Lou Wood. Wood has built a large audience by ostensibly daubing on 1970s turquoise eyeshadow, crude swipes of canary yellow, and glitter that spills over her nose, yet her Instagram grid reveals a deceptively intentional overall aesthetic.
Similarly, US-based makeup artist Danessa Myricks offers superb multi-finish palettes that make glittery, chromatic, and glossy eye looks seem perfectly acceptable for casual occasions like a lunch date. Her Lightwork VII Freedom Palette, though a steep investment at £142.50, exemplifies this high-quality, playful approach.
Conclusion: A New Era of Playful Beauty
As beauty trends evolve, the emphasis is shifting from perfection to personality, with textures and colours that invite experimentation and joy. This glam revival promises to make makeup more fun and expressive, breaking free from the constraints of recent years.
