7 Make-up Trends Defining Editorial Fashion in 2026

Editorial make-up is where the next mainstream looks are born. These are the seven directions defining fashion shoots and campaigns in 2026 — and how to use them without dating your images.

1. Skin-first realism

The biggest "trend" is the absence of one: real skin. Visible texture, freckles and a luminous (not glittery) finish. On modern high-resolution cameras, over-airbrushed skin looks fake — so artists are building radiance from skincare and light product, not heavy coverage.

2. Graphic, precise liner

Liner moves beyond the wing: floating creases, geometric flicks, twin lines and unexpected colour placement. It photographs boldly and reads as "editorial" instantly — best on clean skin and a neutral lip so the eye stays the hero.

3. Sculpted, blush-forward faces

Blush is doing the heavy lifting: draped across the cheeks and up toward the temples for a lifted, lit-from-life effect. It's replacing heavy contour with something warmer and more flattering on camera.

4. Glossed and lacquered textures

High-shine lids, glassy lips and dewy high points add movement and dimension under studio light. The trade-off is maintenance — it's a look that needs an artist on set for touch-ups.

5. Bold mono-colour stories

A single saturated colour carried across eyes, cheeks and lips for a strong, cohesive editorial statement — striking in stills and campaign work, and a great way to tie make-up to a collection's palette.

6. Defined, brushed-up brows

Brows stay full and natural in shape but laminated and brushed upward for a fresh, modern frame — subtle enough for commercial, strong enough for editorial.

7. Soft-matte, diffused eyes

A counterpoint to all the gloss: smoky, blurred, "smudged-on-purpose" eyes in muted tones — moody and timeless, and very forgiving across a long shoot day.

How to use trends without dating your shoot

• Anchor in classics, accent with one trend. Seven trends on one face is a costume, not an image.
• Match the trend to the goal: editorial can go bold; commercial usually wants the toned-down cousin.
• Test on camera, not just in the mirror — gloss, shimmer and colour shift dramatically under lighting and at 4K.
• Brief references early so kit and timing are planned for the look.

Bring 2026's editorial looks to your shoot

Jasmin creates editorial and campaign make-up in Vienna and across Europe, translating trends into looks that serve the story and the camera. See current work in the portfolio and get in touch with your concept and references.