Fall 2026 Makeup Trends: Expert Insights on Hybrid Skin, Smoky Eyes, and Juicy Lips

As summer nears its end, makeup preferences shift towards autumnal styles. To stay ahead of the upcoming trends, Coveteur consulted five celebrity makeup artists on what to expect for fall 2026.

Jamie Greenberg, known for working with celebrities like Rashida Jones and Kristen Stewart, Mali Boykin, who emphasizes luminous skin for women of color, Loftjet, associated with clients like Julia Fox and Demi Lovato, Allison Kaye, who specializes in makeup for WAGs, and Vincent Oquendo, recognized for his work with Jenna Ortega and Michelle Monaghan, shared their insights.

One key trend is "hybrid skin," a technique highlighted by Boykin that combines matte and dewy finishes. She emphasizes using varying coverage to create a dimensional and polished look, recommending Drunk Elephant's Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops for customizable application.

Loftjet predicts a resurgence of the classic smoky eye, featuring gunmetal and charcoal tones with a soft, blurred finish reminiscent of late '90s fashion. He suggests starting with cream shadows for shape and layering powder for a diffused final look.

For lips, Greenberg envisions a return to juicy finishes akin to the popular Glossier gloss from 2016. She advises opting for glosses that enhance fullness without stickiness.

Boykin also notes that blush will become deeper in tone this fall, with shades like cranberry and reddish-brown adding richness to complexions. She favors products that allow for buildable application, such as MERIT's Flush Balm.

Kaye promotes the idea of utilizing blush as a focal point, applying it higher on the cheeks to create a youthful glow. Additionally, she discusses the appeal of monochromatic looks in deep fall shades, encouraging the use of a single tone for eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Oquendo mentions a trend towards "ghost lashes," with many opting for a natural lash look, foregoing heavy mascara. He mentions interest in products like Impress Lashes that offer definition without the full mascara appearance.

Lastly, lip liner is evolving, with a shift towards cooler tones and a softer application style, as described by Loftjet. He envisions using varying shades to subtly enhance lip shape without harsh outlines. Greenberg adds that eye makeup may follow a similar trend by using eyeshadow as a softer alternative to graphic liners.