How Will 2026 Makeup Trends Change? - O Dolce Vita's Oh Hyun-jeong Reveals Next Year's Beauty Mood
After 2025, the most frequently asked question in makeup was undoubtedly about blushers. As blushers took root as a key tool for adjusting face structure and mood, 2026 is set to focus on natural beauty, using texture and contrast in brightness for a more sophisticated makeup. Here are the key points predicted by O Dolce Vita's senior makeup artist, Oh Hyun-jeong.
The Hottest Makeup Issue in 2025 Was 'Blusher'
Looking back at 2025 makeup, the focus was overwhelmingly on blushers. From which colors naturally enhance the face tone to where to place them for the most dimensional look, detailed questions from application methods to sectional usage were rampant.
Blushers established themselves as a key tool for creating a three-dimensional face structure beyond mere color. Users branched out, applying them below the eyes, on the nose, and at the temples to create their unique styles.
"Blusher has become an indispensable tool not just for coloring cheeks but for sketching and shaping the face." - Oh Hyun-jeong
2026 Makeup Focuses on 'Texture and Structure' Over 'Color'
The upcoming trends for 2026 will be a continuation of 2025, but will be more refined and sophisticated. The focus will be on adjusting texture and brightness to naturally reveal the inherent dimensionality of the face rather than changing colors.
Oh Hyun-jeong explains as follows:
"Maintaining the current color tone while evolving makeup to portray the structure and vitality of the face naturally and richly."
The basic elements like blushers and highlighters remain similar, but the trend is led by key details like naturally soft radiance, thin layered textures, and a balance of feel.
Key Keyword 'Tone in Tone' - Win with Texture within the Same Tone
This year's makeup trend can be summed up as 'Tone in Tone'. While 'Tone and Tone' was prevalent up to 2025, 2026 will advance to a more delicate approach. The core is to create a luxurious feel by using differences in texture and brightness within the same color spectrum.
"Tone in Tone isn't just about color similarities. If the texture is different even within the same color, it adds depth and rhythm to the face." - Oh Hyun-jeong
To achieve Tone in Tone makeup, versatile products are essential. Using blusher, lip balm, and eyeshadow of the same hue but with different textures like matte and glossy will complete a sophisticated mood.
Change in Skin Expression - Thin and Transparent Textures, Radiance by Area
The skin expression in 2026 aims for a 'subtle glow'. On a finely tuned base makeup, add light only to specific areas for a natural and dimensional appearance.
Instead of a full glowing skin like this year, a subtle shine that appears only in certain areas becomes trendy, and even that radiance should not look forced.
"The more subtle the radiance expression, the more luxurious it looks, resembling the skin's natural glow." - Oh Hyun-jeong
This kind of makeup leaves an impression as if it's barely there, creating a highly refined visual.
Ways to Use Texture Contrast to Accentuate Face Structure
If you want to maximize dimensionality, it's essential to use texture contrast properly. Highlight areas commonly include the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, and upper cheekbone line, particularly the latter for effectiveness.
Patting a dewy lip balm textured highlighter over a semi-matte blush can create natural volume and shine. This makes the face appear smaller and more defined for a stronger three-dimensional vibe.
"The combination of textures where light strikes creates a sculptural flow on the face." - Oh Hyun-jeong
2026 Blusher Strategy from Makeup Experts
The blusher trend will continue in 2026, but will be more natural and flexible. Whereas position and color were crucial in 2025, 2026 will prioritize expressions that harmonize with one's facial structure.
Instead of bringing a kitsch mood by applying blush under the eyes as this year, the focus in 2026 will be on blush that blends like natural skin. The goal is to add vitality without leaving an artificial impression.
"Tap it lightly - let it melt into the skin with fingertips to make it look as if it's your natural skin color." - Oh Hyun-jeong
Practical Tone in Tone Makeup: Simple Yet Impactful Combinations
If Tone in Tone makeup feels challenging, following Oh Hyun-jeong's tips may help. First, choose multi-purpose products within similar color tones to align the tones of eyes, cheeks, and lips, then give each a different texture.
For instance, lay a base with a dry-textured stick, then add subtle shine to the front cheekbones using lip balm. The key here is adding 'different textures within the same tone'.
"The same tone but different textures create rhythm, and that's sophistication." - Oh Hyun-jeong
Formulation Transforming Makeup, Key is 'Sheer Texture'
Lastly, the hallmark of formulations leading 2026 is 'sheer (transparent and thin)' texture. Rather than thick, heavy coverage, light coverage that lets skin texture show and bonds thinly and evenly plays a major role.
Matte or excessively shiny formulations can appear tacky; instead, the natural, gentle textures lead to sophisticated restraint in skin expression.
"2026 formulations avoid extremes and move closer to the natural appearance of skin." - Oh Hyun-jeong
In Conclusion
In 2026 makeup, structure and texture, along with brightness and tone, will be more important than color. We foresee a beauty season exploring the best way to naturally express one's face.
The 2026 makeup trend will highlight the importance of natural skin expression and texture contrast. YURICOS aims to help express your individuality stylishly with products reflecting these trends.
