Spring Makeup 2026 - Karen Lockyer Make Up Artist

The main mood change for spring makeup 2026 is about individuality and fun. Trends are seen as inspiration rather than strict rules, encouraging people to experiment and blend styles to suit their personality. I like to look at the the latest trends and adapt them for the more mature wearers. Wearable, suited to the individual, but up to date. For example, as a make up artist known for natural, it is not only the choice of colour, but the style of application that will bring a look up to the moment.

Spring 2026 makeup focus on a “new-look” bronzing, “expensive” luminous skin, and bold, playful accents like colourful mascara, metallic eyeshadows, and glossy, “melted” matte lips. The season emphasizes individuality, Radiant and natural-looking finishes rather than the rigid contouring, or the heavy makeups we have been seeing. For me as a natural make up artist the real skin is something I have always done. I think the biggest change moving forward is the less emphasis on contouring and the higher placing of the (New term: draped) blush.

Here are the latest trends for 2026 and I have added alternative ideas for the more wearable

Soft natural colours with high gloss lip for the older wearer

Make up used as shown below, but soft gloss lips Beige Bare L’Oreal with Doll Nude gloss – Revolution

Key 2026 Spring/Summer Makeup Trends:

Expensive Skin & Dewy Bases: A shift toward “skinimalism” (skin-forward, “real” skin), with a focus on luminous, serum-like finishes, soft, natural, textures,. This involves “cloud skin,” where matte and dewy textures are blended for a polished yet natural, look.
WEARABLE: I think this is perfect for any age, but if you need a bit more coverage, try using a concealer to areas that need that extra cover.
New Bronze & Draped Blush: Instead of intense contouring a “new bronze” technique is popular for a sun-kissed look, alongside “draped blush” for added dimension.
WEARABLE: Again this does work for all ages the sweeping up of blush along the cheek bone can be youthful, But I do think as we get older a touch on the apples can create health and glow. New bronze technique is a softer less placed application to give a glow or a less obvious contour to lift the cheekbones.
Statement Eyes (Dolly & Graphic): The return of 60s-inspired, “dolly eyes,” featuring, pastel, eyeshadows, (purples, champagne) thick eyeliner and heavy lashes. Graphic eyeliner, vibrant, colours, (like, green, or, navy) also key.
WEARABLE: Maybe the doll eye is destined for the young, but a splash of colour and a fine eyeliner can look fabulous on all ages.
Metallic and Glitter Accents: Eyes and lips feature shimmering textures with gold hues and sequins adding a touch of glamour.
WEARABLE: A touch of metallic on the eyelid and forego the sequins on the lips, not a wearable look for anyone unless strutting the catwalk.
Bold Lips (Glossy & Melted): Lips are either high gloss or “melted matte” lipstick (a long-wearing, liquid lipstick that applies like a creamy gloss but dries down to an opaque, matte finish)Bold statement lips are still very much a thing.
WEARABLE: Add a gloss over lipstick. Melted matt sounds a bit like the infamous Lipcote 0f 70s and 80s still around today. A bold statement lips can very much lift your otherwise natural face. It says strong, not afraid to stand out. (love this look)
Soft Sculpting & Natural Brows: Sharp contouring is replaced by “soft sculpting,” which enhances natural features. Brows are brushed and feathered for a natural look.
WEARABLE: Ok sounds doable for all ages.
“Kohl-Enhanced” & Coloured Mascara: A move toward smudged kohl along the waterline for a “lived-in” look as well as bold coloured mascara.
WEARABLE: We know all about this been there, done that. 70s/80s I don’t have a problem with trying out a coloured mascara for a fun change from black. Also for an evening look to add a kohl in the waterline can look fab. Try navy blue if black is too harsh.

soft dewy make up with a statement lip

Make up used:

Foundation ; Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin T7 https://www.lisaeldridge.com/collections/the-foundation/products/the-foundation-shade-no-7

Skin Glow: Charlotte Tilbury https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-flawless-filter-shade-3-fair

Brows: Primebrow pencil and tinted brow set https://www.primeprometics.com/products/primebrow-pencil

Mascara: PrimeLash -black https://www.primeprometics.com/products/mascara

Eyeshadow: Mac Last dance https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13840/140322/products/makeup/eyes/eyeshadow/glitter-eyeshadow?shade=Last_Dance

Contour: Charlotte Tilbury Film star bronze and glow https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/filmstar-bronze-and-glow?_gl=1*ybiv5e*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yht5di-EdOo7qDcnRUT6aXCCNHWndQfCXb-ON_tdvTe3AqlfQEGOC5BoCJQEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADiVjzChQRSbP-P7x4FsYyktkzOXK

Blush: Ilia Tenderly https://iliabeauty.com/en-gb/products/multi-stick-cream-blush-stick-lip-cheek-tint?variant=40529348722768

Lip: Look Fabulous forever Poppy https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/lustrous-colour-lipstick?___store=uk&tmsb=8cit2j7&tmrl=4lg3b72&tmsl=homepage-recommendations-kfshus&tmty=w&tmcv=1&tmcs=lfhfjc2

Key Colours & Textures

Colours: Soft washes of colour with pops of Alexandrite (purple/blue), Lava Falls (red),Turquoise, Mint and Fuchsia.
Textures: Luminous metallic and glittery to reflect a modern and ethereal aesthetic.

Conclusion

So there we have it, Although I think and always have thought we can do what the hell we like. Individual style is the key, but I think it is good to keep up with the new. Nowadays, when I do make up, I work with the individual and contours of that persons face. However, when I was working for magazines experimenting with makeup was a lot of fun and although sometimes looks appear crazy, it is the feeling of a fashion story that hits the high street and suddenly we are all wearing pink – or whatever the look is created, perhaps in a softer way, but pink all the same. Take the feeling of what is new and do it in your own style.

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