This year—in all its intensity—has been an absolute treasure trove for beauty, bearing an abundance of trends that we’ve gotten to relish in. As it happens, many of these trends have centred around a certain defining shade of the season. Take, for example, the now-iconic butter yellow shade that held summer in a chokehold. Beauty fiends partial towards a neutral palette had their moment too, with the toasty make-up trend this past autumn. For many, the arrival of a new year symbolises celebrations and lofty resolutions. While for others, it marks the start of convincing ourselves that this will be the year we finally commit to said lofty resolutions. Above all, the most prevailing symbol of the lot is the opportunity to start afresh. Pantone neatly captures this clean slate sentiment with its official Colour of the Year for 2026—’Cloud Dancer.’
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Unveiled earlier this month, Cloud Dancer marks the first time the institute has chosen a white hue to represent the year. Selected for its “calming presence, its ability to inspire reflection, and its versatility across design disciplines”, as remarked by Pantone, it plays its part as a visual reset among the sensory overload. Luxury fashion houses like Dior and Chanel have already begun weaving the shade throughout recent runways. Within beauty, manicurists might be the first to attest that mellow whites have been a popular pick. The palette has also established itself as a trademark of sorts in terms of hair, becoming a recognisable signature for celebrities like Anya Taylor-Joy. Keeping that essence intact, Cloud Dancer feels like a gentle reminder that pared-back beauty isn’t necessarily plain.
Below, peruse four fresh ways to work Cloud Dancer into your beauty regime—spanning hair, nails and make-up.
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Lightened lengths
Let your mane have its main character moment for the new year, no less. While this shade might read bold, a simpler approach to styling is enough to let it land. The stunning porcelain shade has definitely established itself as a recurring moment in the realm of celebrity beauty, having been sported by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy, Beyoncé and TWICE’s Momo.
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Pearly whites
The minimalists in the crowd can breathe a sigh of relief, as the milky white mani is here to stay. These delectable digits, deservingly referred to as the glazed donut nails, were initially popularised by Hailey Bieber. Not to mention, the hue’s blank canvas appeal makes it endlessly adaptable. Consider a stunning chrome design with Essie’s Enamel Nail Polish in 04 Pearly White for an elegant head-turner, or—if theatrics are more to your liking—ruffle some feathers with 3D charms and added pearl accents.
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Ice breaker
Any seasoned baker can attest that the most delicious treats are ones crowned with a dusting of icing sugar. As it seems, your lids are no different. A generous sweep of the airy hue as a standalone veil or under statement liner is indeed a sure-fire way to make your eyes pop. Case in point: model Cindy Kimberly’s unrestrained take on the frosted pigment, a level of iridescence easily replicable through Givenchy’s LE9 Multi-finish Eyeshadow Palette in N12, offering blendable pigments that glide on like butter. Alternatively, Fenty Beauty’s Shadowstix Diamonds Eyeshadow Stick in How Many Carats?! is ideal for those on-the-go moments.
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The halo effect
2025 has been all about attaining that ‘my skin but better’ finish. With the addition of a Cloud Dancer-esque highlighter, that ethos can be met with ease. A light-handed application across your cheekbones, cupid’s bow and brow bone guarantees a natural ice-toned radiance. Consider pairing alongside a rosy blush for an elevated flush across the cheeks. For those who don’t reach for highlighter often, a forgiving yet buildable liquid formula such as Dior’s Forever Glow Maximiser in Pearly, is a splendid addition to your make-up arsenal. For precise application, reach for Haus Labs’ Bio-Radiant Glassy Balm Highlighter Stick in Pure Glass.
