At the start of 2026, it finally happened: the beauty world found its way back to colour and maximalist expression, 10 years after 2016. And even though there are similarities, it’s not entirely a return to the full-blown smokey eye—the nuances are different. Unlike the sultry nudes of past fame, we’re going even bolder. Teal, lemon yellow and now purple, we have Sophia Sinot and Zara Larsson to thank for putting us back in touch with our whimsical side, along with every other beauty creative who has graced our feeds since then.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the fact that cherishing girlhood is more important than ever in a time like this—regardless, we’re searching for something softer. The stuff that daydreams are made of; a world awash in playful hues and soft silhouettes. What if, instead of consulting trends and tutorials, we let our minds wander and our make-up brushes run free across the mien? It’s precisely what illustrator Petra Vitez did—so the next time you find yourself in a beauty drought, let these portraits of wonder nourish your imagination and soul back to life.
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Spotty strands
You’ve heard of halo highlights, frosted tips and cheetah-print hair, but what about a polka-dotted moment? Try an unexpected colour combination and match it to a shade of the Benefit Cosmetics Badgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara.
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Claw collision
Instead of a uniform nail shape or design, throw in a little asymmetry into the mix. Paint on polka dots, French tips and stripes in a few shades of Hermès’s Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish, like Vert Aqua, Jaune Pollen and Rose Papillon.
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Tender gaze
A light dusting of colour softens the eye line, especially when it’s luminous in finish. One swipe of the Chanel Ombre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing Eyeshadow in 224 Blé D’Or Antique catches the light to deliver a subtle sparkle.
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Soft focus
To mimic a babydoll flush, imbue the apples of the cheeks with a hint of colour. Violette_FR’s Plume Blush in Souvenir de Volubilis diffuses into a multifaceted pink with the pat of a finger or brush.
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Funky frames
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then they deserve to be dressed in something spunky. Glide the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen Eyeliner in Sage Gold onto the waterlines and finish with generous coats of the Sephora Collection Size Up Mascara in Blue.
Get your copy of Vogue Singapore’s ‘The Artisanal Issue’ online.
