The season’s biggest beauty trends give nostalgic staples a refreshed, cool revival.
Makeup:Fresh take 90s Cool: The 1990s called and cool-toned makeup is making a comeback, from charcoal, blue-greys to gunmetal. Think smoky, chalky eyeshadow, as seen on every cool girl at the time. At Tolu Coker and Conner Ives, the 2026 version steers away from the frosted 2000s variety and leans towards matt, diffused smokiness.
Try:MAC Eye Shadow in Greystone R430; Huda Beauty Icy Nude 18 Eyeshadow Palette, R1 475; Yardley Intense Shine Lip Lacquer in Nude Shine, R176.
Blush Sculpture: Calling all blush-blind girlies — that generous flush shows no sign of slowing down as blush imparts visible structure to the face. At Ermanno Scervino and Rabanne, a romantic sweeping of blush on the cheeks was strongly encouraged when diffused into the temples and dragged onto the cheekbones and nose.
Try: Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush in Lose Control, R880; Stila Convertible Colour Lip & Cheek Cream in Chocolate Orchid, R515.
Modern Midas: The runways went for gold, with the metallic hue showing up on models at Chanel, Dior, Viktor&Rolf, Rahul Mishra, and Vivienne Westwood. Seen in exaggerated, pin-sharp lashes, molten lips, foiled eyelids, ethereal champagne-gold skin, and delicate slithers of gold as eyeliner, it was bold and subversive, acting less as makeup and more as ornate facial art.
Try: Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb in Trophy Wife, R1 035; Revlon Glimmer Shadow Multi-Stick in 104 Plus One, R260.
Celeb: Beauty uncovered
Media personality Ayanda G Thabethe spills her secrets for the new season.
What mood did you channel with this look?
This is so different from my beauty trend you’re not bringing into the new season?
Clean-girl aesthetic. If you’re wearing makeup, we know you’re wearing it — don’t kid yourself and think that we can’t tell. Go all in. I really love the mob-wife aesthetic so much.
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your skincare routine?
I am that weird girl who insists on using my own brushes, especially on sets where you know the makeup artists — they know that these are Ayanda’s brushes and she’s happy to use them. I also double cleanse when I take my makeup off; it makes all the difference. I like to sleep with a layer of micellar water; the one I use works overnight and has hyaluronic acid serum in it.
