Clean beauty has moved beyond serums and moisturisers; it’s now transforming our makeup bags too. In 2026, women around the world are swapping heavy, irritating formulas for vibrant alternatives that enhance their skin’s appearance. TikTok creators are championing non-toxic makeup, beauty editors are celebrating this evolution, and brands are embracing wholesome ingredients, long-lasting performance, and versatile pigments. So, what’s in and what’s officially out this year? From lipsticks that double as skincare to eye contour products that work in seconds, here’s a guide to the clean colour trends that are redefining beauty in 2026.
INPUT: Clean and nourishing lipsticks | OUTPUT: Drying matte lipsticks
Remember when matte lipstick was practically mandatory? The trend has changed. Women are now more concerned with comfort, hydration, and a more natural look. That’s why formulas like moisturising tinted lip balms are gaining ground. This multi-purpose product works as both skincare and makeup, with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and plant oils that nourish while providing just the right amount of colour.
The advantage? Modern lip balms are ideal for layering! Apply one for a workday on Zoom, then add another for your evening plans, without the dry, cracked feeling that long-wearing matte lipsticks used to have.
IN: Easy-to-use eye products | OUT: Complex palettes
There was a time when creating a smoky eye look involved blending four colours, a fluffy brush, and twenty minutes to spare. In 2026, most of us are looking for something quicker and easier to use. Have you tried eyeshadow sticks? These cream-to-powder formulas apply in seconds and deliver gorgeous results.
Since they also double as eyeliner, highlighter, or even contour (depending on the shade), they’re a minimalist’s dream. For busy mornings, you can swipe a bronzer stick across your eyelids, blend with your finger, and instantly look radiant. Bonus: Many of today’s clean formulas contain natural emollients, such as macadamia and meadowfoam seed oils, to hydrate and smooth fine lines. What’s not to love?
The advantage? Modern lip balms are ideal for layering! Simply apply one for a workday on Zoom, then add another for your evening plans, without the dry, cracked feeling that long-wearing matte lipsticks used to have.
IN: Easy-to-use eye products | OUT: Complex palettes
There was a time when creating a smoky eye look involved blending four colours, a fluffy brush, and twenty minutes to spare. In 2026, most of us are looking for something quicker and easier to use. Have you tried eyeshadow sticks? These cream-to-powder formulas apply in seconds and deliver gorgeous results.
Since they also double as eyeliner, highlighter, or even contour (depending on the shade), they’re a minimalist’s dream. For busy mornings, you can swipe a bronzer stick across your eyelids, blend with your finger, and instantly look radiant. Bonus: Many of today’s clean formulas contain natural emollients, such as macadamia and meadowfoam seed oils, to hydrate and smooth fine lines. What’s not to love?
IN: Colours that make you look your best | OUT: Universal shades that don’t work
The era of “one nude lipstick fits all” is over. More and more women are seeking personalised, not generic, makeup. That is, colours chosen to enhance their unique eye colour, skin tone, and undertone.
Finding the perfect makeup for your eye colour is one of the fastest-growing beauty questions today, and for good reason. Blue eyes pop with bronze or copper shadows. Green eyes sparkle with plum and mauve. Brown eyes? You’re in luck: gold, navy blue, and emerald green all work beautifully. The clean beauty space is embracing this personalisation, offering palettes (or individual shades) designed with specific colour harmonies for each skin tone.
Blush is another area where makeup users are becoming increasingly savvy. According to online makeup enthusiast Marlena Stell, it’s time we acknowledge our true undertones to avoid clown-like faces and enhance our natural beauty with quality products.
IN: Transparency in Formulas | OUT: Hidden Irritants
One final, and perhaps most important, shift: consumers are reading ingredient lists more closely than ever. According to a 2024 Mintel report, more than half of women research makeup ingredients before buying.
Consumers now expect their cosmetics to be as safe and ethical as their skincare products. This means no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, and indeed no “mystery” preservatives hidden behind vague terms. Clean makeup brands are responding to this demand by clearly labelling their contents, often featuring plant-based waxes, antioxidant-rich oils, and mineral pigments that serve multiple functions, including skincare benefits. Many formulas are now going even further, adopting vegan and cruelty-free standards so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin and its impact on the planet.
The Future of Clean Colour
The clean colour cosmetics revolution simplifies routines, promotes skin health, and empowers women to feel amazing without compromise. Whether you’re ready to overhaul your entire makeup bag or want to experiment, start small. Swap your drying lipstick for a tinted balm, try a tubing mascara, or apply a cream blush.
You’ll discover that clean colour doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or application time. You’re simply adding comfort, confidence, and a touch of joy to your daily routine. And isn’t that what beauty should be all about?