| Beauty
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
No but seriously, the beauty world is about to go full retro. Yep, we’re talking 2006-level vibes, minus the awkward I’m-13-and-trying-to-act-cool energy. Side bangs? Back. Crimped hair? Back. Frosty …
No but seriously, the beauty world is about to go full retro. Yep, we’re talking 2006-level vibes, minus the awkward I’m-13-and-trying-to-act-cool energy. Side bangs? Back. Crimped hair? Back. Frosty lips? Back. It’s like the internet’s favorite decade just got a second chance at fame. And honestly, we’re here for it.
Lila Childs, the queen of The Powder Room, says 2026 is all about ditching the “clean girl” aesthetic for bold, dramatic looks. Think side bangs—yes, those side bangs. They’re the ultimate flex, giving main character energy with a side of nostalgia. “They feel nostalgic, a little edgy, and modern all at once,” she says. Her hairstylist, Aurora, is basically the emoji for “I got side bangs and I’m not sorry.” Meanwhile, Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights crimped look is basically the ultimate TikTok aesthetic, proving that 80s hair is now the go-to for romantic, windswept vibes.
Frosty lips are the real MVPs of this era. L’Oréal’s Ballerina Shoes Lipstick (a frosty pink so Y2K it’s basically a time machine) went viral, and Pamela Anderson’s 2002 frosty lip combo is now a TikTok trend. It’s not just about the color—it’s about the vibe. “We’re seeing frosty finishes everywhere,” says Childs. Whether it’s a plum pink or a berry brown, it’s all about that icy, 90s rom-com glow.
And let’s talk about the Y2K smoky eye. It’s messy, imperfect, and so chic. Runway shows like Tory Burch and 7 For All Mankind are basically the OGs of this trend. “It’s a deviation from the clean girl aesthetic,” Childs says. “Everyone’s craving that slightly off-kilter, nostalgic look.”
💫 No more glaze donut nails, folks.
But wait—chrome nails are out. Cat-eye nails (aka velvet nails) are in. These magnetic, shimmering beauties are the new flex. No more glaze donut nails, folks. It’s all about that 3D, dreamy effect.
And finally, matte foundations are back—but this time, they’re softheckingvelvety. No more dry, cakey formulas. These are hydrating, cushiony, and perfect for the “cloud skin” trend. It’s like the beauty world just realized that yes, we do want to look like we’ve been touched by a cloud.
So, who’s ready to trade chrome nails for cat-eye vibes?
❓ People Also Ask
Will 2006 beauty trends return in 2026?
Yes, 2006 trends like bold lip colors and glitter are making a comeback in 2026 as part of the retro-inspired beauty revival.
What retro beauty looks are trending in 2026?
2026 sees a rise in 2000s looks like winged eyeliner, metallic finishes, and chunky lashes, echoing early 2000s makeup styles.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇