From ash grey eyeshadow to mauve lip liner, cool-toned make-up is the trend set to dominate 2026

As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to take a look at our beauty routines and give things a refresh for 2026. New make-up trends are set to dominate the year ahead – and the one we’re most excited about is the resurgence of cool tones. 

“Cool tones are having their renaissance,” says professional make-up artist Jennifer Oliver. She points out that for more than a decade, our social media feeds and make-up bags have been dominated by “bronzed complexions and warm terracottas”. This year alone, we’ve seen toasted-beige make-up and mocha make-up take centre stage, while products like bronzing drops and techniques such as base bronzing have gone viral. But next year, we’ll see those warm tones replaced with cooler, ashier finishes, as seen at Harris Reed’s spring/summer 2026 show.

“Make-up palettes are shifting towards shades that feel sharper, cleaner, and more sculpted,” explains Oliver. “Think: ash contours, mauve lip lipliners and cool baby pink blush inspired by 90s supermodel glam. These cooler tones mimic the natural shadows of the face, creating definition without the heaviness.”

If you’re keen to freshen up your make-up bag in favour of cool tones, Oliver suggests a few key changes. She recommends opting for a taupe-based lip liner, which will provide contour around the lips for depth, rather than adding any hint of obvious colour. She advises pairing pink and rose blushes with a soft, cool contour along cheekbones. And as for eyes, we’ll be kissing goodbye to our 101 palettes filled with various shades of chocolate brown and instead opting for veils of grey eyeshadow, which Oliver is coining “the new neutral”. The result is something that pops but exudes a cool, effortless vibe.

Keen to give it a go? Here, Oliver breaks down how to achieve cool-toned make-up.

Look for a lip liner that has cool-grey undertones, rather than warm oranges and browns. We love the NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil in Nude Beige, £4.

Oliver adds: “Make Up Forever’s Artist Colour Pencil in Endless Cacao, £20, went viral for a reason. It’s the perfect 90s cool-brown tone. I love to feather it on lightly and smudge in with my finger so it almost blends into my skintone.”

“For a modern grey eye, blend a soft grey wash over the lid, keeping edges diffused – I always reach for Vieve’s The Ninetease Palette, £49,” says Oliver. As for the rest of your eye make-up, Oliver recommends skipping eyeliner and curling your lashes before finishing with a few coats of lengthening mascara. We love Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara​ in Black, £9.99.

“Swap bronzer for a cool-toned cream bronzer and blend it under your cheekbones, jawline and along your temples to mimic a natural shadow, not add warmth,” says Oliver. “I love the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick, £44, paired with the Refy Complexion Brush, £20.”

“Tap a cool pink or rose blush high on the cheeks for a lifted look,” says Oliver. “The Dior Backstage Rosy Blush Glow, £31.50, is a make-up artist favourite.” We also love Saie’s Dew Blush in Baby, £22.

Main image: Getty/Stylist