Research on glass skin has seen a spectacular rise over the past twelve months, with interest tripling according to Glimpse/Fresha data from July 2026. This shift towards luminous, almost glazed skin redefines expectations in makeup and, by extension, the way we approach beauty shopping.
Hybrid makeup-skincare formulations: what’s changing on the shelves
Heavy foundations are giving way to lightweight textures that blend with the skin. Skin tints, BB serums, and tinted creams enriched with hydrating actives now capture the majority of demand in both mass and selective retail.
This shift has a direct consequence on the composition of product lines: brands are massively reformulating to include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or SPF filters in products that were once purely cosmetic. Makeup becomes an extension of the skincare routine, not a mask layered on top.
We observe that consumers are now comparing INCI lists before looking at the shade. For those wanting to explore this new generation of products, accessing the Make Up Me site allows filtering references by the type of formulation sought.
Specifically, at the time of purchase, check three points on the packaging:
- The position of water and emollients in the INCI list, which indicates the actual texture of the product (fluid, serum, or cream)
- The presence of integrated SPF, as skin tints without sun protection require layering a sunscreen that can alter the finish
- The distribution system (pump, flexible tube, dropper bottle), which affects dosing and thus the longevity of the product
Makeup trends for fall 2026: blurred lips, structuring blush, and ghost lashes
Fall 2026 confirms three strong trends identified on the Haute Couture runways in Paris.
Matte lips and diffused effect
The bloss (a blend of balm and gloss) is emerging as the lip product of the season, according to several professional makeup artists interviewed by the specialized press. The technique involves applying color with the finger, tapping from the center outwards to achieve a blurred gradient that visually elongates the mouth.
The dominant shades are rosewood, rosy beige, and warm nude. Bright red has not disappeared, but it is now worn in a softened version rather than a sharp block.
Rosy blush and structuring placement
The blush is applied higher on the temple and the bridge of the nose, well beyond the simple cheekbone. This placement, directly derived from backstage at fashion shows, creates an overall healthy glow without resorting to contouring. We recommend a cream blush rather than powder for this type of application: it blends better with skin tints and avoids harsh lines.
Ghost lashes and natural look
The ghost lashes trend reverses the logic of volumizing mascara. A transparent brown mascara or a tinted serum replaces intense black to provide definition without thickening. The result evokes naturally long, almost invisible lashes, consistent with the skin-first aesthetic dominating the season.
Online makeup shopping: sorting criteria in the face of brand disloyalty
A Criteo study on beauty habits in France in 2026 reveals that a majority of regular buyers have tried an unknown brand in the past twelve months. Loyalty is declining, and this phenomenon complicates online shopping: with fewer brand references, the risk of disappointing purchases increases.
Several factors explain this volatility. Social media continuously expose emerging brands. AI tools integrated into e-commerce sites suggest cheaper alternatives. And trial formats (miniatures, discovery sets) lower the entry barrier.
To turn this abundance into an advantage rather than a source of confusion, we recommend a simple evaluation grid before each purchase:
- Check the site’s return policy, as tested makeup is rarely refundable without clear conditions
- Prefer platforms that offer shade diagnostics via photo or questionnaire, which significantly reduces the return rate
- Compare the price per milliliter or gram rather than the face value, as travel sizes are often much more expensive to use
- Consult reviews filtered by skin type, as an excellent product on dry skin may turn on combination skin in two hours
Dot eyeliner and diffused makeup: techniques to master before buying
Two techniques dominate professional tutorials this season and directly influence product choices.
The dot eyeliner involves placing small dots of liner along the upper lash line, then connecting them with a fine line. This method requires a very fine brush or a soft-tipped felt pen. A gel liner with a stiff brush is not suitable. When shopping, the shape of the applicator is as important as the pigmentation.
The diffused makeup relies on the systematic blending of every applied product. Foundation, blush, eyeshadow: everything is blended, nothing stops sharply. This approach makes short-bristled synthetic brushes less suitable than damp sponges or long, soft-bristled brushes.
Buying a product without checking its compatibility with the intended technique is the primary cause of disappointment. A highly pigmented eyeshadow will be difficult to diffuse, while a sheer shadow will naturally lend itself to the desired blurred effect.
Makeup shopping in 2026 is no longer just about choosing a color. Texture, formulation, and application tool form a triptych to consider together. Consumers who integrate this logic into their shopping journey significantly reduce casting errors, regardless of their budget.
