When trends appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, it makes us long for a time when decades were defined by their aesthetic, and iconic looks lingered in our minds for months, or even years. That’s why, when we got wind of a nineties and noughties beauty revival, we were sat. Because this time around, the comeback isn’t about copying old looks wholesale; it’s about refinement… and a little bit of selective memory.
Take brows. Thin, yes, but softly reimagined. This isn’t a return to over-plucked arches that never quite recovered. Instead, we’re seeing slimmer, shaped brows with a natural curve and visible hairs.
Then there are lips, doing a complete tonal U-turn. According to designers including Chloé and Conner Ives, neon is officially back for 2026. Think electric pinks, sharp corals and highlighter-bright oranges worn confidently, not cautiously.
On nails, we’re trading nudes for nickel. Barry M’s crackle polish may be discontinued (RIP), but metallics are stepping in as the grown-up successor.
And finally, volume. While slicked-back buns and laid edges aren’t going anywhere, there’s a renewed appetite for hair that takes up space. Natural volume is having a moment, whether that’s a soft, boho cloud curl like Olivia Dean or a bold, beautiful Afro like cover star Imani Evans. Bigger hair equals more presence.
Call it comeback beauty, call it beauty burnout recovery – either way, this revival feels just right.
Above, top row, from left to right: Tool-expert Eyebrow Stencils, By Terry at Space NK, £20 // Ariana Quick Drying Nail Polish, Nails Inc, £8 // Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in LFG, Westman Atelier, £45
Bottom row, from left to right: Point Tweezer Classic Stainless Steel, Tweezerman, £24 // Press On Gel Nails Kit, Sephora, £14.99 // SuperShine™ Lip Gloss in Dragonfruit, Makeup by Mario, £26
