Elsa Angel Rose
From vintage lip combos and bright skin tints to vibrant eyeshadows and rhinestone and gemstone stickers on the face, makeup has become increasingly experimental. “I have created some experimental makeup looks, from trying to put polka dots on my eyelids to experimenting with colourful graphic liners. I really enjoy playing around with colours and shapes instead of always trying to create a traditionally ‘perfect’ makeup look. Sometimes I just experiment with whatever products I have and see what works, even if I am not sure how the final look will turn out. I would also love to try more themed and artistic looks in the future,” said Tarini Parashar, a 21-year-old college student. Makeup is a way of expressing individuality and embracing self expression. “Earlier, there was a much bigger focus on covering the skin with thick, full-coverage foundations and trying to achieve a ‘perfect’ complexion. But now, especially among the younger generation, there’s more acceptance of natural skin. People are comfortable using sheer, skin-like foundations and letting facial hair, acne scars, freckles, or other imperfections show through,” said Cassila Palha, a professional makeup artist and hairstylist from Candolim. Creating curated looks for social media, recreating Y2K and classic movie-inspired looks, and experimenting with their own styles are among the leading makeup trends. “I take a lot of inspiration from Instagram influencers and makeup creators like Niagaha, whose looks encourage me to experiment more with makeup. I also get a lot of inspiration from my college friends, who are constantly trying new styles and experimenting with their own looks. Seeing someone around me try something different often makes me think about how I could interpret the same idea in my own way. Social media also exposes me to so many different makeup styles that I probably would not have discovered otherwise,” said Tarini.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
HOW GEN Z IS SHAPING MAKEUP TRENDS
Earlier, makeup was trendy when done by a celebrity, or when a popular magazine published it, promoting a variety of looks. Recently, makeup looks are recreated predominantly by Gen Z, taking inspiration from viral social media looks. “I think Gen Z has genuinely influenced the makeup industry. A lot of makeup trends today are coming from creators, influencers, and online communities rather than just fashion magazines or celebrities like they traditionally did,” shared Cassila. She also emphasised how the beauty industry has become a two-way street and much more rewarding. When young consumers or influencers create trends and aesthetics online, the algorithm helps them spread; then brands recognise the demand and turn those trends into products. “I think the relationship has become much more two-way than it used to be. So, in a way, Gen Z influences the industry, while the industry also influences Gen Z,” said Cassila.
FOR THE LOVE OF EXPERIMENTAL MAKEUP
The best part of experimental makeup is feeling creative and experiencing the freedom. “With bold colours, graphic eyeliner, rhinestones, abstract shapes, unusual colour combinations, and so many new trends, people are really using their faces as a canvas,” said Cassila. In 2026, alternative and unconventional makeup has become more visible; hence, there is more freedom to think and express what one feels is cool. “What I like most about creating experimental looks is how freeing it feels to step away from the idea that makeup always has to be perfect. Being a perfectionist, I find traditional makeup can sometimes feel exhausting because there is pressure to make everything symmetrical and flawless. Experimental makeup feels different because you can try almost anything. I think this freedom and sense of self-expression is a major reason why experimental makeup attracts young people today, especially when social media allows them to discover so many looks. It gives them a way to express themselves,” shared Tarini.
WHAT’S TRENDING IN MAKEUP?
“I think Gen Z is especially drawn to lightweight, customisable, and multifunctional products. Skin tints, cream blushes and contours, multifunctional sticks, lip oils, and skincare-infused makeup products seem to be really popular,” said Cassila. However, a trend that has overridden all the above is the “Lip combo” obsession. “Creating a different combination of lip liner, lipstick, gloss, or lip oil every day has become almost like a little creative ritual for a lot of younger makeup users. There’s so much room to experiment with different combinations,” said Cassila.
