Last year, skincare and beauty trends really pushed the limits of sanity. From putting chilli flakes in our lip gloss for plump lips to using real, sticky berries as cheek tints, we witnessed the most bizarre beauty trends in 2025. And of course, we tried them all! Then we got itchy skin, breakouts in new places, colourful rashes, and expensive damage repair sessions with the dermatologist in return. So, if healthy, glowing skin is on your vision board this year, here are the beauty trends you should avoid in 2026.

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1. Following a 10-step skincare routine

Are you still following an overcomplicated skincare routine just because a reel convinced you to do so? In 2026, layering skincare is out. You should first understand your skin type before applying anything. You don’t need to apply toners, serums, moisturisers, sheet masks, cleansers, and exfoliators all at once. Instead, invest in skincare products that do the work of multiple steps. You can get a well-formulated serum or moisturiser that targets hydration, repair, and protection simultaneously. 

2. Excessive baking while doing makeup

Baking in makeup involves applying a thick layer of translucent powder over foundation and concealer, letting it settle, and then dusting off the excess product. This trend became popular when beauty influencers tried excessive baking in their makeup tutorials. What you never saw was a ring light and photo filters that made it subtly gorgeous. In 2026, you should avoid the excessive baking beauty trend, as it can leave your skin dry and cakey, emphasising fine lines. It also traps heat and product on the skin, which can trigger breakouts over time.

3. White eyeliner on the waterline

This beauty trend had its sweet moment on the internet. But in real life, it often looks stark and unnatural, especially in daylight. The white eyeliner on the waterline also highlights pigmented makeup rather than making your eyes look bigger. If you want to highlight your eyes, choose pastel pink, brown, or beige eyeliners this year.

4. Using strong actives in skincare

Skincare actives, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and peptides, were all the rage in 2025. But do these actives suit your skin type? Using high-strength acids, retinoids, or exfoliants too often can weaken your skin barrier, causing redness, breakouts, and long-term sensitivity. In 2026, you should avoid beauty trends that use excessive acids. Instead, try skinimalism, the new trend that advocates effective skincare with minimal actives. 

5. Pigmented, fragrant makeup

Ultra-pigmented, fragrant makeup with heavy contouring and blush is so 2025. While the colour pop effect looks flawless in photos, it’s not for everyday wear. Strong fragrances can trigger irritation, headaches, or breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin. In 2026, you should avoid the pigmented makeup beauty trend. Opt for lightweight alternatives, including BB creams, CC creams, tinted foundations, moisturisers, and blurring primers. 

6. Extra dewy look

With 2025’s clean girl aesthetic, the dewy look became a staple for us. But the beauty trend blurred the line between glowy and greasy. Using excessively luminous products can make your skin look oily and textured. During summers, it also triggers breakouts, leading to irritated skin. So, use a combination of mattifying and hydrating products for an even texture that lasts longer.

7. Embellished nail art

Maximalist nail art went big in 2025, with heavy charms, beads, and 3D elements stealing the spotlight. While the nail art looks charming, it’s quite uncomfortable to live with in real life. Acrylic nails also require extra care, as they can break easily and harm your natural nails. In 2026, you should try minimalist nail art designs with wearable details.

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FAQs

Q1. What should we prioritise while choosing beauty products in 2026?

In 2026, focus on comfort, skin compatibility, and long-term benefits rather than instant results or viral appeal while buying beauty products.

Q2. Why are people switching to skinimalism?

Skinimalism focuses on fewer, well-formulated products that support the skin barrier instead of overwhelming it with multiple actives.

Q3. How often should we use exfoliating acids in our skincare routine?

For most skin types, exfoliating acids can be used once or twice a week.

Q4. Should we use separate products for day and night skincare?

Not necessarily. A gentle cleanser, barrier-repair moisturiser, and sunscreen in the day is enough. For nighttime skincare, you can replace the sunscreen with a good-quality undereye cream.

Q5. Can using the wrong pH cleanser cause breakouts?

Yes. A cleanser that’s too alkaline or too acidic can dry out skin, trigger excess oil production, and lead to acne or sensitivity.