If 2025 was the year of subtle, minimalist beauty, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of self-expression and bold color. Pinterest’s 2026 forecast predicts “Glitchy Glam” as the next major beauty movement, from dual-tone lips and mismatched manicures to two-toned eyeshadow. At Revlon, this is in our DNA. We have long been focused on providing consumers with bold colors that give them the confidence to experiment and to play with joy.

Transformational Makeup Looks

Gen Z and Gen Alpha, in particular, are choosing individuality over perfection. Symmetry is out and self-expression is in. This resurgence of bold, transformational makeup plays directly into Revlon’s core strength and our right to win. Color authority has always been at the heart of Revlon, and today’s consumers are rediscovering how powerful it can feel to wear a look that represents who they are in that moment. From runways to social feeds to special occasions, consumers are choosing transformation over subtlety, with nearly 57% favoring high-impact looks for events, according to XJ Beauty.

This movement isn’t just about the formula, it’s also about the experience. Longwear, especially in lip, face and eyes, is still essential, but it also has to feel comfortable and effortless for consumers to buy in. At Revlon, we have created franchises with this in mind. For example, ColorStay™ was built to support bold looks that last. Products with our proprietary AdaptiFlex™ technology are formulated with skincare ingredients to deliver breathable, comfortable wear. Additionally, our newly updated PhotoReady™ collection places emphasis on customization, allowing you to play up your favorite features, while blurring the look of imperfections. As we look ahead, Revlon’s Color Cosmetics category will continue to evolve as we anticipate our consumers’ desires and deliver beauty innovations that empower every moment of self-expression.

Playful, Sensorial Beauty & Packaging

Equally important is the way we package these products to attract consumers. Today, beauty enthusiasts gravitate toward playful, nostalgic beauty formats that invite interaction and spark joy. An example of how we’re delivering on this is through Revlon’s Glimmer franchise, which perfectly captures this trend, combining that whimsical element with innovative packaging designed to feel both expressive and approachable.

At Revlon, we invest in real-time insights, embed data into product and packaging development, and proactively anticipate trends to ensure our innovations resonate. Because beauty isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it makes you feel.

Bold color is back. And this time, it’s here to stay.

About the Author

Dana Medema is President, North America at Revlon, where she oversees sales, marketing, and operations across the U.S. and Canada. She brings more than 20 years of global FMCG leadership experience across North America and Europe, with prior roles at Philips, Colgate-Palmolive, and Clorox.

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