Social media is the fastest signal for makeup trends. A comprehensive analysis of the Instagram Trend Report and Pinterest Predicts 2026 data identifies the top 10 global makeup search trend keywords for Q1 2026.
No.1 "glass nails" (+240% YoY) — Radiant nails originating from Korea. No.2 "blood lip" (+156%) — Signature deep dark red lips. No.3 "Y2K makeup" (+320%) — A return to early 2000s makeup. No.4 "grunge makeup" (+21%) — 1990s Kate Moss style. No.5 "metallic eye" (+184%) — Metallic pearl eyes.
No.6 "tinted sunscreen" (+92%) — Combines UV protection and color correction. No.7 "K-beauty cushion" (+67%) — Still a strong global category. No.8 "cooling skincare" (+118%) — A new category for the era of global warming. No.9 "frosty lipstick" (+187%) — Revived with the Y2K comeback. No.10 "blush draping" (+145%) — Started in the 1970s, trending again in 2026.
Key takeaways: (1) The inclusion of four Y2K-related keywords (Y2K, frosty, glass, metallic) in the top 10 is significant — fashion nostalgia is expanding into makeup. (2) The 21% increase in 1990s grunge suggests not a single trend but a 'diversification of retro styles.' (3) The continued presence of K-beauty keywords (cushion, glass nails) at the top indicates Korea's ongoing influence, a positive sign for the K-beauty industry. (4) "tinted sunscreen" and "cooling skincare" highlight the rise of functional trends, marking the era of 'functional makeup' beyond mere aesthetics.
Analyzing search patterns by age group clarifies the trends further. Gen Z (15–24) overwhelmingly searches for nostalgia-driven keywords like "Y2K makeup," "glass nails," and "frosty lipstick." Millennials (25–39) most frequently search for functional and practical keywords such as "tinted sunscreen," "cooling skincare," and "blush draping." Generation X (40+) focuses on anti-aging and proven categories like "peptide skincare," "retinol," and "K-beauty cushion." In other words, each age group has different entry points into the same trend. For brands, this means it's time to diversify messaging by age segment, rather than tailoring all content to a single persona.
To make the most of SNS trends, consumers benefit from a step-by-step approach: (1) Check the top 5 trend keywords for your age group on Pinterest and Instagram every 1–2 weeks; (2) Select and try just 1–2 that fit your lifestyle and environment; (3) Avoid following every trend — 80% disappear within six months; (4) Ask 'What is the essence of this trend?' and distinguish between fleeting fads and sustainable shifts. Functional trends like glass nails and tinted sunscreen are likely to take root, while the Y2K revival may be replaced by another era within 1–2 years.