Sali Hughes: glam beauty is back as 'dopamine' colour trends re-emerge

Sali Hughes writes that glam beauty is back, noting Pantone’s 2026 colour announcement (Cloud Dancer) and Mac’s appointment of Chappell Roan as global ambassador as markers of a shifting mood in fashion and beauty. Hughes says the Pantone 2026 winner, an unremarkable off-white called Cloud Dancer, felt less relevant just as trends were becoming more interesting again.

She has long judged the Pantone choice as more noteworthy for journalists than readers. Mac’s naming of Chappell Roan — described as all grunge glitters, colourful face jewels and clumpy mascara — celebrates the experimental, edgy and playful Mac aesthetic and, Hughes writes, signals what may be the end of the industry’s post-Covid "beige buffet." Hughes welcomes the move away from all-over "camel" and perfectly smooth, glassy textures in favour of glinty eyelids or gemstones applied simply for fun.

She points to Mac’s Connect in Color palettes (£46), which contain 12 eyeshadows from smooth mattes to chunky glitters, and says the formulas are easy to smoosh on with fingers and pair well with smudgy kohl; Roan wears Mac’s Feline Eye Kohl (£20). Cool-girl brand Violette FR is also cited for pushing a creative approach: its Lune Liners (£35) have a holographic finish that disguises wobbly strokes.

Hughes says she wears Cuivre 29 — appearing Big Bird yellow from one angle and acid green from another — and notices a mood lift from a touch of slightly silly colour.

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