Pop Culture is Taking Over Halloween

Zara Larsson: The Rise of Modern Pop Glam

Zara Larsson's makeup aesthetic is a masterclass in modern pop maximalism, pairing flawless skin with bold color, graphic liner, glitter, and playful embellishments. For Halloween 2026, take inspiration from Zara's high-impact beauty looks by layering iridescent shimmer across the eyes and cheeks, adding rhinestones or face gems, and embracing vibrant pinks, lavenders, and metallic accents. The result is glamorous, expressive, and endlessly customizable. For even more inspiration, explore makeup artist Sophia Sinot's Instagram, where many of Zara's most memorable beauty moments come to life.

Featured prototype: Intense Liquid Blush
Powered by: Acticire® MB

Chappell Roan: Theatrical Beauty Takes Center Stage

Few artists have made makeup as central to their visual identity as Chappell Roan. Drawing inspiration from drag, theater, and fantasy, her beauty looks celebrate transformation through exaggerated shapes, dramatic color placement, and full-glam artistry. For Halloween 2026, start with a soft matte complexion, then build dimension with oversized eyeshadow, sculpted brows, statement lashes, and a saturated lip. Graphic eyes and soft pastel hues give this look a striking blend of vintage glamour and theatrical artistry.

Featured prototype: High Coverage Foundation
Powered by: Gatuline® Radiance

SZA: Golden Garden Fairy

One of 2026's most memorable beauty moments came from SZA's appearance at the 2026 Met Gala. Also created by makeup artist Sophia Sinot, the look centered around a glowing marigold halo eye framed by intricate shell and crystal jewelry. Inspired by nature, craftsmanship, and fantasy, SZA's "golden garden fairy" aesthetic captured the growing popularity of ethereal beauty and whimsical self-expression. For Halloween, pair vibrant sunset shades with radiant skin and finish with an ornate headpiece or face adornment to create an enchanting look that feels both whimsical and elegant.

Featured prototype: Starlight Luminizer Serum
Powered by: Emulium® Dermolea MB, EnergiNius®

SZA's Red Carpet Photos From the 2026 Met Gala
SZA's 2026 Met Gala Beauty Look Details

Dolly Parton: Lashes & Legendary Glamour

No beauty icon is more instantly recognizable than Dolly Parton. As fans continue to celebrate her extraordinary legacy in 2026, her signature country-glam aesthetic remains a natural source of Halloween inspiration. Defined by icy blue eyeshadow, dramatic winged liner, fluttering lashes, and a vibrant pink lip, the look captures the bold beauty that made Dolly a lasting icon. For Halloween, pair bright pastel shades with exaggerated eye definition and plenty of mascara to recreate the unmistakable glamour that lit up stages for decades.

Featured prototype: Definilash Mascara
Powered by: Definicire®

Halloween 2026 Costume Ideas: From Dolly Parton to GTA VI
20 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2026

Mythological Beauty: Zendaya & the Return of the Gods

Greek mythology is emerging as one of the strongest Halloween influences of 2026, fueled by renewed interest in mythological storytelling and the anticipation surrounding The Odyssey. Created by makeup artist Ernesto Casillas for the New York premiere of The Odyssey, Zendaya's beauty look offers a softer interpretation of the trend, centered on radiant skin, softly flushed cheeks, and a subtle golden glow. For Halloween, focus on luminous finishes, a touch of warmth around the eyes, and healthy-looking skin to channel a modern goddess aesthetic that feels both timeless and effortless.

Featured prototype: Stick-to-Powder Bronzer
Powered by: MOD MB

All the Details on Zendaya's The Odyssey New York Premiere Makeup—2026 Exclusive Interview

Dr. Frank-N-Furter: Glam Rock Rebellion

Few film characters have influenced beauty quite like Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In remembrance of Tim Curry and his unforgettable contribution to film, the look remains a Halloween favorite, defined by razor-sharp eyeliner, a dramatic red lip, and an undeniable sense of theatrical flair. As beauty continues embracing individuality and self-expression, Frank-N-Furter serves as a reminder that makeup can be both transformative and boundary-pushing. For Halloween, amplify the eyes, sharpen the brows, and embrace a statement lip to channel the character's fearless approach to glamour.

Featured prototype: Shiny Liquid Lipstick
Powered by: Emulium® Illustro

Y2K Beauty: Frosted & Fearless

The Y2K revival shows no signs of slowing down, and Halloween offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the trend in full (especially for younger generations who weren't there the first time around!). Major 2026 Halloween forecasts have identified early-aughts "It Girl" glamour as a defining influence this season, with Spirit Halloween's 2026 Costume Trend Report specifically highlighting Y2K-inspired looks among its top trends. Contemporary creators such as @ericaswn showcase the playful side of the aesthetic through frosted blue eyeshadow, high-shine lips, rosy blush, and whimsical accessories reminiscent of early-2000s beauty icons. For Halloween, lean into pastel color, glossy finishes, and a touch of sparkle to recreate a look that's equal parts nostalgic and glamorous.

Featured prototype: Day Party Lipstick*
Powered by: Plurol® Diisostearique CG, Gatuline® In-Tense MB

*Prototype only available in the USA.

2016 Rewind: Instagram Glam Returns

Nostalgia has moved beyond Y2K and landed squarely in the mid-2010s. The viral "2026 is the new 2016" movement sparked a wave of throwback content celebrating the heyday of beauty influencers, full-glam tutorials, and picture-perfect selfies. Modern artists like Makeup by Alinna continue to recreate the era's signature aesthetic, complete with sharp cut creases, sculpted contour, and statement lashes. For Halloween, bring back bold brows, dramatic eye looks, and a matte nude lip, then finish with a touch of glitter liner or metallic shadow for a look inspired by the golden age of Instagram beauty.

Featured prototype: Suntouch Bronzing Cream
Powered by: Emulium® Dolcea MB

Viral '2026 Is the New 2016' Trend: What to Know
Is It 2026 or 2016? Social Media Users Turn Back the Clock in Viral Trend

The Return of Retro Glam

As nostalgia continues to influence beauty trends, iconic 1960s makeup looks are finding new relevance for Halloween 2026. According to the Spate data, Marilyn Monroe Makeup reached 425K searches with +42.3% predicted YoY growth, while Mod Makeup is projected to grow even faster at +64.1% predicted YoY growth. Recent editorials, including JENNIE's mod-inspired beauty look for V Magazine Spring 2026, demonstrate how these retro aesthetics continue to evolve for a new generation. For Halloween, choose between Marilyn's timeless glamour or embrace the graphic liner, exaggerated lashes, and eye-focused artistry of the Mod movement. Reimagined with modern textures and finishes, these vintage influences prove that great makeup never goes out of style.

Featured prototype: Holo Eye Liner
Powered by: Lipocire™ A SG