Starting Fresh in 2026? Here’s the Trending Makeup to Buy If You’re Starting From Scratch

From holy grails to hidden gems, these are the products you’d rebuild your beauty bag around.

By Camila Quimper Jan 07, 2026 12:00 PMTags
Shop 2026 Makeup Rebrand_1024x759.jpgPhoto Courtesy of Kosas

It’s 2026, and there’s no better time to hit refresh on your beauty routine.

Let’s face it—we all have that drawer of makeup that’s been around for years, some of it probably expired, some of it we never even use anymore. Starting fresh isn’t just about shopping, it’s about clearing out the old, deciding what truly deserves a spot in your bag, and curating a collection that actually works for your life today.

This rebrand is about simplicity, versatility, and a little bit of fun. Brands like Rhode, Kosas, Saie, and more offer formulas that are easy to love and easy to reach for every day. Starting from scratch gives you permission to focus on quality over quantity, keeping only the items you’ll genuinely use and enjoy.

By letting go of clutter, you’re not just refreshing your makeup bag. You’re refreshing your approach to beauty. A smaller, intentional collection lets you play with trends without being overwhelmed, mix and match with confidence, and finally enjoy a routine that feels modern, curated, and completely yours.

2026 is your year to reset, and it all starts with a clean makeup bag. Keep scrolling for the best makeup products we tested, approved, and deserve a spot in your newly revamped routine.

Best Trending Makeup Essentials:

Saie Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator

Great makeup starts with great skincare, and Saie’s Glowy Super Gel nails both. A couple of pumps gives skin that lit-from-within glow that makes everything layered on top look smoother and fresher.

Editor's Pick

Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30

For daytime, I stick to a tinted SPF, and Tower 28 SunnyDays has earned permanent-rotation status. It balances redness and delivers that effortless, your-skin-but-better finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish

After years of piling on concealer, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Vanish changed the game. It color-corrects first, so everything on top looks fresher and more natural.

Rhode Pocket Blush

Rhode’s Pocket Blush is hands-down one of the creamiest, most foolproof blushes I’ve ever used. It melts into skin for a soft, natural flush that always looks good—no mirror required.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara

There’s a reason this pink tube has cult status. Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara delivers flirty, full-bodied lashes with rich pigment and serious staying power.

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Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencil

When it comes to brows, Kosas Brow Pop is my non-negotiable. The nano pencil creates soft, hair-like strokes that fill in sparse areas without ever looking drawn on.

Editor's Pick

Kosas Air Brow - Clear Lifting Treatment Gel

I’m extremely picky about brow gels, and Kosas Brow Treatment Gel is the only one that’s passed every test. It lifts and fluffs without stiffness while actually supporting brow hair over time.

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

This is the rare lip liner that actually makes lips look fuller without discomfort. The skincare-infused formula and smudger tip take the guesswork out of lining.

Versed Cashmere Color Smoothing Lip Blush

This is the one product I never leave home without—and yes, I keep backups. It’s the ideal lipstick–lip balm hybrid that adds just enough color while keeping lips soft and comfortable.

Saie Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder

This is pressed powder taken to the next level. Saie’s Baked Powder is silky, talc-free, and leaves a natural, skin-like finish that doesn’t settle into lines.

Looking for more top-rated beauty? Shop the best acne products, according to reviewers

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

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