The Hottest Eye Looks: Recreated with essence Must-Haves

If we had to sum up the biggest beauty shift of 2026, it’s easy: eyeshadow is running the show. After a few seasons of low-key lids and barely‑there definition, the return of bold, expressive eye looks has us giddy. Red carpets and FYPs are overflowing with inspiration and creativity. The themes we’re most excited for? Color is making a joyful comeback, sparkly shadow toppers are stealing the spotlight, and a good gel liner is all you need for a graphic eye moment. From soft washes of pigment to sculptural liner moments, these are the eye looks defining the trends.

The Trend: Soft Sculpted Eyes

This may not seem like an obvious eye trend, but soft and hazy eyeshadow looks are trending among the A-list and makeup elite. Why? They’re understated yet so pretty, and you can customize your look to suit any occasion. The best part is you’ll love every single shade of eyeshadow in the palette instead of using only one or two. This soft wash of color look is so versatile it’s impossible to mess up.

The Product Pick: the NUDE edition eyeshadow palette

Get the Look:

Choose your hero shade from the palette (it has both matte and shimmery shades) and apply it as a wash over your entire lid. Be sure to blend everything in well so there are no harsh lines visible. Finish with a highlight shade in the inner eye corners, below the brow bone and on the lids. 

The Trend: Graphic Liner

Graphic liner always hits because there are so many ways you can wear it. Whether it’s a graphic shape or shade, it’s all about the customization. The most saved looks are of the winged variety because they easily enhance your eye shape.

The Product Pick: Satin Blend Gel Eyeliner

Get the Look:

A creamy, highly pigmented pencil can help you achieve an easy graphic eye look. Simply plan out your design and draw it on your lids. Don’t know where to start? Begin with a simple winged look, concentrating on the outer eye corner. Feeling more creative? Add emphasis on the inner eye corner, too. This liner is waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about smudging or fading. It also has a built-in smudger, which is perfect for when you’re doing a smoky eye effect.

The Trend: Glitter-Topped Lids

What’s more fun than a glittery eyeshadow topper? A jelly-textured one! This is the perfect trend to try for a glam look because it delivers a maximum payoff with little effort. The water-based gel goes on super smooth and gives lasting results. It’s available in two wearable shades: Celestial Shimmer and Golden Glam.

The Product Pick: Glitter Eyeshadow Topper

Get the Look:

Apply this jelly topper over an existing shadow or use it alone for a more subtle effect. To concentrate its color effect, use a brush with stiff bristles, like this angled one, when applying it. 

The Trend: Metallic Cream Eyeshadow

Metallic lids are low key to achieve yet they give maximum effort vibes. This trend makes metallics more wearable with a soft, diffused finish. When they catch the light, there’s no effect like it. Shades like soft bronze and gold are the go-to for versatility.

The Product Pick: Cream Eyeshadow

Get The Look:

This shadow looks amazing as a wash over your entire lids or even just concentrated along the upper lash line (or the lower lashline for a twist). You can apply this shadow using your fingers or an angled eyeshadow brush. It has a super blendable formula that’s non-creasing and you can build up to your desired intensity.