By Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Contributor Christina Flach

As we enter 2026, beauty and fashion are evolving in a new direction — one that celebrates not just how we look, but how we feel. The next wave of style is less about perfection and more about presence — harmony between the inner self and outer expression. This holiday season, here’s how to look and feel your most luminous from the inside out.

The “Inside-Out Glow” Revolution

The biggest trend of 2026 isn’t a color or a contour — it’s radiance rooted in wellness. Glowing skin now starts in the gut and is maintained through hydration, nutrition, and mindfulness.

Think of your skincare routine as a reflection of your lifestyle.

Start your day with warm water and lemon to support digestion, and end it with a calming herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint. Your skin mirrors how your body feels on the inside.

Pro Tip: Use a serum like Augustinus Bader The Serum or Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair under your foundation for a hydrated, naturally lit-from-within finish.

Skin Is the Statement

In 2026, skin takes center stage. The “no-makeup makeup” movement continues, focusing on breathable, healthy, real skin. Lightweight tints and luminous finishes dominate — the kind that say this is me, but radiant.

Artist’s favorite: Mix a drop of NARS Light Reflecting Foundation or Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint with your moisturizer for a smooth, dewy glow that catches the light at every angle — perfect for holiday gatherings and candlelit dinners.

Fashion with Feeling

Fashion this year is experiential.

People are gravitating toward pieces that feel comforting yet elevated — buttery knits, tailored suiting, and fluid silks. 2026 is the year of tactile confidence — materials that make you feel beautiful to the touch.

Sustainability remains essential, but now it’s joined by emotional sustainability: choosing pieces that bring joy, ease, and longevity to your wardrobe.

And one of the most exciting debuts this season comes from Zac Posen, whose new GAP STUDIO collection masterfully merges timeless tailoring with modern comfort. It’s proof that high fashion and accessibility can coexist beautifully — elevated essentials that move effortlessly from day to evening. Think sculptural silhouettes, impeccable fit, and a dose of glamour that still feels wearable.

Stylist insight: Pair classic neutrals with mood-lifting tones like rose quartz, sage green, or honey gold. These hues flatter most skin tones and radiate serenity — and they look stunning against Zac’s clean, confident lines.

Wellness-Infused Beauty

The intersection of skincare and self-care continues to dominate.

Expect products infused with adaptogens, probiotics, and plant-based antioxidants to take over vanities worldwide. Beauty is now about nourishment and protection, not perfection.

Try this: Before applying makeup, take three deep, mindful breaths. This reduces cortisol, minimizes inflammation, and actually improves how your skin holds product. Follow with a facial mist like Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist or Caudalie Beauty Elixir to refresh both skin and spirit.

Wellness-Infused Beauty

In 2026, beauty is mindfulness in motion.

Whether it’s taking time to breathe before a busy day, walking outside without your phone, or dressing with intention, the future of beauty is rooted in slowing down.

My mantra: “Beauty isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.” When your mind is calm, your posture lifts, your eyes soften, and your energy glows. Beauty From The Inside Out!

Christina’s Holiday “Inside-Out” Ritual

1. Morning: Warm water with lemon, gratitude journaling, and SPF — always.
2. Afternoon: Hydrate, walk, and stretch between work sessions.
3. Evening: Double cleanse, apply La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, then unwind with Lavender Vanilla Custard Magnesium Bubble Bath Potion by NEWMIUZ and soft music.

The Bottom Line

The biggest trend of 2026 is authenticity. When we nourish our bodies, calm our minds, and choose clothing and beauty that feel aligned with who we are, we radiate a confidence that no product can replicate.

So this Christmas, Holiday Season and New Year, let your glow tell your story — not just through what you wear, but through how you care for yourself.

Here’s to entering 2026 luminous, intentional, and beautifully busy.

Christina Flach is a Celebrity Makeup Artist, CEO of Pretty Girl Makeup, and a Beauty Contributor for NBC’s California Live and Women Fitness Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @ChristinaFlachMakeup Watch more beauty and wellness tips on her YouTube channel Christina Flach Makeup Artist and follow along on TikTok @Christina.Flach for more beauty and wellness inspiration.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.