Summer Beauty Trends 2026: Why Millennials Are Loving the Return of 90s Glam

Summer Beauty Trends 2026: Why Millennials Are Loving the Return of 90s Glam

By: Kate Ford — Beauty Editor

Category: Beauty & Style

Cover Design & Creative Direction: Kate Ford & Todd Deck, PPM Staff 

Fashion Editorial: Ann Rivera, Fashion Editor

Beauty Editorial: Kate Ford, Beauty Editor

Featuring Cover Model: Amelia Blake

Editor's Note

Beauty trends come and go, but every so often, the industry revisits an era that simply got it right. For Summer 2026, we're seeing a major return to the playful, experimental beauty trends many millennials grew up admiring in magazines, music videos, and early celebrity culture. The difference? Today's versions are softer, more wearable, and designed for modern lifestyles.

As a Gemini and a millennial, I'm completely here for it.

The Return of Beauty's Most Fun Era

Summer 2026 beauty is all about balancing effortless glow with unapologetic nostalgia. Think sun-kissed skin, frosted eyeshadow, glossy lips, chrome nails, and voluminous hair that feels straight out of a late-90s beauty campaign.

After years dominated by minimalist "clean girl" aesthetics and quiet luxury, beauty lovers are embracing personality again. Makeup is becoming fun. Hair has movement. Nails make a statement.

And honestly? It's refreshing.

Trend #1: Mermaid Glam Is Everywhere

The biggest trend of the season combines fantasy-inspired beauty with Y2K nostalgia.

Expect to see:

•  Frosted lavender lids
• Soft mint and peach metallic shadows
•  Iridescent highlighters
•  Wet-look glow
•  Pearlescent finishes

What makes this trend work is its versatility. You can wear a sheer wash of shimmer for brunch or layer on reflective metallics for summer nights out.

PPM Beauty Pick

- Soft metallic cream eyeshadow sticks

- Pearl highlighter balms

- Shimmer-infused setting sprays

Trend #2: Watercolor Blush Is Taking Over

Gone are the days of harsh contouring.

This summer is all about healthy, sun-kissed color.

The most flattering shades include:

•  Peach
•  Terracotta
•  Coral
•  Warm apricot

Instead of applying blush in one concentrated area, makeup artists are diffusing color across the cheeks and temples for a naturally flushed look.

The result feels youthful, effortless, and perfect for warm weather.

Why Millennials Love It

Many of us remember the heavily bronzed beauty trends of the early 2000s. Watercolor blush delivers that healthy glow without looking overly sculpted or heavy.

Trend #3: Butterfly Layers Make Their Comeback

If you saved photos of Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, or countless magazine haircuts growing up, this trend is for you.

Butterfly layers feature:

•  Face-framing volume
•  Soft movement
•  Bounce and lift
•  Easy styling

The modern version works on a wide variety of lengths and textures, making it one of the most wearable trends of the year.

PPM Hair Picks

- Volumizing mousse

- Round-brush blowout tools

- Lightweight texture sprays

Trend #4: Mermaid Waves Beat Perfect Curls

Summer 2026 hair isn't polished.

It's relaxed.

Beach-inspired.

Slightly undone.

Mermaid waves create movement without looking overly styled. The result feels effortless and vacation-ready—even if you're nowhere near the beach.

This trend pairs perfectly with butterfly layers and sun-kissed makeup.

Trend #5: The Return of the 90s Lip

As someone who lived through the original era, I never thought I'd see this comeback happen so successfully.

The signature lip look includes:

•  Brown liners
•  Terracotta tones
•  Caramel nudes
•  Glossy finishes
•  Soft blurred edges

The modern version avoids the harsh contrast of the past and instead focuses on soft definition and hydrated shine.

PPM Beauty Pick

A brown lip liner paired with a sheer caramel gloss is one of the easiest ways to instantly update your summer makeup routine.

Trend #6: Chrome Nails Are Back

Quiet luxury had its moment.

Now nails are having fun again.

Summer's hottest manicure trends include:

•  Glazed pearl finishes
• Chrome effects
•  Metallic accents
•  Color blocking
•  3D embellishments

The pearlescent manicure trend feels especially nostalgic, reminding many millennials of frosted beauty products and metallic accessories from the late 90s and early 2000s.

My Summer Beauty Essentials

Makeup

•  Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
•  Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
• Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb Highlighter
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray
•  NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Frosted Shades

Hair

• Color Wow Dream Coat
•  Ouai Wave Spray
•  Moroccanoil Treatment
• Amika Blowout Spray

Nails

• OPI Chrome Effects
• Essie Pearlescent Collection
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Pearl Finishes

Body Glow

•  Sol de Janeiro Glow Oils
•  Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm
•  Vacation Shimmer Oil

Why These Trends Still Work

The beauty trends of Summer 2026 aren't simply recreating the past.

They're improving it.

Today's formulas blend better, wear longer, and feel lighter than their 90s counterparts. Instead of looking overly dramatic, modern versions feel fresh, wearable, and accessible.

For millennials, these trends offer a little nostalgia.

For Gen Z, they're discovering these looks for the first time.

And for everyone else? They're a reminder that beauty should be fun.

PPM Takeaway

Summer 2026 proves that beauty doesn't have to choose between effortless and expressive. This season embraces both. From mermaid-inspired shimmer and butterfly layers to glossy 90s lips and chrome nails, the year's biggest trends celebrate individuality, confidence, and creativity.

And if you're a millennial like me, consider this your official invitation to revisit the beauty era that started it all.

Written By: Kate Ford — Beauty Editor

Editorial Oversight: Power Pulse Magazine Editorial Team

Beauty Team Contributors

• Kate Ford — Beauty Editor
• Ann Rivera — Fashion Editor
• Maya Brooks — Lifestyle & Wellness Writer
• Lena Voss — Culture & Entertainment Editor
• Todd Deck — Photographer & Contributing Editor
• Eliana Ross — Editorial Contributor

Main Cover Credit

Featuring Cover Model: Amelia Blake

Summer Beauty Muse 2026

Inside the Magazine

Photographed exclusively for Power Pulse Magazine's Summer Beauty Issue 2026, Amelia Blake embodies the season's biggest beauty trends—from mermaid glam and watercolor blush to butterfly layers and glossy 90s lips.

THE SUMMER BEAUTY COMEBACK

Featuring Cover Model Amelia Blake

Mermaid Glam • Butterfly Layers • Glossy Lips • Chrome Nails

Effortless. Radiant. Unapologetic.