There has been a very specific type of makeup dominating our feeds lately. Skin that looks permanently glazed, brows brushed within an inch of their lives, and lips that exist purely to look hydrated. It is chic, it is polished, and it has absolutely had its moment. But quietly, in the background, colour has been tapping its acrylic nail, waiting to be let back in.
The clean girl era gave us great skin days, sure, but it also quietly shoved bold blush, glitter lids and statement liner to the back of the drawer. And lately, beauty lovers have had enough of whispering when we could be shouting. Because sometimes you do not want your makeup to look effortless. Sometimes you want it to look intentional, dramatic and slightly unhinged in the best way.
That is exactly why maximalist makeup is having its moment. Colour is back, like SO BACK. Shapes are sharper. Lashes are longer. Blush is no longer staying in its lane. With trends cycling faster than your Instagram feed refreshes, more people are ditching the rulebook and leaning into looks that feel fun, expressive and personal. One might just say, the future of makeup is less about fitting in and more about standing out.
Maximalism is not about wearing everything at once. It is about wearing what makes you feel like you. And honestly, that is the kind of beauty energy we are bringing into this next era.
Ananya Panday’s Pastel Pop
Ananya Panday stepped away from her signature barely-there glam and embraced colour in a way that felt playful yet polished. Her eyes became the focal point, featuring a wash of pastel green across the lids paired with a soft periwinkle shade along the lower lash line. The two-tone combination created contrast without feeling overwhelming.
Everything else was kept intentionally minimal. Skin looked fresh and dewy, cheeks were lightly bronzed, brows softly defined and lips finished with a blurred nude. The result was proof that when your eye makeup is doing the talking.
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Deepika Padukone’s Golden Smoke
Deepika Padukone delivered a masterclass in elevated glam with a shimmering gold eye that melted seamlessly into a soft smoky finish. The lid shimmer caught the light beautifully, while smudged kohl along the lash line added depth and intensity.
A sharp winged liner gave structure to the look, balanced by fluttery lashes layered with mascara and false lashes for added drama. Her complexion was warm and sculpted with pink blush, subtle contouring and a soft glow on the high points of the face. A glossy mauve lip tied everything together, making the entire look feel refined and red carpet ready.
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Tyla’s Graphic Negative Space Eye
With trends shifting toward sculpted skin, sharp liner and bold colour placement, Tyla’s eye look felt right on time. This look is all about using the lid as a canvas, playing with space, shape and contrast.
Start by prepping the eyes with a primer so colour grips properly. A vibrant pink shadow is applied both just under the brow bone and along the lower lash line, creating an unexpected frame around the eye. Then comes the defining moment. Using a cotton bud dipped in micellar water, the pigment is gently removed from the centre of the lid, creating a clean negative space effect.
Next, a yellow shadow is carefully applied from the inner corner, adding brightness and dimension. The look is finished with a sharp, snake-like liner flick and a coat of high-impact mascara.
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Kylie Jenner’s Butter Glam
Butter glam feels like the grown-up evolution of contour-heavy makeup. It is warm, blended and undeniably glamorous without crossing into harsh territory. Think soft-focus skin, diffused bronze eyes and a glossy nude lip, with one unexpected twist.
The base is all about smooth, velvety skin that still looks like skin. A hydrating primer creates that buttery surface, followed by a lightweight foundation that blends seamlessly. Concealer is focused only where needed, with light powder through the T-zone. Bronzer is softly buffed around the perimeter of the face rather than sharply sculpted.
The eyes are the star. Neutral browns are layered across the lid and crease, followed by a subtle cut crease created with a deeper matte brown. A touch of concealer sharpens the shape. Then comes the fun part. A yellow shimmer is tapped onto the inner corners and brow bone, blended gently into the surrounding shades. Tightlined eyes and fluttery lashes keep the look soft, while peachy blush and glossy nude lips complete the buttery finish.
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Chappell Roan’s Maximalist Fantasy
Chappell Roan’s makeup aesthetic is unapologetically theatrical. The base often starts pale and matte, creating a porcelain-like canvas that makes every colour pop. Blush is applied generously, sweeping high across the cheeks and even over the nose for a doll-like flush.
Eyes are bold and expressive, featuring vibrant shades like electric blue, hot pink or purple, often layered in a defined cut crease. Colour is carried onto the lower lash line for cohesion. Sharp, graphic liner and dramatic false lashes add intensity.
Brows are intentionally thin or lightened, acting as a frame rather than a focal point. Lips are high-impact, whether it is a bold red, frosty nude or glossy pink, often finished with an ombré effect. A small beauty mark is frequently added for a signature finishing touch.
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Key Takeaways
Maximalist makeup is not about perfection. It is about play, experimentation and reclaiming beauty as a form of self-expression. In a time where trends change faster than your For You page refreshes, leaning into what excites you feels rebellious in the best way. Whether you try one bold element or go full glitter goddess, the new maximal makeup era invites you to exaggerate, celebrate and have fun with your face again.
FAQs
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Is maximalist makeup wearable day to day?
Start small with a bold liner or colourful blush and build confidence from there.
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Do I need professional skills to try these looks?
Maximalism is forgiving and creative. There are no strict rules.
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Can maximalist makeup work on all skin tones?
Yes. In fact, bold colours often look even more striking across diverse skin tones.
