Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2026

THE BOOK
Beauty
Soft Glam Built for Real Life
story by Cherie Ward
As the New Year moves forward, makeup isn’t about reinvention—it’s about endurance. Today’s beauty trends favor soft glam, breathable skin, and subtle definition that holds up past the mirror check and into actual life. This is makeup designed to last through long days, late nights, and everything in between, without demanding constant maintenance or a personality transplant.
The shift begins with skin. Heavy coverage has lost its grip, replaced by formulas that let texture exist and glow come through naturally. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about credibility. Skin should look like skin—healthy, luminous, and lived-in—whether you’re under fluorescent lights, natural daylight, or the unforgiving glow of your phone camera. This skin-first approach reflects a larger change in beauty culture, confidence now comes from comfort, not concealment.
Eyes follow the same philosophy. Drama has given way to dimension. Neutral palettes, soft shimmer, and understated depth do the work without announcing themselves. Lashes are lifted, not stacked. Brows
are shaped, not over-engineered. The effect is controlled but relaxed— polished enough to feel intentional, effortless enough to avoid looking like you tried too hard. It’s makeup that enhances rather than competes.
Lips have also softened their stance. Instead of statement shades meant for impact, the focus is on color that adapts. Buildable pigments, flexible finishes, and textures that don’t punish you for forgetting a touch-up. These are lip colors chosen for how they behave. How they wear down gracefully through conversation, coffee, meals, and moments that matter more than staying perfectly intact.
What makes this trend stick is purpose. Modern makeup isn’t about becoming someone else for a special occasion. It’s about recognition. The best looks reflect the person wearing them—not an aspirational version saved for milestones, but the one who shows up every day. Beauty, now, is about alignment rather than illusion.
And this 2026 approach defines everyday style. Whether it’s a casual afternoon, a night out that wasn’t planned, or simply wanting to feel put together on a random Tuesday, the glow holds—not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s real. This is makeup that doesn’t ask for attention. It earns it.
94 | February 2026
That Lasts