6 summer beauty trends making a huge comeback in 2026

Judging by the weather outside, it’s well and truly summer here. The sandals are out, the pink is flowing and my SPF is already working overtime. However, if you clicked on this article, you have nothing to worry about. Instead, you’re here to learn more about summer beauty trends. While researching the biggest looks for the coming season (that’s my job, after all), I noticed a big theme tying together all the latest hair trends, nail trends, and makeup trends. The subject in question? The return of beauty trends.

It appears we’re in our full throwback era, with plenty of returning summer beauties to sink our teeth into. Being a child of the 90s, I have to say, I’m pretty excited about this. In fact, while writing this article, I was overwhelmed with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. From shiny, chrome nail looks to tousled waves, these trends are avant-garde looks that prove a comeback beauty trend is just as strong as the next big thing. Below, I’ve listed the biggest summer beauty trends making a comeback this year, so keep scrolling to learn more…

6 summer beauty trends coming back in 2026

This trend has been on the rise for some time now, but summer is when mermaid waves will take center stage. I used to comb my hair all the time as a teenager, so this look feels especially nostalgic. fortunately, Hair tools have come a long way since I was in school, and now you can get a more natural-looking mermaid wave that looks effortlessly cool and beachy.

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2. 90s lips

Dark brown, ’90s Lip liner was a big trend this winter, but it seems to be making its way into the summer months too and I’m a big fan. Apply a light lip gloss to the center of the lips for even more style points this season.

3. Summer Shimmer

Glitter nails are back this summer! Do you remember the icy, frosty, pearly manicures of the early 2000s? Well, they’ve made a comeback in the form of a clear, bright manicure that also feels fun and sophisticated for the coming season.

4. Terracotta Tone

Terracotta tones were very popular in the ’90s, and after looking at some of my favorite celebrity beauty looks recently, I’ve noticed them making a comeback. The warm color palette creates the perfect sun-kissed finish, so it’s no surprise that top makeup artists are reaching for terracotta. Bronzer, blusher and lipstick this summer.

5. Butterfly Layers

I remember writing about butterfly layers in 2023, and it seems like the hair trend has made an incredibly strong comeback this summer, with choppy styles all over my Instagram feed. It’s channeling the 90s in the best possible way, and for a sophisticated finish, I recommend picking up your favorite Hot brush to add volume and bounce.