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The first weekend of Coachella 2026 has officially set the tone for this summer’s beauty trends, marking a clear shift toward bold eye makeup and the return of gothic glam.
While the festival is famed for its star-studded lineup, for influencers and celebrities alike, it’s the beauty and fashion moments that truly take center stage. This year, the desert became a playground for experimentation, with standout looks that rivaled the performances themselves.
Bold eyes make a comeback
After seasons dominated by the understated “clean girl” aesthetic, Coachella proved there’s still a strong appetite for bold, expressive makeup, especially when it comes to eyes.
Headliner Katseye captivated audiences on Friday night, not just with their performance but with striking beauty looks that commanded attention. Makeup artist Jordan Giang revealed Megan Mei-Yok Skiendiel’s look on Instagram, showcasing dramatic smoky eyes paired with bold eyeliner diffused along the lower lash line and an intense black waterline.
At the same time, the clean aesthetic evolved rather than disappeared. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber and PinkPantheress embraced a more relaxed, desert-ready glow, think bronzed skin with a slightly undone, lived-in finish. As seen on PinkPantheress, makeup artist Julian Stoller created a “your skin but better” look that transitions seamlessly from day to night, even under the desert heat.
Gothic glam takes the spotlight
In contrast to sun-kissed skin and soft blush, gothic glam emerged as one of the festival’s most unexpected trends. Addison Rae led the charge, proving that darker, moodier makeup has a place in summer beauty.
Known for her Y2K-inspired style, Addison showcased a more versatile aesthetic during her Saturday performance. Her look, created by Jenna Kuchera, featured a smoky, glitter-infused eye with a striking silver halo effect along the lower lash line.
The edgy eye makeup was balanced with her signature pop-princess touches, including a vibrant raspberry blush applied high on the cheeks, blending softness with drama.
Floral manicures bloom in the desert
As for nails, florals made a strong, and unapologetic, return. Despite Miranda Priestly’s famous skepticism, spring florals felt fresh again, thanks to festival regulars Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner.
Both trendsetters debuted intricate floral manicures by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt. Their designs added a touch of maximalism to otherwise minimalist beauty looks.
Hailey’s glow-in-the-dark manicure for “Bieberchella” offered a playful, alternative twist on classic spring nails, while Kylie’s gemstone-inspired floral design captured the bold, expressive spirit that defines Coachella style.
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