Visual discovery platform Pinterest has released its Summer 2026 Trend Report, highlighting a massive global shift toward sport-inspired aesthetics. Created in collaboration with clothing giant Levi’s, the report analyzes the habits of over 600 million monthly active users.
The data points to a distinct “sport-luxe” summer mood, where consumers are seamlessly blending athletic functionality with high-glam beauty, sweatproof skincare, and nostalgic styling. For beauty professionals, from makeup artists to salon owners, these insights offer a roadmap for the exact treatments, products, and styles clients will crave this season.
1. "Winning Glam": The Return of Smoky Eyes & Frosted Finishes
One of the most dominant movements this summer is "Winning Glam," a trend Pinterest describes as “high-energy, a little sweaty, and intentionally lived-in.” Precision graphic lines are taking a backseat to softer, blended, and nostalgic 1990s-inspired looks.
Consumers are trading pristine perfection for festival-ready, nightlife-friendly makeup that effortlessly transitions from day to night.
Key Search Surges:
- Smoky eyes makeup: ⬆️ 1,522%
- Eye butterfly makeup: ⬆️ 106%
- Frosted makeup: ⬆️ 97%
- '90s blue eyeshadow look: ⬆️ 81%
- Smudged eyeliner aesthetic: ⬆️ 76%
- Red glitter eye makeup: ⬆️ 47%
Professional Takeaway: Makeup artists should focus on textured, high-shine finishes, smudged liners, and playful facial embellishments (like face gems, which saw a 14% bump) to cater to the festival and sports-glam crowd.
2. "On-The-Go Glow": SPF-First & Sweatproof Routines
Summer 2026 is officially the era of "reapplication culture." Under the trend "On-The-Go Glow," consumers are demanding portable, durable, and lightweight skincare layers that can withstand active lifestyles, outdoor festivals, and sports weekends.
Key Search Surges:
- Glowy skin routine: ⬆️ 216%
- Sweatproof makeup: ⬆️ 180%
- Fluid sunscreen: ⬆️ 110%
- Minimalist sunscreen: ⬆️ 102%
- Dry skin sunscreen cream: ⬆️ 30%
Professional Takeaway: Skin clinics and facialists should capitalize on this by prioritizing client education around SPF layering. From a retail perspective, stocking travel-friendly minis, sunscreen sticks, and bag-ready beauty formats will be highly profitable.
3. Beyond Beauty: "Sport-Luxe" and "Courtside Prep" Lifestyle Trends
The athletic influence extends far beyond the makeup bag. Pinterest reported massive spikes in fashion and lifestyle aesthetics rooted in country clubs, padel culture, and high-octane racing.
Key Lifestyle Search Surges:
- Stripe shirt outfits women: ⬆️ 1,962%
- Formula 1 aesthetic outfit: ⬆️ 483%
- White blazer outfits for women: 466%
- Polo striped shirt outfit: ⬆️ 393%
This aesthetic, dubbed "Courtside and Coastal Prep", relies heavily on crisp whites, soft neutrals, striped detailing, and green accents.
Professional Takeaway: Salons, spas, and clinics can leverage these visual codes to refresh their interior spaces, design seasonal retail displays, or style summer launch events and marketing campaigns.
Sport as a Cultural Language
Pinterest notes that sport has evolved into a shared source of identity and creativity. Rather than being confined to the stadium, athletic codes, from team colours to performance details, are being fluidly remixed into everyday street style and beauty.
Methodology
The Pinterest Summer 2026 Trend Report was compiled using internal global search data, comparing UK user activity between March 2025 and March 2026. The report was launched in partnership with Levi’s as part of their UK “Off-Duty Summer Denim” campaign.
