I'm Going to Coachella—8 Beauty Trends I Know I'll See on Every Cool Festival-Goer This Year

To music and style-lovers around the world, the anticipated return of warm weather doesn’t just mean sunscreen, miniskirts, and flip-flop kitten heels. They can practically feel it on the first spring breeze or hear it in the noisy morning traffic—office drafts become the cooled desert winds of Coachella Valley; blaring car horns the climax of a bass-heavy EDM song. From city to city, these people await the arrival of music festival season, which is officially upon us today.

In Indio, California, the two-weekend music mecca known as Coachella (err, Bieberchella?) has kicked festival season into high gear. Just two hours outside of Los Angeles, the style-minded descend upon the buzzy grounds to dance, post, and influence music festival trends for the rest of the year. But as I prepare to hit the desert myself, I’m already noticing a wave of glitzy, punchy, and statement-making beauty trends already earning main-stage status.

“This year, festival beauty is embracing bold, expressive energy; it’s a little extra, in the best way,” says Sydney Stanback, Global Trends and Insights Lead at Pinterest. The analyst mentions aesthetics such as “tropical showgirl maximalism” and “butterfly makeup” climbing the search ranks on Pinterest as festival-goers moodboard their style on the app. “It’s all about making an entrance and having fun—from [all] gold everything, to hair bigger than your dreams, and sparkle that shows up before you do." Keep scrolling to discover the eight makeup, nail, and hair trends shaping festival season into its most beautiful yet.

2026 Festival Makeup Trends

Saturated Showgirl

There’s something gloriously campy about the makeup trends swirling around the festival-sphere today. Blame it on the resurgence of 2016 glam (think: loud eye shadow, statement lips, and bold brows) or the viral takeover of Zara Larsson’s maximalist tour makeup, but one thing is for certain: saturated colors and glittery accents are headlining every concert this season.

"For makeup, there’s a fun mix of fantasy and performance coming through,” says Stanback. According to the Pinterest lead, searches for the aforementioned “butterfly makeup”—which populates images of swirling, colorful eye shadow and intricate eyeliner—are up 60%. A similarly colorful trend called “peak poptimism” continues to make waves, with Euphoria-esque rhinestone gems, colorful makeup, and frosted Y2K lips setting it apart from the rest. In short, more is more when it comes to festival makeup in 2026. Bring on the body glitter and eye shadow.

Swashbuckling Smoke

If glittery, colorful makeup is the sun, then this grungy, gritty counter-trend is the moon. Perfect for nights spent under strobe lights, the smoky trend climbing under an unusual search query is already hot for spring. Stanback reports that the term “pirate eye makeup” has skyrocketed by a shocking 330%, populating a mosaic of messy makeup—including smudged black eyeliner, lazily placed silver glitter, and purposely creased smoky eyes.

“She's not afraid of eyeliner,” celebrity makeup artist Loftjet previously told Who What Wear, describing the on-trend beauty girl this spring. “She's not afraid of it creasing, and she's definitely not afraid of a little sweat from dancing until sunrise.” Not only does this sound like the perfect cover-up for anyone who wants to stay at the festival from open to close (“It’s supposed to look like that,” you can argue when someone notes that your mascara has melted), but it’s arguably the coolest way you can wear party girl makeup in 2026.

Loftjet predicted that the gen pop would embrace this alternative look after models stomped down the runway in smeared-black eyes at 7 For All Mankind’s viral F/W 26 fashion show, and this piqued interest in pirate-themed glam confirms that they’re close to figuring it out.

2026 Festival Nail Trends

Melted Chocolate

Yes, festival beauty smells of excess, but experts are seeing a chicer shift when it comes to nails this year. “I think chocolate tones are going to be everywhere this festival season,” says celebrity manicurist Naomi Yusada. If you’re someone who prefers to let your outfit and glam do the talking, then nails are a great place to revert to neutrals.

Yusada suggests everything from soft caramels to rich, warm browns—stunning shades to match the desert sand—and requests an ultra-glossy top coat to do these hues justice. “It almost looks like they’re melting on the nail,” she adds. To get this look without the dry time, opt for a slick pair of press-ons like the decadent gold-and-chocolate brown set she created in collaboration with Magnum Ice Cream.

Juicy Microfruit

If neutrals aren’t your vibe this festival season, don’t sweat. Expert nail artist and NYC salon owner Krystal Oh assures maximalists that fun accents like tiny fruit decals and 3D nail art aren’t going anywhere this year. The manicurist spotlights “quirky motifs” like martini glasses and microfruits as overarching trends this year, especially when layered under thick, juicy top coats.

“It doesn’t compete with outfits, but rather, adds a little something whimsical that requires people to get close to join in on the fun,” she explains. The trick is to add them on top of clean bases to make them look elevated, “even if they are tiny strawberries or sardines,” she jokes.

Statement Bling

Nail art extremists, don’t think I’ve forsaken you. Yusada says that while neutrals will be a desert favorite this year, loud, blinged-out sets will still have their moment in the spotlight. “Think 3D sculptural art, jewels, and embellishments that make manicures look like true fashion accessories or jewelry,” she explains.

The manicurist credits groups like Katseye, known for their bold style and eye-catching nails, as direct references for many fans and festival-goers. “Festival style is all about self-expression, and manicures are really becoming a new way that people are going for it,” Yusada adds. To get this look without spending hours in the salon, opt for press-ons like the options below.

2026 Festival Hair Trends

Boho Blowout

Stanback found that Pinterest searches for festival outfits that go with blowouts are up 75%, with a large portion of results falling under the platform’s “Hot Tropic” festival board. This aesthetic is inspired by the warm-weather elements and urban grit that clash in Coachella Valley—resulting in styles that feel curated, but still personal. The data lead says that “big, glamorous, bigger-than-life hair" that feels "playful, expressive, and a little over-the-top" are top searches, so expect lengthy, voluminous locks this festival season. However, celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan suggests adding a bit of texture to take things to the next level.

“Long boho waves are a festival classic, with inspiration coming from the ‘70s and Woodstock days,” says Marjan. To add natural-looking waves, the celebrity stylist recommends using a flat iron (she prefers the Paul Mitchell Neuro) to form S-waves into thick sections. “It creates a looser wave pattern and flatter effect with less volume,” she explains. Just remember to finish off your look with a loving amount of texturizing spray for maximum hold.

Windswept Braids

If you don’t feel like messing with your curling iron because you know you'll just sweat your style out, consider twisting your locks back into a braid before heading off to the festival grounds. “Loose braids and braided tendrils are another festival classic,” says Marjan. “Not only does this keep hair out of your face, but [it] also looks cute and stylish.” Take, for example, the stylist’s artfully woven braid on actress Sarah Shahi—loosely swept back into thick ropes, with romantic tendrils left to frame the face in a very Wuthering Heights fashion. (Margot Robbie’s rendition, of course.)

Desert Dress-Up

I’ve saved my favorite festival hair trend for last, and I guarantee you’ll see nearly every stylish person wearing it this festival season. Hair accessories—whether they be lace scarves, crochet caps, or beaded clip-ins—will be taking center stage. “Scarves and [hair] accessories are another way to keep hair contained and play with your unique style,” says Marjan. “I love how versatile this can be.” The stylist singles out lacy, sheer headscarves as some of her favorites, and I’m officially adding one to my packing list.