“I put clean girls in a coma,” reads the opening image of an Instagram carousel post, followed by a series of colourful pigments applied in peculiar forms. Say goodbye to the “clean girl makeup” era that dominated the past years, because the new phrase sweeping every explore page only marks one thing – 2026 will be the year of maximalism.
This prediction was first made in 2025, but with the recent widespread use of AI and the first-decade anniversary of 2016 (which is also known as the year for bold makeup looks), people are yearning for expression and individuality more than ever. We list down some of the best beauty creators to follow to quench your creative thirst for maximalist makeup inspo.
Rowi Singh (@rowisingh)
Rowi Singh has been the It-girl for maximalist makeup since the early 2010s. The Australian-born makeup artist is behind some of the best rainbow-drenched Instagram feeds, consistently pushing boundaries for artistic makeup expressions. Today, her brand, Embellish by Rowi, is used by other makeup artists for celebrities like Zara Larsson.
Sophia Sinot (@sophiasinot)
Sophia Sinot is a London-based makeup artist with celebrity clients like Doja Cat and Emma Chamberlain. However, what really cemented her rising popularity is her work for Zara Larsson, who is currently on the Midnight Sun tour. Her consistent creativity, with different makeup looks on Larsson each show, garnered the attention she very much deserves.
Dee Carrion (@deemakeupart)
Dee, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, does various celebrity makeup, whether abstract or conceptual. Her artistic eye gives her the power to shapeshift her clients and is the beauty mastermind behind various Chappell Roan and Kehlani looks. Meanwhile, Doechii and her work are like two peas in a pod – the duo play with different makeup archetypes, from cyber Y2K to electropop looks.
Aoife Cullen (@aoifeartist)
Irish-born and London-based makeup artist Aoife, as she puts it, “does it for the female gaze”. To her, it’s a rebellious act towards the feminist term “male gaze”. Her signature works include her peculiar lip combos and recreating runway makeup looks, like the one from the Spring/Summer 2003 Christian Dior show by Pat McGrath.
Garance Murru (@garancemurru)
Garance is a makeup artist based in Marseille, always experimenting with peculiar makeup looks. She lashes her lips, shapes her teeth into sharp triangles and even adds glitter to them, all in the name of art. Her artistic flair is evident even in her daily looks, making every day a unique expression of her mood and personality.
Tyra Harrison (@tyra.mua)
Tyra is an Australian makeup artist living in the UK, who consistently experiments with cosplays like Picasso’s cubism and Powerpuff Girls’ Mojo Jojo. “I heard maximalist makeup is back – I did not realise it ever left,” she states in her Instagram caption.
Doniella Davy (@donni.davy)
It would not be a complete list of maximalist beauty creators if Donniella Davy were not included. The makeup artist behind the renowned TV series Euphoria shaped the makeup wave in 2019, elevating the American drama into more than just a show, but also a global phenomenon. Her impact was recognised by the Emmys twice, winning the Best Contemporary Makeup award in 2020 and 2022.
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