How a Celebrity Makeup Artist Makes Vampy Makeup Feel Fresh for 2026

Aug 11, 2026 - 04:09

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How a Celebrity Makeup Artist Makes Vampy Makeup Feel Fresh for 2026 E! Illustration/Getty Images

Vampy makeup is having a moment again, but the 2026 version isn't the basic smokey eye and red lip you remember. As we head into fall, the Old Hollywood-inspired beauty trend is getting a fresh update with dark metallic-lined eyes, sculpted cheekbones topped with dewy highlight, and glossy black cherry lips.

Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose, the force behind Lupita Nyong'o's stunning makeup looks during The Odyssey press tour, says the key to making the look feel fresh is not being afraid to play up both your eyes and lips. “There is this silly rule that says we should only pick one, but that is so not true, especially when you’re going for drama,” Barose told E!.

And this isn't exactly a look you're meant to wear to your next morning meeting. Barose describes it as perfect for “a fun night out with friends looking for trouble (the good kind!).”

A good black eyeliner: Neen Side Eye Liner
A $7 cult-favorite contour: e.l.f. Camo Liquid Bronzer & Contour
No. 1 vampy lip essential: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long-Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

So, how do you take the glamour of Old Hollywood and make it work for 2026? Barose broke down the look for us step by step. Below, shop eyeliner, mascara, metallic eyeshadow, contour and black cherry lipstick picks to get the look at home.

Step 1: Go Dark & Smokey on the Eyes

Barose recommends lining and winging out your eyeliner with a black pencil, making the line “a bit thicker for drama.” Next, smudge a metallic pewter liquid eyeshadow on top to add shine before finishing with two coats of black mascara.

Neen Side Eye Liner

Neen Side Eye Liner's clean, vegan formula glides smoothly without tugging, perfect for creating a sharp cat eye or blending out for a smokey look. And it's not just about the look; this pencil features a wood barrel, making it a better choice for the environment.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix - Multi-Use Eye, Cheek & Lip Waterproof Liquid Pigment

An award-winning, multi-use, long-wearing, waterproof, and buildable all-over high pigment color.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glaze-On Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadow

The glaze and glow with this liquid shimmer eyeshadow includes a built-in brush for easy application.

Neen Pretty Extra

Neen's mascara is made with nourishing castor and argan oils that keep lashes shiny, hydrated, and not stiff.

Step 2: Sculpt Your Cheekbones

Barose says the drama shouldn't stop at the eyes. To create “razor-sharp cheekbones,” he recommends contouring the cheeks before adding a shimmery highlighter along the tops of the cheekbones for even more definition and shine.

e.l.f. Camo Liquid Bronzer & Contour

The silky contour makeup blends seamlessly into skin for a natural-looking finish that lasts all day.

Neen Pretty Shiny

This is my absolute favorite highlighter. It gives such a beautiful finish without looking patchy or chunky on the skin, no matter what color you choose. Plus, it melts right in. Pro tip? Mix a tiny bit of this into your foundation or tinted moisturizer for an effortless glow. Choose from three shades.

YISE Beauty Vacation Glow

This universal highlighter stick with skin-loving ingredients like Acai, Hazelnut, Pomegranate, and Avocado Oil hydrates and smoothes for a dewy, buildable glow that makes you look like you just got back from vacation.

Step 3: Don't Be Afraid of a Dark Lip

For the lips, Barose says to go all-in on the drama.

Start by lining and filling in the lips with a dark plum pencil before layering on a black cherry-toned lipstick. Finish by tapping a shiny plum gloss onto the center of the lips for dimension and extra drama.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long-Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

A velvety, transfer proof, waterproof formula that lasts up to six hours without smudging feathering. We recommend the shade "berry rose."

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