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From conscious luxury and lab-grown diamonds to intentional beauty and timeless fashion, here’s how evolving consumer values are reshaping beauty and fashion in 2026.
Consumers are no longer asking what’s new, they’re asking what lasts, what feels right, and what reflects who they truly are.
As 2026 approaches, beauty and fashion are undergoing a meaningful recalibration. What once revolved around trend cycles, seasonal indulgence, and outward markers of status is steadily giving way to intention, identity, and emotional connection. Across jewellery, makeup, and fashion, brands are observing a consumer who is more informed, more selective, and deeply invested in personal relevance rather than performative consumption.
Jewellery Moves From Occasion to Identity
For Kataria Jewellers, jewellery in 2026 will no longer be reserved for milestone moments. According to Yash Kataria, Director, Kataria Group of Companies, consumers are shifting from buying pieces to match outfits toward building deeply personal jewellery wardrobes. “Jewellery is becoming less about status and more about identity,” he notes.
There is a growing gravitation towards colour, gemstones, softer hues, and imperfect cuts, pieces that feel expressive rather than uniform. Heirloom-inspired designs are being reimagined in lighter weights, modular formats, and silhouettes meant to be layered and worn daily. Transparency is equally crucial; buyers want to understand sourcing, craftsmanship, and the story behind what they wear.
This sentiment is echoed by Everbrite Jewellery and Diamonds. Founder Mehul Jain points to a strong shift toward conscious luxury, particularly among millennial consumers. Lab-grown diamond jewellery, he says, is redefining value offering the brilliance and durability of mined diamonds while aligning with sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency.
Versatility is key. “We’re seeing growing demand for design-led jewellery that transitions seamlessly from day to evening,” explains Jain. Bespoke pieces with custom motifs and engravings are also gaining momentum, reflecting a desire for uniqueness and personal storytelling. While experimentation grows, classic categories such as eternity rings and diamond stud earrings remain perennial favourites, followed closely by minimal pendants and stackable bracelets.
A similar evolution is visible at Treasures By Tiara. Founder Tiara Dhody notes that by late 2025, jewellery was already being chosen for everyday life rather than just special occasions. Silver, once secondary to gold, has emerged as a preferred material for its modern appeal and adaptability. In 2026, she sees a continued focus on handcrafted details, tactile finishes, and playful motifs that allow jewellery to layer, evolve, and integrate effortlessly into real lifestyles.
Beauty Becomes Less Performative, More Purposeful
In beauty, the transformation is equally profound. House Of Makeup observes that by 2026, beauty routines will feel far less performative and far more personal. Founder and CEO Harlin Sachdeva explains that consumers are moving away from heavy, full-coverage makeup towards products that enhance rather than mask.
Ingredient-led formulations that address real skin concerns are increasingly preferred. “The future isn’t just multifunctional products,” Sachdeva notes, “but truly functional ones.” A tinted moisturiser, for instance, is expected to hydrate, provide light coverage, and enhance natural glow in a single step. As innovation accelerates, simpler routines are becoming a conscious choice rather than a compromise.
This philosophy aligns closely with insights from Karibo Cosmetics. Co-founders Jasmin Shah and Bhakti Bhanushali observe that beauty has shifted from surface transformation to emotional experience. Consumers spanning Gen Z to parents are demanding transparency, safe formulations, and wellness-aligned products that feel meaningful rather than superficial.
“In 2026, intentional beauty will take precedence over trend-led experimentation,” they note, with a growing emphasis on skin health, emotional resonance, and products that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Fashion Slows Down, Becomes More Human
Fashion, too, is embracing restraint and longevity. At Siorai, founder Alayna Zaid sees a clear shift towards modest silhouettes, clean lines, and intentional design. Rather than chasing trends, consumers are prioritising quality, versatility, and craftsmanship.
“There is a renewed appreciation for authenticity,” Zaid says, whether expressed through fabric choice, fit, or the story behind a garment. Emotional connection to clothing is becoming a key factor in purchase decisions, reinforcing a move towards timeless fashion designed with purpose.
This evolution resonates strongly with Anaar. Founder Tanushri Biyani believes that by 2026, fashion purchases will be driven more by intention than impulse. Comfort and craftsmanship will matter as much as aesthetics, while occasion wear will increasingly blend into everyday wardrobes.
“Fashion is becoming more human,” Biyani explains less about fleeting trends and more about connection, personal meaning, and real lifestyles. Personalisation and thoughtful design, she adds, will be central to how consumers choose what they wear.
The Bigger Picture
Across categories, the message is consistent: 2026 belongs to brands that understand restraint, transparency, and emotional relevance. Whether it’s jewellery designed for everyday self-expression, makeup that supports skin health, or fashion built around longevity and comfort, the future of beauty and fashion lies in intentional choices.
Consumers are no longer asking what’s new, they’re asking what lasts, what feels right, and what reflects who they truly are.
December 23, 2025, 12:17 IST
