Beauty Trend Forecast 2026: Macro Trend 05 – Dreamy Escapism
- Jennifer Carlsson
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Fantasy Meets Function: The Rise of Dreamy Escapism
The Dreamy Escapism macro trend celebrates the transformative power of beauty as playful escapism. Fuelled by whimsical aesthetics, sensorial textures, and nostalgia-infused design, this trend reimagines everyday cosmetics as portals into a more joyful, imaginative world.
Anchored in pastel palettes, storybook motifs, and collectible packaging, Dreamy Escapism makes affordable indulgence feel magical. Whether through cushion compacts, jelly blushes, or pop culture collaborations, the experience is designed to delight the senses and encourage creative expression.
This is beauty as mood-lifting ritual—where products aren’t just functional, but also serve as tiny tokens of joy, inviting users to pause, play, and share. As more brands blend fantasy visuals with high-performing formulas, the Dreamy Escapism macro trend proves that quality, creativity, and accessibility no longer need to be mutually exclusive.
This macro trend is featured in our Beauty Trend Forecast 2026, part of the free downloadable report now available right here! For further insight into brand strategy, aesthetic direction, and market opportunity across categories, explore the full trend reports on Skincare, Makeup, Haircare, and Fragrance.
Key Points
Whimsical Aesthetics
Playful, Sensorial Formulations
Affordable Indulgence
Limited Editions & Collaborations
Age
Gen-Z & Millennials
Average Price Point
$ 16
Trend Phase
Rising
Brand Archetype
Brand Examples
Amuse
Bbia
Clio Cosmetics
Colorgram
Dasique
Espoir
Etude
Flortte
Flower Knows
Fwee
Judydoll
Lily by Red
Nuse
Peripera
Romand
Trixie Cosmetics
Unleashia
Wake Make
Whimsical Aesthetics
At the heart of Dreamy Escapism is a distinct visual language defined by pastel hues, storybook motifs, and intricate packaging details that elevate cosmetics into collectible treasures. Brands craft fantastical worlds through design—think fairy wings, celestial embossing, and translucent compacts—that spark nostalgia and delight. These dreamy aesthetics do more than catch the eye; they offer consumers a temporary escape from everyday life, turning a swipe of blush or gloss into a moment of playful self-indulgence.
Playful, Sensorial Formulations
Formulations in this space invite experimentation through texture, colour, and finish. Jelly blushes, cushion tints, shimmering glosses, and holographic powders offer a tactile and visual experience that engages all the senses. Application becomes an act of play, whether it’s swirling a finger in a pudding pot or layering colour-shifting shimmer across the cheeks. These sensorial elements not only enhance product enjoyment but also encourage content creation across social platforms, where texture and transformation are central to virality.
Affordable Indulgence
Dreamy Escapism thrives on the idea that beauty can be luxurious without the high price tag. Products are typically priced under $20, making them easy to purchase on impulse and accessible to a broad audience. Despite their whimsical packaging and imaginative concepts, the formulas often rival prestige alternatives in quality and performance. This sweet spot between affordability and delight fosters repeat purchases, spontaneous hauls, and the feeling of guilt-free joy with every new release.
Limited Editions & Collaborations
The trend leans heavily on limited-edition drops and pop culture tie-ins that amplify urgency and appeal. Collaborations with anime series, nostalgic cartoons, and gaming franchises transform collections into must-have cultural artifacts. These releases often feature reimagined packaging, character cameos, and themed shade names that excite fans and collectors alike. By merging fantasy aesthetics with cultural relevance, these collabs drive social chatter and cultivate loyal brand communities eager for the next magical drop.
Brands to Watch
Flower Knows
Flower Knows, a Chinese brand known for its whimsical, storybook-inspired packaging, blends fantasy aesthetics with reliable formulations and accessible pricing. Each launch presents a fully themed collection—complete with matching accessories—that turns every product into a collectible experience. While its dreamy designs have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, the brand’s soft textures and user-friendly performance ensure it delivers substance along with style, capturing the hearts of beauty lovers seeking escapism and enchantment.
Romand
Romand, South Korea’s trend-savvy brand, rose to fame with its viral lip tints and continues to deliver fashionable, easy-to-use makeup in sleek yet playful packaging. Founded by influencer Saeron Min, Romand emphasizes wearable color and practical design, catering to both beauty beginners and trend-conscious enthusiasts. Its consistent innovation, accessible pricing, and strong online presence have made it a go-to for fresh, flattering looks with a youthful edge.
Fwee
Fwee stands out in the K-beauty scene with its colourful minimalism and fun, sensorial formulations like the popular Lip & Cheek Pudding Pots. Following its 2024 rebrand, the brand has gained traction for offering innovative textures and bold colour stories in a streamlined, modern format. Designed for experimentation without overwhelm, Fwee’s affordable, visually engaging products cater to makeup lovers eager to explore new looks with ease and creativity.
Amuse
Amuse, founded in 2017, is a Seoul-based brand celebrated for its pastel-hued packaging and sleek, trend-aware design. It strikes a distinctive balance between soft minimalism and playful innovation, offering seasonal collections that feel modern without being overstated. Best known for its cult-favourite Lip Tints, Amuse focuses on lightweight, skin-enhancing textures that deliver a polished yet effortless finish. Recent releases blur the line between beauty and accessory, with packaging that functions as rings or charms—making the brand’s products both wearable and whimsically collectible.
