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If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about makeup launches this season, it’s that it’s not just what’s inside the latest palettes that will make your heart skip a beat. The packaging has become just as intricate and beautiful, positioning the best palettes for summer 2026 as little works of art that will decorate your dressing table as well as your complexion. In fact, this summer, I think they’ll be some of the most giftable beauty buys – although I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to keep them all for yourself. Here are my absolute favourites right now.
Beauty counters are awash with EYE-CATCHING BEAUTY PACKAGING at the moment, and it is doing as much of the talking as the shades inside, with intricate compacts, embossed detailing, and collectible, LIMITED-EDITION DESIGNS turning palettes into objects of desire. But it’s not just about aesthetics. The most considered palettes balance beautiful packaging with EXPERTLY THOUGHT OUT FORMULAS – think finely milled powders, multi-dimensional pigments, and textures that blend effortlessly without slipping down your face throughout the day.
Luxury makeup houses are brilliant at turning beauty essentials into little works of art, and brands like Sisley, YSL and Hermès have really excelled this season. I particularly love Dior’s ladybird motif palette too, complete with fabric petals that you just can’t help running your hand over. As always, Charlotte Tilbury is the perfect place to turn to for complexion-enhancing powders in the prettiest of packaging, while Sculpted by Aimee’s redesign not only means the cream blushers and bronzers look super chic, but are even more pigmented and still at great prices. In truth, though, I want to be using (and showing off) all the palettes that have made my shortlist.
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Lead image: Dior Beauty
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
