Vampy makeup is returning for fall, but according to E! News, the 2026 version is more polished than the classic smoky eye and red lip. The updated look leans into Old Hollywood style with dark metallic eye makeup, sculpted cheeks, dewy highlight and glossy black cherry lips.
Celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose, who created Lupita Nyong'o’s makeup looks for The Odyssey press tour, told E! that the look works best when both the eyes and lips are emphasized. He said the idea that people should choose only one is outdated, especially when going for a dramatic effect.
Barose described the look as better suited for a fun night out than for a morning meeting. He also broke down how to recreate it at home with product picks that include eyeliner, mascara, metallic eyeshadow, contour and black cherry lipstick.
For the eyes, Barose recommends lining and winging the lids with a black pencil, then layering a metallic pewter liquid eyeshadow on top before finishing with two coats of black mascara. He also suggests contouring the cheeks for sharper definition and adding highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones.
To finish the look, Barose advises outlining and filling in the lips with a dark plum pencil, then topping them with black cherry lipstick and a glossy plum shade in the center for extra dimension, according to E! News.
