Our Elate Palette of Possibility
Every year, the world waits to see what shade Pantone crowns as the official Colour of the Year. And while we love the ritual of it all, we couldn’t help smiling when we saw 2026’s choice: Cloud Dancer. A beautiful name, yes. But let’s be honest - it’s… basically white.
And maybe that’s exactly why it struck a chord.
After years of global heaviness, aesthetic minimalism, quiet quitting, loud quitting, and more self-optimization advice than any of us asked for, many of us are craving something with a little more substance. A little more depth. A little more joy.
So at Elate, we decided 2026 needs its own palette. One built not from trends, but from feelings.
Because makeup has never just been colour. It’s how we express who we are, and sometimes, who we’re becoming.
Here’s why we’re stepping boldly into 2026 with five intentional themes based on our thoughtful brand colours: Grounded, Aligned, Radiant, Playful, and Clear.
Grounded (Terracotta)
A return to what matters.
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that faster isn’t always better. A new year can feel like a fresh push, but we believe it should feel like settling into yourself. Terracotta is the colour of steady roots, of warm soil, of coming back home (to your skin, your values, your rituals).
In 2026, we’re choosing grounded decisions, grounded routines, grounded beauty.
No more rushing. No more urgency for urgency’s sake.
Just a solid foundation to grow from.
Aligned (Teal)
When yes feels like yes.
One of the most overlooked beauty rituals is alignment — the quiet process of choosing what’s right for you and releasing what isn’t. Teal reflects calm confidence, inner clarity, and the energy shift that happens when your choices match your values.
2026 is about moving in alignment, not obligation.
Choosing beauty that feels good, not just looks good.
Choosing routines that support you, not deplete you.
When you’re aligned, everything becomes easier, and more beautiful.
Radiant (Mustard Gold)
You deserve to shine.
Radiance isn’t about being loud; it’s about being luminous. Light that comes from within, not applied on top. Gold is the colour of expansion, the warm glow of stepping into your power, even if it’s been dimmed by stress, comparison, or burnout.
We want 2026 to be the year you take up space without apologizing.
The year you let your natural glow, your natural features, your natural beauty lead the way.
Because radiance spreads. And we need more of that.
Playful (Lilac Pink)
Joy as an act of resilience.
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we’re big believers in beauty being joyful, not performative, not prescriptive. Playfulness is a return to curiosity, to experimentation, to wearing a colour just because it makes you feel alive.
Lilac pink reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.
To smile. To try the bold blush. To explore. To create.
2026 deserves more moments that spark joy simply for joy’s sake.
Play is powerful. And we need it now more than ever.
Clear (Slate)
Clarity is a kindness.
Most of us are carrying too much. Too many obligations, too many “shoulds,” too many half-finished routines cluttering our bathroom drawers. Slate gray is a reminder that simplicity can be beautiful, and that boundaries can be soft but firm.
2026 is the year of clarity:
Clear routines. Clear values. Clearer energy.
Finishing what you have. Refilling what you love.
Letting go of the rest.
In beauty, in business, in life — clarity makes space for joy.
The case against "Cloud Dancer"
We love the intention behind Pantone’s Colour of the Year — but Cloud Dancer feels almost symbolic of what we don’t want more of: blankness. Neutrality. A world washed out to the point of sameness.
The world doesn’t need more white space.
It needs more colour. More emotion. More expression. More you.
2026 is not the year to fade into the background — it’s the year to take up space, boldly, softly, playfully, intentionally.
Our Wish for 2026
As a beauty brand committed to thoughtful creation and meaningful rituals, we believe colour can be a compass — guiding us toward a life that feels rich, connected, and joy-filled.
Our Elate palette for 2026 is more than a moodboard.
It’s an invitation:
🧡 Be grounded.
💙 Seek alignment.
💛 Choose radiance.
💗 Make room for play.
🩶 Move with clarity.
More colour. More joy. More beauty that reflects a mindful life.
Which colour will you carry into 2026?
