The “Old Hollywood Noir” Revival: Why Selena Gomez’s Deep Burgundy Look is 2026’s Biggest Vibe
If there is one thing we know about the 2026 awards season, it’s that the “Clean Girl” aesthetic has officially left the building. In its place? A moody, cinematic, and deeply sophisticated energy that feels like a love letter to 1940s film noir, reimagined for the digital age. Leading the charge at this year’s Golden Globes was none other than Selena Gomez, whose custom Chanel ensemble and striking “Black Cherry” lip sent social media into a total frenzy.
For years, the red carpet has been dominated by “no-makeup makeup” and sheer, glossy finishes. But Selena’s look signaled a massive “vibe shift” toward Rich Matte textures and high-drama contrast. It’s a look that feels grounded, powerful, and—most importantly—intentional. If you’re looking to trade in your lip oils for something with a bit more bite, here is why the “Noir Revival” is the trend to watch, and exactly how you can master the technique at home.
The Aesthetic: Why It Works Now
In 2026, we are seeing a collective desire for “Main Character Energy” that feels a bit more substantial than the trends of the past. The Old Hollywood Noir look works because it balances the soft, blurred skin we’ve come to love with a sharp, structural focus on the lips and eyes.
Selena’s look wasn’t just about the color; it was about the finish. By pairing a heavy, velvet-matte lip with what stylists are calling “Mannequin Skin” (skin that looks soft-focus and poreless but still matte), the result is a face that looks like it was lit by a professional cinematographer. It’s a departure from the “dewy” look that often reads as “sweaty” under harsh lights, offering a more polished, regal alternative.
Master the Look: The “Film Noir” Technique
Recreating a look this bold requires a bit more precision than your average five-minute morning routine. The key to a deep burgundy lip is ensuring it looks expensive and intentional, rather than messy. Here is your step-by-step guide to achieving the Selena-inspired glow-up.
1. The Canvas: “Mannequin” Skin
To let the burgundy lip shine, your skin needs to be a velvet canvas.
- The Technique: Start with a blurring primer specifically in the T-zone. Instead of a heavy, full-coverage foundation, use a skin tint and spot-conceal only where needed.
- The Secret: Set your face with a finely milled translucent powder using a powder puff. This creates that “blurred” effect seen on the red carpet. Skip the shimmering highlighter; if you want a glow, use a satin-finish setting spray at the very end.
2. The Eyes: Soft Sculpture
Since the lip is the star of the show, the eyes should provide support without competing.
- The Technique: Use a cool-toned taupe or soft brown shadow in the crease to create depth. Selena’s look featured a very subtle “kitten flick” eyeliner—a tiny, sharp wing that lifts the eye.
- The Secret: Use a chocolate brown liner instead of black. It maintains the moodiness of the look but keeps it from feeling too harsh against the deep lip color.
3. The Main Event: The “Black Cherry” Lip
Deep colors can be intimidating because they show every mistake. The trick is in the layering.
- The Technique: 1. Exfoliate: Deep mattes cling to dry patches. Use a sugar scrub first.2. The Map: Instead of lining the edges first, fill in the entire lip with a lip liner that matches your lipstick exactly. This acts as a “primer” and prevents the color from feathering.3. The Application: Apply your matte burgundy lipstick. For that 2026 “soft edge,” take a small, fluffy eyeshadow brush and gently buff the very outer edges of your lip line. This removes the “harsh” line and makes the lips look fuller and more modern.
- The Secret: Add a tiny dab of a slightly lighter red or berry shade right in the center of your pout. This creates a 3D effect that prevents the dark color from looking “flat.”
Making the Vibe Your Own
Step 1: The “Cloud Skin” K-Beauty Prep
Hung Vanngo revealed that the secret to Selena’s “lit from within” glow was a heavy dose of hydration using Dr. Althea products. This K-Beauty routine focuses on calming the skin and building a moisture barrier so makeup sits flawlessly without looking heavy.
- Soothe & Cool: Start with the StretchFit Calming Pads to depuff and cool the face.
- Intensive Hydration: Apply the 345 Relief Cream Mask for 10 minutes to deeply hydrate. Follow with the Aqua Marine Deep Serum for that bouncy, “glass skin” foundation.
- Seal it In: Layer the 345 Relief Cream and the PDRN Reju 5000 Cream to lock in moisture.
- The Glow Base: Mist the face with the 345 Relief Cream Mist and finish with Aqua Glowing Sunscreen to create a luminous, protected canvas.
Step 2: The Rare Beauty Sculpt
For the makeup, Vanngo used Selena’s own Rare Beauty line to create a soft, monochromatic warmth that didn’t compete with her bold lip.
- The Base: Prep with the Always an Optimist Illuminating Primer and apply the Positive Light SPF Tinted Moisturizer for breathable coverage.
- Brighten & Set: Use the Positive Light Undereye Brightener (Selena wears shade Light) and lock everything in with the True to Myself Tinted Pressed Powder.
- The Light: Sweep the Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter in Exhilarate on the high points of the face.
Step 3: The “Noir” Statement Lip
The showstopper of the night was the deep, moody red lip. This required a mix of Hung Vanngo Beauty products for maximum precision and staying power.
The Lips: Line and fill the lips with the Longwear Lip Liner in Above the Line. Then, apply the Creamy Matte Lipstick in New York Red—a deep, blue-toned burgundy that is the definition of 2026 chic.
The Eyes: Use the Wonderful Warm Eyeshadow Palette for a soft wash of color, and define the eyes with a sharp “kitten flick” using the Long-wear Gel Liner in Tie It Together. Finish with Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara.
Diana is the co-editor-in-chief of Feeling the Vibe. She loves pop culture and is always up to date on the latest news. If you have any tips or comments, email [email protected].