The return of Claudia Winkleman as host of the BBC's hit show The Traitors has once again turned the spotlight on her unmistakable and influential beauty style. As the fourth 'civilian' series captivates audiences in early 2026, Winkleman's signature look is inspiring a major beauty resurgence, proving that her smudged, lived-in aesthetic is more popular than ever.
The Rise of the 'Winkleman Grunge'
Recent months have seen a significant surge in online searches for the presenter's iconic style. According to data from Pinterest, queries for terms like "90s grunge makeup" and "soft grunge makeup look" have doubled, highlighting a clear shift in beauty trends. This movement is moving decisively away from heavily filtered perfection and towards a more expressive, effortless approach to cosmetics.
Makeup expert Emily Howarth, the Global Head of Makeup at AVON, explains the phenomenon. "Claudia Winkleman’s eye-makeup has become a cultural touchpoint, an unapologetically smudged, lived-in look that resonates because it feels real," she says. "Her signature style taps into a recent beauty movement, as makeup shifts away from precision and perfection, and toward expression and ease."
Deconstructing the Signature Look
So, what are the key components of this coveted style? The look is built on three pillars: the smoky eye, a warm complexion, and a neutral lip. Howarth emphasises that creamy, blendable textures are essential for achieving that perfectly imperfect grunge-inspired finish.
For the eyes, the hero product is a versatile black eyeliner that can be smudged for a soft, smoky effect. An affordable and highly-rated option is the AVON Ultra Colour Glimmerstick Eyeliner, priced at just £6.50. Its long-wearing formula allows for easy blending to create that signature 'just-applied' yet lived-in drama.
Winkleman's radiant, sun-kissed glow is reportedly achieved with a favourite high-end product: the Lancôme Flash Bronzer Face Gel for £27.50. This product helps to create a natural, bronzed complexion that balances the intensity of the eye makeup.
The final touch is a neutral lip colour that doesn't compete with the eyes. Claudia is famously devoted to a matte nude shade, specifically MAC's MACximal Satin Lipstick in the shade 'Fleshpot', which costs £20. This choice perfectly offsets the smoky eye, completing a look that is both bold and beautifully balanced.
Affordable Alternatives for the Iconic Style
The great news for beauty enthusiasts is that this iconic look doesn't require a luxury budget. While Winkleman's personal favourites include premium brands, the aesthetic can be successfully recreated with more accessible products. The key is focusing on the technique—opting for creamy formulations and embracing a less precise, more blended application.
The trend underscores a broader shift in the beauty industry, where individuality and a sense of ease are prized over rigid perfection. As The Traitors 2026 continues to air, Claudia Winkleman's style serves as a masterclass in confident, characterful makeup that is designed to be worn, not just seen.
