Honestly, if you haven't checked your TikTok feed lately, you might not even recognize the person once famous for neon bows and side ponytails. The conversation around JoJo Siwa with makeup has shifted so drastically over the last few years that it’s almost like we’re talking about two different human beings. Remember the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards? That was the "Karma" era, where she showed up looking like a member of Kiss, with black paint smeared across her face in a jagged bat-wing design. People were genuinely shocked. Some were even a little scared.
But here we are in 2026, and the "Bad Girl" phase has evolved into something way more interesting—and surprisingly sophisticated.
It’s not just about the paint anymore. It’s about a 22-year-old woman figuring out who "Joelle" is versus the "JoJo" brand she built since she was nine. If you’re still picturing her with a handful of glitter and a Claire’s palette, you’re about three eras behind.
The Death of the "Bow Era" Aesthetic
For a decade, the JoJo Siwa makeup routine was basically a high-visibility vest in cosmetic form. It was all about the neon pinks, the heavy-duty hairspray, and the literal pounds of loose glitter glued to her temples. It was stage makeup designed for the nosebleed seats.
Then came the pivot.
When she started experimenting with more "mature" looks, the internet didn't know how to handle it. You probably remember that viral video with James Charles back in 2020. He stripped her down to a "natural" glam look, and she looked like a totally different person. She even said she felt like she was looking at "Joelle" instead of JoJo. That was the first real crack in the armor. It showed us that beneath the branding, there was a face that actually looked great with a soft wing and a nude lip.
The "Karma" Shock Factor
When she finally ditched the Nickelodeon contract, she swung the pendulum as far as it could go. The JoJo Siwa with makeup headlines in early 2024 were dominated by that "Gene Simmons" aesthetic.
- Heavy black cream shadows.
- Rhinestones glued in aggressive, geometric shapes.
- Fauxhawks and leather.
It was jarring. Was it "good" makeup? Technically, it was high-concept artistry. Was it wearable? Absolutely not. But it served its purpose: it killed the child star image. It was a tactical use of cosmetics to tell the world that the girl who sold bows at Walmart was officially dead.
What Joelle Siwa's Makeup Looks Like in 2026
Fast forward to today. As of January 2026, JoJo—who has started going more by her birth name, Joelle—has settled into a "soft-edgy" vibe that actually makes a lot of sense.
She’s currently dating Chris Hughes (yes, the Love Island alum), and fans have noticed her look has become significantly more "classy" and refined. It’s a mix of London cool and LA glam.
The Current Go-To Routine
She isn't just slapping on face paint for shock value anymore. She’s actually leaning into high-end beauty trends. You'll see her rocking a "cloud skin" finish—that soft matte look that isn't quite dewy but isn't dry either.
Here is what her current makeup bag usually holds:
- A blurred base: She’s been spotted using the Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Tint—a product she actually helped launch during a massive "Teddy Takeover" campaign in New York.
- The Signature Wing: She hasn't totally abandoned the drama. She still loves a sharp, black liquid liner, but now it’s paired with a clean lid instead of three different colors of neon glitter.
- Defined Brows: Gone are the days when her brows were hidden behind a rhinestone mask. Now, they’re laminated and feathered.
- Strategic Bling: She still loves a sparkle, but it’s more "Euphoria" and less "Dance Moms." Think a single, well-placed crystal at the inner corner of the eye.
The Maybelline Era and Why It Matters
One of the biggest shifts for JoJo Siwa with makeup was her partnership with Maybelline New York. Seeing a "prestige-legacy" brand take her seriously was a turning point. In early 2025, she was the face of their Teddy Takeover, appearing behind a mask before a big reveal on national TV.
This mattered because it moved her from the "kids' toy aisle" to the "adult beauty aisle."
When you see her now, she’s often wearing a "Super Stay" foundation or a serum-infused lipstick. It’s practical. It stays on through a dance routine, but it looks like something you could actually wear to dinner without people staring. It's a balance. She’s still high-energy, but the makeup is no longer a costume. It's a tool.
Addressing the "Blackface" and Asbestos Scandals
We can't talk about JoJo and makeup without acknowledging the messes.
Years ago, her Claire’s makeup kits were recalled because they allegedly contained asbestos. It was a PR nightmare. Then there was the controversy over a music video where people accused her of using "blackface" (she later clarified it was "circus" style makeup and the performers were meant to be animals, but the damage was done).
These moments shaped how she uses makeup today. She is much more careful about what she puts her name on. In 2026, you don't see "JoJo Siwa" branded makeup palettes for $5 at the mall. Instead, you see her collaborating with established, dermatologically tested brands. She’s learned that the "JoJo" name isn't enough; the quality has to be there, or the internet will tear her apart.
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How to Get the 2026 Joelle Look
If you’re trying to replicate her current style, you need to think about "clean-girl-meets-rockstar."
Start with a really good primer. Since she dances so much, she uses grip primers—think the Power Grip from e.l.f. or something similar. Then, go for a medium coverage foundation. You want your freckles to show a little.
The eyes are where you can have fun. Take a black gel liner and do a classic wing. Then, take a small silver rhinestone and pop it right under your lower lash line, centered with your pupil. It’s a nod to her old self, but in a way that looks intentional and modern. Finish it with a blurred lip—nothing too sharp or "overlined." Use a tint and tap it in with your fingers.
Is the Glitter Truly Gone?
Mostly.
She still uses it for performances, but for red carpets in 2026, she’s opting for high-shine metallics instead. Think liquid silver shadows that give a wet look rather than chunky glitter that falls into your eyes. It’s a lot more "editorial."
Honestly, it's been a wild ride watching this transformation. From a child star who wasn't allowed to have a "real" face, to a rebel trying to shock everyone with Kiss paint, to a 22-year-old woman who finally seems comfortable in her own skin. It’s more than just a change in products; it’s a change in how she sees herself.
Next Steps for Your Own Routine:
- Switch to Tints: If you're still using heavy lipsticks, try a lip mousse or tint like the Maybelline Teddy Tint she favors for a more natural, "blurred" finish.
- Precision Over Volume: Swap the "glitter everywhere" approach for one or two high-impact rhinestones to elevate a standard glam look.
- Prioritize Skin Prep: JoJo's 2026 look relies on a flawless, hydrated base. Invest in a serum-based primer to keep your makeup from looking "caked" during long days.