Fashion Month Recap: Five Essential Beauty Trends for Autumn/Winter 2026
As Fashion Month wraps up from Paris to New York, the focus shifts from just clothes to captivating beauty trends that are sure to dominate the upcoming season. With a fascinating blend of nostalgia and modern flair, here’s a look at the five standout beauty trends to invest in for Autumn/Winter 2026.
1. Nineties-Inspired Eyes and Lips
The Nineties aesthetic made a grand return on the runways, with models sporting everything from pastel eyeshadows to bold grunge eyeliners. For instance, at the Conner Ives show in London, MAC’s director of make-up artistry, Dominic Skinner, evoked a “vintage femme fatale” look, featuring dusty blue and pink eyeshadows, pencil-thin brows, and matte dusty pink lips.
Gucci echoed this playful nostalgia, showcasing dramatic smoky eyes paired with nude-lined lips. This homage to Nineties beauty is underscored by the appearance of supermodel Kate Moss, further driving home the theme.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner, Longwear Waterproof Eyeliner, £33
Dior Diorshow Mono Couleur Eyeshadow, £33
MAC MACximal Silky Matte Viva Glam Lipstick, £25
2. Glossy and Sleek Hair
This season saw the return of smooth and shiny straight hair, often styled for a glass-like finish. Designers like Saint Laurent leaned into this trend, showcasing side-parted styles slicked back into low buns, which were complemented by smoky eyes and sculpted cheeks that echoed Nineties minimalism.
Chet Lo’s show at London Fashion Week featured pin-straight “glass hair,” which stylist Anna Cofone noted as a refreshing change after seasons focused on volume and texture.
Victoria Beckham also embraced the sleek look, opting for soft side parts and low ponytails, which added a touch of effortless femininity to her collection.
To achieve that smooth polish, use leave-in anti-frizz creams to nourish and enhance shine.
Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum, £35
Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix Fibre Sealer, £26.95, Eds Hair
3. Experimenting with Blush
A significant shift has occurred in blush tones, moving from mauve and pink to warmer shades of peach and coral for Autumn/Winter 2026. Notable figures like Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber have popularized this trend of “flushed cheeks.”
At Simone Rocha, the make-up artist opted to use lipstick for a raw, ruddy effect on the cheeks, while Erdem went for a lighter cranberry flush to complement softer colors in their collection.
Coral Powder Blush with Orange Undertones
Nars Powder Blush in Matte Papaya Coral, £35.50
4. The Timeless Red Lip
While some designers opted for subtly lined nude lips, others leaned into the iconic red lip. At Saint Laurent, the deep-red gloss paired beautifully with smoky eyes, creating a look reminiscent of glamorous 1970s beauty campaigns.
Jean Paul Gaultier took a similar route, using a rich, wet-looking red to provide a striking contrast to heavily lined eyes. This season’s red lips, flourishing in glossy formulations, continue to prove the classic shade’s ability to reign supreme on the runway.
Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4, £32
Elf Cosmetics Lip Lacquer in Clear, £5
5. Doll-Inspired Looks
Perhaps the most surprising trend this season is the resurgence of doll-inspired beauty. This look features porcelain skin and softly exaggerated features, giving models an almost ethereal edge.
Designers like Dreaming Eli embraced pale, flawless skin, while Vivienne Westwood paired doll-like lips with theatrical elements.
Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder, £38.50
Conclusion
The beauty trends emerging from Fashion Month illustrate an exciting blend of retro influences and contemporary styles. As you look to refresh your beauty routine for the upcoming season, consider incorporating these captivating looks into your repertoire. Whether embracing the boldness of Nineties eyes or the elegance of a sleek, shiny finish, these trends offer something for everyone ready to make a statement.
