The clothes that models wear on the runway are the main focus of Fashion Month runway. But the real story happens behind the scenes. In the middle of all the chaos of models rushing to fittings and getting ready for dress rehearsals backstage, I always notice the beauty teams working their magic quickly. Each swipe of colour, strip of lashes, and unexpected pop of colour gave a hint of where makeup is going next. And this is what I learned from following the pros around and talking to the artists who are making the looks for this season: A new era in makeup will begin in the spring of 2026.
This spring, we’re mixing the “clean-girl” look with bold lips and dramatic eyes, like in the grunge glam of the 1990s. Our lashes are getting a colourful upgrade too. Do you want to join in on the fun? Read on for a full list of the spring 2026 makeup trends and the best products to use with them.
Skinimalism
In the spring of 2026, skin care will be the new makeup. Celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani said at TWP, “You need less makeup when you use great skin care products like Danucera to prepare your skin.” Danuta Mieloch, a well-known aesthetician and the person who started Danucera, said, “Makeup only looks good on skin that is healthy.” The 5-step routine from Danucera is the easiest way to get ready because it starts with balance, then hydration, and finally structure. The glow seems to come from inside. Borghese gave every model a mini facial backstage at Christian Siriano before they got in the makeup chair. Christian Siriano wanted the skin to have a natural healthy glow, according to aesthetician Gabriel Taylor. That’s what people know Borghese for.
Advanced Fango Delicato Mud Mask from Borghese Advanced Fango Delicato Mud Mask is available at Amazon. Revive Hydrogel Moisturiser is $195 at Nordstrom.
Dark and Stormy Eyes
We’re going to make the eyes more dramatic, even though we’re trying to keep the skin as light as possible. Taylor said backstage, “The real star this year is a bold eye.” Grungy glam has been coming back into style for a while, but now it’s here to stay. Diane Kendal, the makeup artist, says, “For the Khaite show, I was inspired by the grunge look of the ’90s. I imagined the models waking up the morning after an epic party.” “I used Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick to get that smudged smoky look on my eyes, and then I put Climax Mascara on my lashes.”
I love the smell that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy always wears.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s signature scent is one of my favourites.
All the Hottest Trends That Will Shape Beauty in 2026
UK Retirement Age Shakeup Begins as Pension System Moves Beyond Age 67 for Future Generations
The Most Popular Styles That Will Shape Beauty in 2026
I Changed My Hair with CBK-Inspired Extensions and Bought Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Favourite Lipsticks
Nar Nars Climax Mascara Explicit Black is $28 at Nordstrom. Shu Uemura Eye Sculpt Quad is $37 at shuuemura-usa.com.
Statement Lips
Isamaya Ffrench, the makeup artist for this year’s Off-White show, says, “For spring summer ’26, it’s all about the lip.” Dark browns, deep pinks, and real reds will be the most popular colours. Ffrench says, “We used all the beautiful brownie tones from Refy’s lip library to make a really strong, statement lip.” Deney Adam, an artist at The Blonds, chose bright red matte lips with MAC lipstick in the colours Ruby Woo and Lady Danger.
Lipstick with a silky matte finish from Macximal
It’s time to start buying fake lashes because this spring full flirty, and even colourful ones are all the rage. Ffrench worked with Lashify at Collina Strada to make colourful lash wings. She says, “Each model has a colour that either goes with their look or stands out from it.” T. Cooper, a makeup artist at Alice + Olivia, said she “played up the lashes” by putting Ardell falsies on them and covering them in metallic gold shadow. Ffrench says that at Eckhaus Latta, “lashes were the centrepiece, carrying through that sense of softness.” White mascara was used to make the lashes stand out.
I love a lot of blush, but it looks like the days of ultra layered blush are coming to an end. Using the Morphe Cheap Thrills Trio, makeup artist Olivia Madorma gave the cheeks a little pop of colour for a healthy flush at PatBo. Shyanna Lundi, a makeup artist at LoveShack Fancy, used the Tarte Maracuja Multi-Stick blush to make a subtle warmth even in a store full of flirty pinks and feminine styles. And at Luar, there was no blush at all—only a little warmth from the MAC Skinfinish Sunstruck Matte Bronzer.
