The Top Beauty Trends From New York Fashion Week S/S 2026

The fall season always feels like the perfect time for a reset — and what better way to channel that energy than with a fresh beauty look? Luckily, New York Fashion Week has begun just in time.

On Sept. 11, the Spring/Summer 2026 shows came in with a bang. As you gander at the style trends parading down the runways, you’ll want to take notice of the hairstyles and makeup looks — because even though designers are showing their collections for later seasons, the glam and hair hitting the runway are poised to influence beauty trends much sooner.

So far, one thing’s for sure: beauty is leaning experimental, playful, and anything but predictable. At Collina Strada, for instance, models sported a more literal take on a cat eye than you might be used to, along with actual hair hats for even more of an animal-like effect. Multiple shows — including Michael Kors and Jonathan Simkhai — proved that beach waves are a year-round staple. Grace Ling, meanwhile, sent down a futuristic spin on smoky glam that feels instantly wearable.

Ahead, a look at the standout beauty moments from New York Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2026 shows.

1. Waves On Waves On Waves

If one hairstyle has dominated the runways this season, it’s waves — the more textured, the better. After making an appearance at both Paris Couture and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks, the romantic, undone hairstyle was spotted at Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Ulla Johnson, and Jonathan Simkhai — with models wearing their wavy strands down and in a middle part at each one.

Lead hair artist Holli Smith — who used Moroccanoil products — was inspired by effortless, undone beach waves when creating Simkhai’s look. “Something that captures movement and texture without looking over-styled,” she said.

2. Feline Eyes & Hair Hats

When Collina Strada teams up with Isamaya Ffrench and Mustafa Yanaz, avant-garde artistry is guaranteed. For the show, makeup artist Ffrench created feline-inspired glam with colorful wing-tipped lashes (via Lashify) and a shimmery cat eye. Hairstylist Yanaz leaned all the way in with statement-making “hair hats” — masterpieces he crafted using extensions crocheted into baseball caps and beanies, with some styling assistance from Bumble and Bumble products. The result? Surreal, animalistic beauty that blurred the line between fashion and fantasy.

3. Romancecore

The “shy girl” makeup trend isn’t going anywhere, if NYFW has anything to say about it (it does). At LoveShackFancy, key makeup artist Shyanna Lundi honored the brand’s signature romantic aesthetic with equally sweet and coquettish glam. Petal pink blush took center stage, and was accented with faux freckles (via Tarte’s Faux Freckle Stamp) for a “wanderlust cowgirl glow.”

A similar soft pink flush graced models’ cheeks and temples — a ’70s glamour-inspired look Diane Kendal created using Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream and The Multiple stick in the Fierce shade.

4. Futuristic Smoky Eyes

Smoky eyes are back in a big way, but Grace Ling’s runway look made them feel new. Makeup artist Diane Kendal used Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Sticks in deep browns and blacks to create a bold, futuristic eye with an experimental edge. Less grunge revival and more high-glam sci-fi, the look gave classic smoky shadow an ultra-modern update.

5. “Brownie Lips”

At Off-White, the statement lip was given a moody ’90s twist. Ffrench paired the fashion collection’s sculptural shapes and motorcycle vibes with an equally edgy bold pout. The makeup artist went with autumnal brownie tones — using Refy’s Lip Sculpt and soon-to-launch Lip Stick — to create a lip that speaks for itself.

6. Blue Eyeshadow

This season’s eye makeup trends aren’t exactly demure. The glam at Anna Sui, Wilberto Perez, and Ulla Johnson featured vibrant blue eyeshadow that stole the spotlight, proving it’s the hottest hue to swipe across your lids.

Dame Pat McGrath keyed the “windswept romance” look at Anna Sui, complete with rich, desert-sky-at-twilight blue shadow and matching lashes to evoke unapologetic maximalism. Over at Wilberto Perez, models sported a slightly softer sapphire on their eyes that morphed into an iridescent purply pink at the temples and cheekbones for a bold yet feminine finish. Meanwhile, celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani created a “watercolor blue” eyeshadow look using Sisley’s Les Phyto-Ombres shadow in the 30 Silky Sky shade.

7. ’80s Punk

Another strong case for maximalist makeup was spotted at The Blonds, where makeup artist Deney Adam created two equally daring takes on ’80s punk glam (“Debbie Harry meets Dynasty,” as he described them). Both featured smoldering eyes — one in red (via M.A.C.’s Basic Red Chromaline Eyeliner), the other in black (using M.A.C.’s Smolder Eye Kohl pencil) — and head-turning red lips for looks that served a sophisticated attitude.