The 5 Biggest Beauty Trends of New York Fashion Week, From Watercolor Eyes to Shimmering Metallics

Each season, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) does more than showcase clothing—it sets the tone for what’s next in beauty trends. For spring/summer 2026, the runways weren’t just about flowing dresses or sharp tailoring; they spotlighted a powerful beauty shift that emphasized freshness, creativity, and individuality.

From watercolor eyes that looked like dreamy paintings to shimmering metallics that caught the light at every angle, the city’s beauty direction was both imaginative and wearable. Below, we explore the five biggest beauty trends of New York Fashion Week, breaking down how they appeared on the runway and how they can inspire everyday looks.

Soft Strokes: Watercolor Eyes and Painterly Makeup

One of the most enchanting trends to emerge was watercolor-inspired makeup, where eyes and lips resembled soft brushstrokes of pastel art.

At Collina Strada, makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench created ethereal eyes using iridescent shades of pink, blue, and gold. These hues were blended in gentle, cloud-like shapes, giving a sense of lightness and whimsy. Similarly, Anna Sui introduced “desert skies at twilight” eyes in shades of deep blue and violet, complete with sky-blue lashes for a surreal effect.

Ulla Johnson carried the painterly narrative forward, with makeup artist Romy Soleimani drawing inspiration from artist Helen Frankenthaler’s Western Dreams. Eyes were veiled in delicate tones of rose, powder blue, and glowing gold.

Even lips took on this artistic softness. At Sandy Liang, models wore painterly lips in muted pinks and corals, blurred at the edges for a dreamy, watercolor finish.

Why it matters: The watercolor makeup trend signals a shift toward creativity and self-expression in beauty. It’s about blending colors seamlessly to create a soft-focus effect that feels both romantic and modern.

Glossed Over: Slick Hair with a Polished Edge

No spring beauty season is complete without some version of wet-look hair. This time, the effect was elevated into sleek, sculptural silhouettes.

At Khaite, legendary stylist Guido Palau slicked back models’ hair with mousse and hairspray, molding it into structured yet airy shapes. The result was both powerful and graceful, with hair flowing down the back like liquid silk.

Tory Burch took the trend in a different direction, pairing side-slicked styles with face-framing wisps for a look that was polished yet soft.

This return of glossy, high-shine hair reflects themes of renewal and freshness—perfectly in tune with spring’s energy.

Why it matters: Slicked hair continues to dominate because it strikes a balance between minimal effort and maximum impact. It’s a style that works for the runway, the red carpet, and everyday elegance.

The New ’90s: Moody Browns and Effortless Cool

The ’90s are officially back, but this time with an elevated, smudgier vibe. Matte browns took over both lips and eyes, bringing a nostalgic yet modern edge.

At Proenza Schouler, Fara Homidi created blurred, lived-in lips in warm brown shades. Using her signature Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil, she leaned into imperfection, proving that beauty doesn’t always have to be precise.

Isamaya Ffrench mirrored the effect at Off-White, using deep brownie tones for lips, while at Grace Ling, makeup artist Diana Kendal crafted sultry smoky eyes using NARS sticks in browns and blacks.

This ’90s beauty revival wasn’t just about matte finishes. It was about attitude—effortlessly cool, slightly undone, and always chic.

Why it matters: The trend shows a return to minimal but bold aesthetics, with brown lips and eyes offering a versatile option that works across skin tones and occasions.

Undone by Design: Carefree, Textured Hair

While slicked hair made its polished statement, the opposite end of the spectrum—undone, textured hair—was just as prevalent.

At Ulla Johnson, hairstylist Diego da Silva enhanced natural textures with soft waves and curls, using lightweight sprays for lift and movement. This “barely styled” look echoed the collection’s bohemian elegance.

Maria McManus brought a similar approach, with Antoinette Beenders crafting softly tousled hair that looked lived-in yet luxurious. Textured curls and waves flowed freely, creating a sense of ease and sustainability.

Even Michael Kors showcased a polished take on bohemian hair, layering textures with fringe to achieve a glowing, sunlit effect.

Why it matters: This trend reflects a growing appreciation for natural beauty and individuality. Textured, undone hair proves that effortlessness can be just as stylish as precision.

Molten Touch: Shimmering Metallics and Glitter

Perhaps the boldest beauty statement of NYFW was the explosion of shimmering metallics. From lashes to lips, glitter and foil transformed faces into radiant canvases.

At Ulla Johnson, lashes coated in gold leaf were the standout detail, catching the light with every blink. Diotima went futuristic, brushing silver glitter across temples and hairlines for an ethereal, cyborg-like effect.

Meanwhile, Luar turned up the drama with gold foil lips, creating a dazzling finish that demanded attention. Makeup artist Andrew Dahling, known for his bold artistry, proved that metallics can be both high-fashion and playful.

Why it matters: Metallics symbolize boldness, transformation, and celebration. Whether through glitter washes or foil accents, this trend invites experimentation and makes a statement of pure confidence.

Why These Beauty Trends Matter Beyond the Runway

What makes the spring/summer 2026 beauty trends particularly exciting is their balance of artistry and wearability. They inspire without alienating, encouraging both bold experimentation and subtle nods.

• Watercolor eyes encourage creative self-expression.

• Glossed hair offers a chic, polished option for any occasion.

• ’90s browns tap into timeless minimalism with a cool edge.

• Undone textures celebrate natural beauty.

• Shimmering metallics deliver head-turning drama for special moments.

Together, these trends reflect a larger cultural shift: fashion and beauty are no longer about perfection but about individuality, transparency, and confidence.

How to Bring NYFW Beauty Into Everyday Life

For those inspired by these runway looks, here are some practical ways to incorporate them into your daily routine:

• Try soft-focus makeup: Blend pastel shadows in circular motions for a watercolor-inspired eye look.

• Experiment with slick vs. tousled hair: Alternate between a sleek bun and textured waves to match your mood.

• Add brown tones to your makeup bag: A simple brown liner or lip pencil can bring a ’90s edge to any look.

• Play with metallic accents: A touch of shimmer on the inner corners of your eyes or a metallic lip gloss can give a nod to runway drama without overwhelming your style.

Final Thoughts

The 5 biggest beauty trends of New York Fashion Week—from watercolor eyes to shimmering metallics—prove that spring/summer 2026 is all about reinvention, creativity, and individuality. Whether through bold metallics, soft pastel artistry, or the effortless cool of ’90s-inspired brown tones, the runways gave us inspiration that feels both fresh and timeless.

In a world where self-expression defines modern beauty, these trends remind us that the most powerful statement comes from confidence. Whether you embrace glitter-dusted lashes or tousled hair that celebrates your natural texture, the takeaway is simple: beauty is about being unapologetically you.