If the Autumn/Winter 2026 runways in New York, Milan and London confirmed anything, it’s this: beauty is emotional again. There’s movement, mood and a quiet rebellion against overly filtered perfection. From gothic lips to barely-there skin, the season delivered looks that feel directional but still wearable. Here are seven beauty trends spotted on the runways that you can genuinely try if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
From indigenous botanicals to clinic-grade formulations, these homegrown brands are proving that South African skincare is as effective as it is celebrated.
South African beauty consumers are no longer treating local skincare as a backup option. What was once overshadowed by international prestige has steadily grown into a confident industry of its own, with homegrown brands offering formulas that feel relevant, considered, and rooted in the realities of local skin.
Valentine’s Day may be circled on the calendar as just one day, but let’s be honest, February has a way of stretching the romance. Between Galentine’s dinners, date nights, solo self-love moments, and those last-minute “just one drink” plans, there’s no shortage of excuses to lean into a little extra glam. And what better way to do it than with makeup that feels playful, confident, and very on theme?
While the gowns and silhouettes were unforgettable on their own, it was the hair and make-up at the 2026 Grammy Awards that revealed the true beauty trends of the season. From gravity-defying ponytails to soft waves and statement eyes, these are the red-carpet beauty moments that defined music’s biggest night.
For decades, colour analysis has promised clarity, confidence and effortless style. Yet for many Black women, it has remained a system that rarely reflects them. Built largely around lighter skin tones, traditional colour frameworks have often failed to account for the depth, diversity and nuance of melanated skin. Inspired by educational insights shared by Colour Lab Stylist, a platform dedicated to inclusive colour analysis, we explore the four key elements shaping modern colour theory — contrast, chroma, undertone and seasonal palettes — and how they are transforming the way Black women understand beauty, fashion and self-expression.
2026 is shaping up to be the year of bold chops, soft structure and statement silhouettes. Short hair is no longer about playing it safe – it’s about confidence, identity and embracing a look that feels unapologetically you. From sculpted bobs and feather-light textures to cropped cuts that command attention, this year’s short hairstyles bring drama, elegance and effortless cool in equal measure.
We are officially in 2026, and if fashion month confirmed anything, it’s that this year’s beauty mood is not about excess, but intention. After scouring the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, tracking the looks our favourite it-girls are already wearing off-duty, and paying close attention to what brands like Fenty Beauty, MAC Cosmetics and NYX are actively pushing right now, one thing is clear: 2026 beauty is confident, considered and quietly nostalgic.
In South Africa’s ever-evolving beauty landscape, few names shimmer quite like Paballo M — the model, actor, creative director, and digital storyteller rewriting what beauty, identity, and artistry look like in the digital age. Rooted in Pretoria and Limpopo, his rise has been nothing short of cinematic. With brand collaborations spanning Garnier, Benefit Cosmetics, MAC, L’Oréal, Maybelline, and Revlon, he’s quickly become one of the continent’s most compelling new voices.
Summer always shifts something in us. Our make-up becomes lighter, our wardrobes brighter, and our fragrances? They need to feel like sunshine — radiant, refreshing and effortlessly sensual. This is the season for perfumes that lift, sparkle and move with the warmth of your skin.