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.
Strands With Flow
Structured, frozen styles have made way for softness. At 7 for All Mankind, hair was styled to look like it had a life of its own, slipping out of scarves and shifting as models walked. Over at Ulla Johnson, waist-length waves were brushed out for fluidity, while Eckhaus Latta leaned into airy, freshly washed texture that caught every step.
The takeaway? Let your hair breathe. Skip heavy product, avoid over-styling, and allow natural movement to do the talking. Slight flyaways are welcome.
Vampy Lips
There was a clear undercurrent of feminine power this season. At Collina Strada, the mood was dark and almost supernatural, while Area sent models down the runway in deep blackberry lips that felt glamorous and a little dangerous. At Lii, oxblood shades paired with eerie accessories created full femme fatale energy.
If you’re trying this at home, think plum, wine and rich burgundy. Keep the skin fresh and minimal so the lip becomes the statement.
Deconstructed Glamour
Perfection is no longer the goal. At Proenza Schouler, classic lip and eye looks were deliberately distorted, slightly asymmetrical and intentionally imperfect. Michael Kors stripped things back even further, leaving skin so natural that under-eye shadows were visible.
This is beauty that feels human. Smudge your liner slightly. Blur your lip edges. Let real skin show through. The result is modern and quietly rebellious.
The Return of the Updo
Updos are back, but not in a safe way. At Anna Sui, mini bouffants were stacked high, nodding to London’s New Romantic scene. Meanwhile, Diotima introduced a lacquered double French twist that felt sensual and strong.
This season’s updo is intentional. Whether it’s a sculpted bun or a twisted chignon, it should feel architectural rather than accidental.
A Blue Attitude
Blue is no longer intimidating. It is expressive, dreamy and surprisingly wearable. At Marc Jacobs, frosted blue shadow was swept from lash line to brow in a bold nostalgic statement. Proenza Schouler echoed the mood with pale cerulean nails, while Eckhaus Latta embraced a smudged, finger-blended wash of sheer blue on the lids.
For everyday wear, soften it. Press a muted blue onto the centre of the lid or smudge along the lower lash line for a subtle pop.
Undone, Romantic Hair
London in particular leaned into intentional mess. At Simone Rocha, hair was slightly dishevelled, enhancing the brand’s romantic edge. Di Petsa followed suit with lived-in texture that felt sensual and effortless.
This is not chaotic hair. It is styled imperfection. Add texture spray, rough up the roots slightly, and avoid making every strand sit in place.
Bold Black Liner
Grunge is refusing to leave. Thick, inky liner appeared across London runways, including at Ashish, where eyes were theatrical and expressive, and at Paul Costelloe, where black liner framed the eyes with unapologetic intensity.
Whether you go for a sharp wing or a smudged, rock-and-roll rim, the key is commitment. Keep the rest of the face restrained so the liner carries the drama.
Beauty in 2026 feels less about trends for the sake of trends and more about mood. Movement over stiffness. Power over prettiness. Real skin over heavy coverage.
Whether you choose a vampy lip, a wash of blue or hair that actually moves when you do, the message from the runways is clear. Expression is back. And it looks good on you.