The Top 10 Spring 2026 Beauty Trends
From louder lashes to softer shine, Spring 2026 trades minimalism for statement moves and clever character-building tweaks.
After seasons of pared-back polish and “clean girl” restraint, the runways are rewriting the rules with looks that feel expressive, intentional and unmistakably personal. This is beauty with a point of view: sculpted hairlines, eyes that demand attention and colour that shows up in sheer, painterly layers instead of heavy-handed blocks.
It’s not about perfection anymore—it’s about presence. Makeup becomes a form of self-expression again, with finishes that range from barely-there glow to lashes so bold they deserve their own credit line. Shades are soft but impactful, applied like brushstrokes rather than statements, proving that drama doesn’t have to shout.
From flirtatious liner flicks to dewy skin that catches the light just right, this season trades quiet neutrality for individuality, attitude and a little fashion-girl rebellion. Ahead, the beauty trends setting the tone—and how to wear them now.
Slick Moves
Giorgio Armani Menswear, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Slicked-back hair is emerging as the new power silhouette. At Prada and Hermès, high-shine combed-through strands created a sculpted effect that felt deliberate and impossibly cool, while Loewe favoured a brushed-back, almost-liquid-gloss finish. Whether hair is parted in the centre, pushed straight off the face or styled into a wet-look sheen, the trend is all about precision and restraint.
Colour Wash
Ashish, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Put a pause on solid pigments; instead, opt for sheer. Watercolour blushes and shadows washed over runways, delivering a gorgeous softness. Unrestrained pink swept across lids at Collina Strada, and painterly cobalt strokes were seen at Ashish. This emphasis on subtle colour and softness carried through to the cheekbones, where many shows (like Miu Miu) featured sheer monochromatic blush draped high on the temples and browbones.
In The Buff
Chloé, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Statement acrylics dominated New York, but Paris quietly anointed the buffed nail as beauty’s new luxury flex. At Dior, Peter Philips and manicurist Ama Quashie crafted a “just buffed” finish using a whisper- thin nude polish to mimic a naturally glowing nail bed. The look continued at Loewe and Chloé, where barely-there polish delivered a pristine “clean nail” effect. The takeaway? In 2026, it’s all about health—minimal hardware required.
Wing It
Fendi, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Winged liner might feel like a relic from your 2016 camera roll, but Spring 2026 has other plans. After years of “clean girl” restraint, graphic eye makeup is staging a full-fledged comeback. At Sandy Liang, wings were soft and hazy, and at The Attico, they went full smoke show. Fendi resurrected the power couple of a razor-sharp black wing and a red lip, while Dolce & Gabbana doubled down on the classic.
Extra Extra
House of Aama, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Hair accessories are back—but not in the maximalist way you might expect. This season’s accents are quiet, clever and deeply considered. At Luisa Beccaria, whisper-soft pastel ribbons threaded through loose French braids added a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it charm. Lanvin took a more sculptural turn, wrapping and draping head scarves with balletic precision. And at Antonio Marras, ribbons and floral scrunchies transformed low buns into romantic, painterly finishes.
Getting Lippy
Roksanda, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Bold-red and statement lips are stealing the spotlight this season. On runways from Roksanda to Sportmax and Tom Ford, vibrant berry pinks, cherry reds and lacquered glosses turned lips into the season’s most powerful accessory. At Simone Rocha, the trend got a little more creative: Words, flower motifs and glossy vinyl finishes transformed lips into art, literally begging you to “read my lips.”
Slow Glow
Kim Shui, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Our collective glow obsession isn’t fading; it’s shifting. We’re seeing that hyper-dewy “glazed” look fading into intentional radiance. The new sheen is softer, shimmer-free and all about health—not shine. Runways like Chanel, Kim Shui and Wiederhoeft leaned into velvety matte or used pinpoint highlighter just on cheekbones and browbones for a true lit-from-within effect. The real secret? Rigorous skin prep, hydrating essences and smoothing primers.
Fringe Benefits
Dries Van Noten Menswear, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Ready for a main-character moment without cutting off all your length? It starts with the fringe. Adding bangs is the ultimate haircut power move for spring. We saw high-impact micro texture at Dries Van Noten, piece-y windblown fringe disrupting braids at Acne Studios and carefree overgrown cuts at Zimmermann. It’s the easiest way to reset your whole look.
Hip To Be Square
Kim Shui, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
It finally happened: The almond shape is officially ready for retirement—or at least an extended vacation. The square nail is back and bringing structure. At Christian Cowan, square tips showcased “strength and individuality” via graphic black lacquer and metallic dots. Kim Shui also embraced the trend, using K-beauty strips to create an ethereal square-tipped pearly finish.
Lashing Out
Ulla Johnson, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Has the no-mascara era finally met its match? Probably not, but we’re seeing an extreme on the other end: pure maximalism. From gilded fringe at Ulla Johnson, unhinged baby-doll lengths at Mossi and hot-pink clusters at Collina Strada, lashes were louder, longer and impossible to ignore.
Read more stories from FASHION’s March 2026 issue here.
This article first appeared in FASHION’s March 2026 issue. Find out more here.
Julia is a Toronto-based, award-winning writer and stylist with a sharp eye for celebrity, pop culture and all things fashion and beauty. With over 15 years of experience covering the style scene, she’s currently the Fashion and Beauty Editor at Hello! Canada. Her work has also appeared in ELLE Canada, FASHION, The Kit, Canadian Living, CBC, Chatelaine and The Globe and Mail, among others. When she’s not chasing the next big trend, she’s running, traveling and keeping up with her endlessly curious toddler, Tilda.
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