We’ve got a couple more days of New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 left to go, but it feels like we’re already seeing some major beauty trends on the runways. From Coach and Tory Burch to Collina Strada and Meruert Tolegen, there’s a few themes we’re noticing. The beauty is less focused on pristine perfection and more about simple steps that make you feel effortlessly cool and chic. Think hair tossed over the shoulders, eye makeup roughly blended out with fingers instead of brushes, and lipstick just swiped on before heading out the door. It’s all very fitting for the busy city dweller.
These trends also fall in line with what we’re seeing globally. We’re seeing a shift towards makeup that embraces creativity and self-expression, and doing what you can with the time and resources you have is part of that.
As New York Fashion Week continues, we’re rounding up some of the hottest beauty trends we’re seeing on the runways of the biggest designers. Scroll on to see what caught our eyes and will be incorporated into our routines ASAP.
Messy hair
Slicked back buns aren’t going anywhere — in fact, we saw them at Tory Burch — but a lot of models did have their hair down this season. The Coach models’ hair draped over the clothes like a frame. At Carolina Herrera, fly aways were embraced. Hairstylist Mustafa Yanaz recreated cowlicks with Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo and texture spray for Collina Strata.
Pop of glow
We’ve seen a glowy base become a go-to over the years, but now, concentrated areas of glow are becoming popular too. We saw the more typical wash of highlighter on the top of the lip's cupid bow on the Collina Strada runway. Fang models wore glitter on the inner corners of their eyes. At Meruert Tolegen, we spotted a newer trend, glass blush. A sheer option that offers more glow in lieu of pigment.
Smokey eyes
This is a trend that’s been a long time coming. Smokey eyes are so back. The prime example might just be Tory Burch's runway. One hack we're definitely taking away from that show is to blend out the eyeliner on the outer half of the eyes for an edgy, cool vibe.
Unlined lips
With blurred lips trending already, the next step might just be forgoing the liner all together. Instead, opt to go straight in with lipstick and blend it out with your fingers. Cinq à Sept dares you to jump right in with deep berry reds.
Short nails with bold hues
If you’re going with a shorter nail length, you might as well up the ante with an eye-catching color. At Michael Kors, bright red nails matched the models’ lipstick. Tory Burch’s earth tones were a versatile pick.
