Beauty: S/S 2026 Beauty Trends: The Art of the Undone and the Unpredictable

InsightTrendsWorld
Sep 13
8 min read

What is the S/S 2026 Beauty Trend? The New York Fashion Week S/S 2026 beauty trend is defined by a shift toward the experimental, playful, and expressive. It's a movement that embraces both effortless, lived-in looks and high-concept, theatrical artistry, blurring the lines between classic glam and surreal fantasy.

The trend features a strong emphasis on texture, with undone, romantic waves dominating the runways of multiple designers.
It is also characterized by a creative and avant-garde approach to makeup and hair, exemplified by feline-inspired eyes and the creation of sculptural "hair hats."
A softer, more coquettish aesthetic, known as "romancecore" or "shy girl" makeup, also remains prominent.
The trend re-imagines classic looks, giving them a modern twist, such as a futuristic take on the smoky eye.

Why it is the topic trending: The Spirit of Creative Expression The beauty trends from NYFW S/S 2026 are resonating because they tap into a desire for self-expression and creative freedom. In a world that often feels formulaic, these looks offer a refreshing dose of spontaneity and artistry. They provide a balance between accessible, wearable styles and daring, high-fashion concepts that are perfect for social media sharing and personal experimentation.

Overview: From the Runway to the Real World The beauty narrative from New York Fashion Week S/S 2026 is one of stark, yet complementary, contrasts. On one hand, designers like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors championed a timeless, effortlessly cool aesthetic with their focus on natural, undone waves. On the other, boundary-pushing artists at Collina Strada and Grace Ling presented fantastical, futuristic looks that challenge traditional beauty norms. The overall message is that there are no rules; from subtle, romantic blushes to bold, animalistic eyes, the future of beauty is about embracing one's own unique style.

Detailed findings: Standout Beauty Moments The article provides specific examples of the trends seen on the runways.

Waves on Waves: Undone, textured waves were a consistent theme, seen at Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Jonathan Simkhai. The looks were inspired by "effortless, undone beach waves" and aimed to "capture movement and texture without looking over-styled."
Feline Eyes & Hair Hats: Collina Strada, in collaboration with makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench and hairstylist Mustafa Yanaz, presented a surreal, animal-inspired look. This included colorful winged lashes and a shimmery cat eye, complemented by sculptural "hair hats" crafted from extensions.
Romancecore: The "shy girl" makeup trend was featured at LoveShackFancy, where models wore petal-pink blush and faux freckles to create a "wanderlust cowgirl glow." This look is a softer, more romantic approach to makeup.
Futuristic Smoky Eyes: Grace Ling's runway showcased a new version of the smoky eye. Makeup artist Diane Kendal used deep brown and black eyeshadow sticks to create a "bold, futuristic eye with an experimental edge," giving the classic look a sci-fi update.

Key success factors of the trends: The Blend of Wearable and Aspirational The success of these beauty trends lies in their ability to cater to different consumer needs, from daily wear to artistic expression.

Accessibility: The prevalence of waves and natural-looking makeup ensures that there are easy, wearable looks for the everyday consumer to replicate.
Artistic Appeal: The more dramatic looks, like the hair hats and feline eyes, serve as high-fashion inspiration, creating a sense of aspirational artistry that drives social media buzz and gives consumers a "why not?" attitude toward experimentation.
Emotional Connection: Trends like "romancecore" tap into consumer desires for nostalgia and a sweet, gentle aesthetic, creating an emotional connection to the look.
Timeless Appeal: The re-emergence of classic looks, such as waves and smoky eyes, proves their enduring appeal while their modern updates keep them relevant and fresh.

Key Takeaway: Beauty is a Playground for Self-Expression The overall takeaway is that the beauty industry is entering a more dynamic and creative phase. The runway looks from NYFW S/S 2026 signal that consumers are ready to move away from rigid beauty standards and embrace a more personal, experimental, and fun approach to their appearance. The trends encourage individuals to see beauty as a form of play and a powerful tool for self-expression.

Main trend: The Creative and Undone Aesthetic The primary trend is a dual-focus on natural, undone beauty and bold, creative artistry. It's a movement that simultaneously celebrates effortless looks and challenges beauty norms with surreal, experimental elements.

Description of the trend: A Dialectic of Effortlessness and Avant-Garde This trend is characterized by a "schizophrenic" yet complementary approach to beauty. On one hand, it's about perfecting the art of looking un-perfected, with lived-in waves and soft, natural makeup. On the other, it's about pushing the boundaries of what is possible, treating hair and makeup as a medium for sculptural and artistic expression. This duality allows the trend to appeal to a broad range of consumers, from those seeking a low-maintenance look to those who view beauty as a form of performance art.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend: Texture, Artistry, and Subversion The beauty moments from NYFW S/S 2026 share common characteristics that define this emerging aesthetic.

Emphasis on Texture: Both hair and makeup focus on texture. Hair is intentionally not-sleek, with waves and a middle part, while makeup includes shimmery textures and faux freckles for a dimensional look.
High-Concept Artistry: The inclusion of "hair hats" and feline-inspired makeup demonstrates that beauty is being elevated to a form of wearable art, moving beyond simple aesthetics to a place of creative conceptualization.
Subversion of Norms: The trends subvert traditional beauty ideals. An undone look is preferred over a perfect one, and classic glam looks like the smoky eye are given a "futuristic" and experimental edge, challenging the status quo.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: The Post-Pandemic Push for Freedom Several broader trends are creating the ideal environment for the NYFW S/S 2026 beauty looks.

Digital Self-Expression: The rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram has fostered a culture of digital self-expression, where creative and unusual beauty looks are celebrated and shared widely.
Rejection of Perfectionism: Following the pandemic, there is a cultural shift away from the pressure of looking perfect and a greater appreciation for natural, authentic, and comfortable aesthetics.
Individualism: The beauty industry is increasingly catering to a desire for individualism, and trends that offer room for personal interpretation and creativity are gaining popularity.

What is consumer motivation: A Desire for Play and Authenticity Consumers are motivated by a psychological need for play, authenticity, and personal expression.

Creative Outlet: Beauty is seen as a creative outlet, and consumers are motivated to try new looks that are fun, unexpected, and allow them to express their mood and personality.
Authenticity: The popularity of undone looks and "shy girl" makeup suggests a motivation to present a more genuine and less curated version of oneself.
Trend Adoption: Consumers are motivated to adopt these looks to stay current and feel connected to the fashion and beauty community.

What is motivation beyond the trend: Finding Joy and Releasing Control Beyond simply following a trend, there is a deeper, more emotional motivation driving consumer behavior.

Joyful Experimentation: Consumers are seeking joy in their daily routines, and experimenting with colorful, creative makeup and hairstyles offers a sense of fun and novelty.
Releasing Control: The "undone" aesthetic reflects a desire to release the pressure of perfection and embrace a more relaxed, effortless approach to life and beauty.
Identity Building: Beauty trends serve as a way for consumers to explore different facets of their identity and communicate their sense of self to the world.

Descriptions of consumers: The Creative Explorer

Consumer Summary: This consumer is a creative, open-minded individual who views beauty as an extension of their personality and a form of artistic expression. They are not afraid to experiment with color, texture, and unusual looks. They are likely to be early adopters of new products and techniques and are highly active on social media platforms. They find inspiration on the runway and translate it into their own unique style.
- Who are them: Fashion and beauty enthusiasts, artists, designers, and creatives.
- What is their age?: Primarily Gen Z and millennials (18-40), who are generally more experimental and digitally savvy.
- What is their gender?: The trends are gender-neutral, appealing to anyone who is interested in creative self-expression.
- What is their income?: Varies widely. While some products are high-end, the trends can be recreated with affordable options.
- What is their lifestyle?: Urban or cosmopolitan, highly social, and active on social media. They are likely to be interested in art, music, and pop culture.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: From Conformity to Creativity The NYFW beauty trends are shifting consumer behavior from seeking a uniform, "perfect" look to embracing creativity and personal style.

Shift from Copying to Interpreting: Instead of simply copying a runway look, consumers are now inspired to interpret the trends and adapt them to their own unique aesthetic.
Embracing Imperfection: The "undone" and "lived-in" looks are changing consumer attitudes towards imperfection, making them more accepting of natural hair texture and subtle flaws.
Willingness to Experiment: The prominence of avant-garde looks is encouraging consumers to be more adventurous in their daily beauty routines, incorporating bold colors or unique accessories.

Implications of trend Across the Ecosystem: An Opportunity for Innovation

For Consumers: The trend offers a wider range of beauty choices and a greater sense of freedom in personal expression.
For Brands and CPGs: Brands must innovate beyond classic products to create versatile, multi-use products (e.g., eyeshadow sticks) and tools that enable creative expression. They also need to be more collaborative, partnering with artists and influencers to create compelling content.
For Retailers: Retailers must curate their offerings to reflect the trend's duality, providing both core staples and a selection of experimental, artistic products.

Strategic Forecast: Mainstreaming of the Experimental The future of beauty will see a continued blurring of lines between high-fashion artistry and everyday wearability.

Hybrid Products: The market will see a rise in hybrid products that combine functionality with artistic potential, such as makeup sticks that can be used for both eyes and lips.
Increased Collaboration: Brands will increasingly collaborate with avant-garde artists and designers to create limited-edition collections that generate buzz and appeal to a niche audience.
Focus on Texture: Brands will invest more in developing products that offer unique textures and finishes, from hyper-glossy lips to intentionally messy hair products.

Areas of innovation: The Tools of the New Aesthetic

Multi-Use Makeup Sticks: Creating versatile makeup products that can be used on multiple areas of the face and offer a range of textures, from shimmery to matte.
Hair Texture Enhancers: Developing products that enhance natural hair texture, such as lightweight mousses or sprays that create waves without making hair crunchy or stiff.
DIY Nail Art Kits: Providing consumers with user-friendly kits that allow them to create intricate, professional-looking nail art at home.
Virtual Try-On Technology: Integrating advanced virtual try-on tools that allow consumers to experiment with avant-garde makeup looks and hair hats before purchasing.
Sustainable Hair Extensions: Innovating with sustainable materials and ethical practices to create high-quality hair extensions that can be used for creative, sculptural hairstyles like the "hair hats."

Summary of Trends:

Core Consumer Trend (Personalized Expression): Consumers are using beauty as a primary means of personal expression, moving away from prescriptive trends to a more individualized and creative approach.
Core Social Trend (Rebellion Against Norms): There is a social movement that rejects traditional beauty standards in favor of authenticity, creativity, and a more comfortable, "undone" aesthetic.
Core Strategy (Artistic Collaboration): Brands are strategically collaborating with artists and designers to create buzz and position themselves at the forefront of the creative beauty movement.
Core Industry Trend (Dual-Focus Innovation): The beauty industry is simultaneously innovating in two key areas: creating products for effortlessly natural looks and developing tools for high-concept, artistic expression.
Core Consumer Motivation (Joyful Exploration): Consumers are motivated by the joy and fun of experimenting with their appearance, using beauty as a form of play and a way to explore different facets of their identity.

Final Thought: The Art of Being You The beauty trends from New York Fashion Week S/S 2026 signify a powerful shift in the industry and in consumer mindset. It’s no longer about following a single, dominant look but about creating one's own. By embracing both the undone and the avant-garde, the consumer is positioned as an artist, and beauty becomes a canvas for self-discovery and creative exploration. This new era promises a more inclusive, authentic, and joyful relationship with beauty, proving that the most compelling trend of all is simply the freedom to be yourself.