The clothes may be the main character of New York Fashion Week, but real ones know the beauty moments are just as exciting — and this season gave us plenty to screenshot. The spring/summer 2026 shows delivered non-stop inspiration, from playful polka-dot nails [1] to vacation-ready orange blush and the blunt bangs [2] that might finally convince you to cut your hair.
Backstage felt like beauty heaven. Makeup artists buffed gray lipstick into place, painted lashes in cobalt and white, and swiped on matchy-matchy monochrome shadow. Hairstylists slicked ponytails until they shined or left waves perfectly undone for that cool-girl, "effortless" vibe. Manicurists went full art school with chrome French tips, sheer pearly finishes, and even 3D embellishments that made nails look like tiny sculptures.
And the beauty inspo didn't stop when the lights went down. Outside the shows, editors and influencers turned the streets into a live Pinterest board: glossy bobs, carrot-colored hair, lived-in curls, and bold red lips were everywhere. It was a week of head-to-toe ideas, and we're already plotting which ones we'll try first. Keep reading for all the beauty trends we spotted at NYFW, and get ready to fall in love with your next look.
Orange Blush
Peach and terracotta tones ruled at both Michael Kors and Kim Shui, where makeup artists Dick Page [3] and Romero Jennings [4], respectively, blended warm orange blush across the cheeks for a fresh, vacation-ready flush.
Red Lips
Bold red lips were one of the most striking beauty statements of the season, turning up both on the runway and in the front row. Christian Siriano's models wore matte orange-red lipstick against his sculptural black-and-white collection, while The Blonds and Bach Mai showcased their own takes on the look in glossy crimsons and deeper reds. Outside the shows, guests kept the trend going with cherry and wine-stained pouts throughout the week.
Blunt Bangs
Sharp, blunt bangs ruled the runways at Wiederhoeft, Area, and Kate Barton, often paired with glossy micro-bobs and gelled, high-shine styles. Together, they made sharp, face-framing cuts one of NYFW's biggest hair moments.
Color Coordination
Matching your eyeshadow to your lip and outfit is officially chic. Collina Strada and House of Aama used single washes of color to tie the whole look together.
Polka-Dot Nails
Polka dots were one of NYFW's most consistent motifs, appearing on both clothing and nails for a playful yet polished effect. At Kim Shui, nail artist Sojin Oh [8] debuted brown-and-cream dots, while the Tanner Fletcher and Christian Cowan shows put their own spin on the look, proving the dotted mani is officially fashion-week certified.
Side Bangs
Side bangs are officially having a comeback, and NYFW proved it. Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Grace Ling all featured side-swept fringes that softened slicked-back styles and added movement to minimalist looks — modern and fresh, not 2008.
Mannequin Skin
Glass-like, flawless complexions were a major theme this season, giving models an almost doll-like finish. At Wiederhoeft, Sandy Liang, and Kim Shui, skin was perfected to a high-shine glow that let the rest of the look take center stage.
Graphic Eyelashes
Lashes got a playful upgrade this season, ditching basic black for bold colors and unexpected shapes. At Anna Sui, models wore electric-hued mascara, Collina Strada and Eckhaus Latta sent out white lashes, and Luar took things up a notch with feathered designs that framed the eyes like wearable art.
Gray Lips
Cool-toned, gray lipstick popped up on multiple runways, offering a fresh twist on the barely-there lip trend. At Kim Shui, Lapointe, and Collina Strada, models wore soft gray and taupe shades that felt futuristic but surprisingly wearable when paired with glowing skin.
Undone Waves
