Runway Revelations: Decoding the Beauty Trends of NYFW S/S '25

New York Fashion Week is a sartorial symphony, where designers orchestrate a captivating performance that transcends the realm of mere clothing. Each season, these visionaries offer a glimpse into the future, unveiling collections that will undoubtedly become the must-have pieces of the coming months. But the true magic lies not only in the garments, but also in the meticulously crafted makeup and hairstyles that bring the brands' visions to life. As we immerse ourselves in this visual feast, we're not just treated to a stunning display; we're also inspired to refresh our own looks, with the added bonus of being able to try out the latest trends immediately.

Unlock the Secrets of NYFW's Captivating Beauty Trends

Monse's Tom Boy Blush

Monse's lead makeup artist, Patrick Ta, has taken the boyfriend blush trend to new heights with his "tom boy blush" look. Utilizing his luminous Major Skin Foundation to enhance the models' complexions, Ta then accentuated their cheeks with a healthy glow, courtesy of the various shades in the Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo. "It's all about capturing that healthy, lit-from-within glow that looks as stunning on the runway as it does in real life," Ta said, showcasing his ability to translate runway trends into wearable, real-world beauty.

Ulla Johnson's Artistic Touches

Ulla Johnson's beauty look was a true ode to the blossoming flowers and the nature-inspired Comet painting by Lee Krasner. Lead makeup artist Romy Soleimani created two captivating looks, using Sisley Paris' Lip Twist Matte in Kiss to apply a fuchsia hue on the center of the lips and feathering it out, while layering the Phyto-Lèvres Perfect lip liner in Fuchsia on top at the center. On some models, a combination of Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Eyeliner in Matte Jungle and Eye Twist in Emerald lined the lower waterline, a nod to the flower stems. Hairstylist Joey George, armed with Oribe products, crafted intricate updos that referenced Krasner's work, with two fishtail plaits twisted into an S shape and cornrows in similar geometric patterns for models with natural textures.

Christian Siriano's Mystical Fairies

The beauty look at Christian Siriano was a captivating blend of 1920s flapper and fairy references. Lead hairstylist Lacy Redway gave models a sleek blowout and deep side part, then used TRESemmé Extra Hold Gel to add a slick face-framing S-wave that was dusted with glitter as a final touch. Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, armed with Revlon products, created a mystical smoky eye to tie the show's theme together. After establishing a base with dark brown tones, he lined the eyes with black and/or copper liner for a hint of shimmer. A swipe of the soon-to-be-released Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick in a neutral shade on the lips kept the focus on the eyes.

Area's Punk Rock Glamour

Punk rock was alive and well on the Area S/S '25 runway, with lead makeup artist Yadim Carranza paying homage to the '70s and '80s subculture while adding a futuristic touch. This manifested in greige smoky eyes, rich chestnut lips, and glossy black lips, all achieved with MAC cosmetics. Lead hairstylist Mustafa Yanaz, inspired by powerful women and the line's rebellious spirit, created slicked-back looks with wet-ish waves and gravity-defying pixies, utilizing TRESemmé's Extra Hold Mousse to execute both.

Tory Burch's Pool Day Beauty

Tory Burch made a splash at fashion week with a fresh take on the clean girl aesthetic. Leaning into the show's pool-inspired set, lead hairstylist Guido Palau slicked models' hair back and added subtle bends, mimicking ocean waves. Using an arsenal of Laura Mercier products, lead makeup artist Diane Kendal enhanced models' complexions for a natural, slightly sculpted look, making the brows the focal point with the use of a pencil to create an exaggerated block shape.

Alice + Olivia's Romantic Lips & Updos

The beauty look at Alice + Olivia channeled the season's blooming florals, with makeup artist Michela Wariebi creating three different looks: bold red lips, rich berry lips, and flushed rose cheeks with a matching lip. Hairstylist Matthew Curtis transformed models' braided buns into bouquets with mini flowers, hair jewels, jumbo scrunchies, and lace, creating a truly romantic spring aesthetic.

Collina Strada's Grass-Grazing Waves

The ground-grazing waves conjured up by lead hairstylist Charlie Le Mindu at Collina Strada were a sight to behold. Dip-dyed brat green, sewn into crinoline, and braided to create an undone wavy texture, the hair was then run through with Bumble and bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil for added softness and shine. Some wigs also had Brilliantine applied for extra separation and texture, resulting in a truly unique and nature-inspired look.

Diotima's Dramatic Lashes

Addiction Tokyo Creative Director Kanako Takase brought the drama to the Diotima runway with her over-the-top fluttery colorful lashes. For the red look, she used The Mascara Intense Lashes in Black River and The Mascara Color Nuance in Pure Scarlet with a pair of false lashes. To achieve the white look, she used The Mascara Intense Lashes in Honey Brunette and a set of false lashes, creating a bold and eye-catching statement.

3.1 Phillip Lim's Lavender Under-Eye Shadow & Loose Ponys

The beauty look at 3.1 Phillip Lim was a perfect blend of maximalism and quiet luxury, featuring a soft, unexpected pop of color in the form of iridescent lavender under-eye shadow. "Our goal with the makeup was to achieve a fresh, dewy base while incorporating modern pops of color that compliment the spring collection," key makeup artist Fara Homidi explained. After setting the models' dewy bases with SHEGLAM products, Homidi used the brand's Insta-Ready Face & Under Eye Setting Powder in Taro to create the distinctive "halo effect" around the eyes. Hairstylist Benjamin Muller, using Dyson's Supersonic Hair Dryer and Corrale, enhanced the models' natural textures and gave some of them very loose, undone ponytails, perfectly complementing the effortless makeup look.

Sandy Liang's Metallic Bubblegum Pink Lips

Season after season, Sandy Liang encourages her audience to embrace the joys of their girlhood, and for S/S '25, it's all about Y2K frosted lipstick. Lead makeup artist Romy Soleimani custom-blended Estée Lauder's Pure Color Whipped Matte Lip Color in Air Kiss and Social Whirl with white pigment to get the right shade of bubblegum pink, then topped it off with the silver shade from the brand's Pure Color Envy Luxe Eyeshadow Quad in Grey Haze for a mesmerizing metallic finish.

Alaïa's Sculpted Eyes

Dame Pat McGrath brought a new approach to nude makeup at Alaïa's first-ever NYFW show, using concealer to sculpt the eyes. "It's like color-blocking, but done entirely in nudes, with the graphic shape giving a modern edge to these classic tones," the legendary makeup artist explained. After perfecting the models' complexions with products from her namesake brand, McGrath used the Skin Fetish: Divine Bronzer or Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer in either two shades lighter or two shades darker than their skin tones to paint a color block across each eye, creating a striking and sophisticated look.

Jason Wu's Floral Blush

As blush continues to be a main character in the beauty landscape, Jason Wu's soft, floral-inspired makeup offers a fresh take on the trend. After prepping the skin with Kate Somerville products, key makeup artist Diane Kendal sculpted the cheekbones with Jason Wu Beauty's Cream Bronzer and dusted the soon-to-launch Powder Blush in Peony over the cheeks. A touch of the Opal Powder highlighter mimicked the spring morning dew on flower petals, creating a radiant and nature-inspired glow.

Coach's Rebellious Liner

Coach's S/S '25 show was all about the youthful energy of new New York, and Dame Pat McGrath's beauty look perfectly captured that rebellious spirit. The first look featured a soft smoky eye done with her Mothership I: Subliminal Palette and PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, while the other showcased hand-drawn hearts on the inner corners of the eyes. "Placing the hearts at the inner corners feels unexpected and slightly rebellious," McGrath explained, adding a touch of playfulness and individuality to the classic eyeliner styles.

Carolina Herrera's Winged Liner

Cat-eye liner has been a timeless staple for a reason, and key makeup artist Sam Visser at Carolina Herrera's S/S '25 show harnessed its power to draw attention to the eyes. Using the brand's Fabulous Eyeliner, Visser created elongated wings and paired it with the sheer plum Good Girl Gloss on the lips for a subtly chic look, proving that sometimes the classics are the best.