There’s plenty to admire during Haute Couture Week, but we’re just as interested in what’s happening backstage as we are on the runway. This season, Paris delivered a mix of polished classics and playful details that feel surprisingly wearable. Here are the runway beauty trends we’re already bookmarking.
Metallic Eyes Get a Softer Finish
Forget heavy glitter. Couture week embraced washes of champagne, pewter and antique gold that caught the light without overwhelming the face. Dior’s delicate gold eyeliner, Chanel’s gilded accents and Armani Privé’s softly diffused smoky eyes proved metallics are returning in a far more wearable way.
Luminous Skin Reigns Supreme
No matter how extravagant the collections became, the complexion remained remarkably fresh. At Balenciaga, barely-there makeup let the models speak for themselves, while Zuhair Murad paired glowing skin with glossy nude lips to soften his richly embellished gowns. This shows that healthy-looking skin is still beauty’s greatest priority.
Fantasy Makeup Is Back
Couture wouldn’t be couture without a little escapism. Chanel adorned eyes with feather appliqués and touches of gold leaf, while Ashi Studio transformed models into porcelain-like figures through bleached brows, sculpted complexions and metallic eyes. These weren’t everyday looks, but they reminded us that makeup can still be experimental.
The Return of Statement Lashes
Minimal mascara took a back seat as dramatic lashes reappeared in unexpected ways. Feathered lashes at Chanel and Iris van Herpen echoed the collections’ dreamlike themes, replacing clean-girl minimalism with something far more expressive.
Hair Is Sleek Again
Across the week, hair rarely competed with the clothes. Instead, slicked-back styles, polished low buns and glossy, partless hair framed the face with understated elegance. The simplicity allowed couture expertise to shine while making the beauty feel contemporary and chic.
Red Lips Still Have Their Moment
Although nude lips dominated many collections, a handful of rich crimson shades reminded us that a classic red lip never really disappears. Paired with luminous skin and minimal eye makeup, it felt refined rather than overtly glamorous.
Metallic Manicures
If there’s one nail trend couture week confirmed, it’s that metallics are here to stay. Gold chrome, pearlescent finishes and softly shimmering manicures appeared throughout the runways, offering a polished alternative to intricate nail art.
Lilac Accents
Lilac is the new black. At Schiaparelli, Pat McGrath swept lavender blush across the cheeks for a fresh, sculptural flush, while Standing Ground paired sheer lilac shadow with hints of burgundy for a modern, understated take on colour. Delicate yet unexpected, it’s the pastel we’ll be wearing well beyond spring.
Botanical Shimmer
Beauty took on a fresh, botanical feel at Dior, where Peter Philips introduced delicate washes of chartreuse, soft metallic green and glittering eyeliner inspired by the collection’s natural palette. Paired with luminous skin and barely-there lips, the look proved that colour doesn’t have to be bold to make an impact.
