From Silvia Venturini Fendi’s final bow to sombre celebrations at Giorgio Armani and Dario Vitale’s Versace debut, Milan Fashion Week SS26 was an eventful series. All eyes were, of course, on the collections, but no fashion moment is complete without the beauty looks. We saw everything from pared-back skin and dramatic eyeliners to bold red lips worn with attitude. Missed the detail? Here are the must-see SS26 beauty trends from Milan Fashion Week.
Winging It
The pursuit of a symmetrical winged eyeliner is often the toughest challenge of any makeup routine. While most of us are tempted to skip the ordeal, nothing adds definition and drama quite like a wing. For the SS26 season, the runways cemented its must-have status at shows like Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi; simple, yet impactful, an extended wing was the undisputed star.
Less Is More
The search for a perfect, sun-kissed complexion has made the faux freckle trend a beauty phenomenon. From DIY hacks like henna and broccoli florets taking over TikTok to the trend’s appearance on the Milan Fashion Week runways, freckles offer a break from full-coverage bases. Come summer 2026, we will all be baring our freckles without the need for concealer or foundation.
Fairy Dust
With soft, pastel washes taking over, the spring/summer catwalks ushered in an era of romantic beauty – a rose blush, dreamy eyeshadow and barely-there pink lips that echoed the fairytale quality of the season. This charming, doll-like aesthetic will be the beauty trend for the warmer months, allowing your skin to appear fresh, hydrated and injected with a youthful glow.
Take The Short Cut
The hair silhouette of the moment is undeniably short. Shorter trims are taking precedence over long, Rapunzel-like locks. Across major Houses, including Attico and Moschino, the bob became the defining statement. Embraced in all its natural glory, from sleek and straight to voluminous and curly, the hair on the runway took on an edgier mood.
Deep Reflections
The era of exhaustive, ten-step routines is over, replaced by an appreciation for streamlined, multipurpose products that fit a demanding schedule. However, the non-negotiable goal remains the same: glass skin. The dewy, light-reflecting complexion was seen on Milan Fashion Week runways, and, while nothing new, it appeared much more than previous seasons. For those still clinging to a matte finish, it’s time to set aside the powders and embrace the lit-from-within glow.
Always Crimson
The red lip never goes out of style, no matter the season. This time around it was a bright crimson that stood out, sometimes finished with a high-lacquered layer of gloss, as seen at Etro. The hue, capable of instantly giving your complexion a boost, was paired with minimal runway makeup to avoid overwhelm. A trend that we can guarantee to see in one form or the other from season to season, there’s no wrong in investing in a red now.
