When it comes to fashion trends, if you’re not thinking six months ahead, you’re already behind. The same goes for beauty trends. Just like the runways predict what outfits we’ll be wearing in the following season, they also predict upcoming makeup and trends to look forward to. This year leaned into the nostalgia of the past to reimagine trends that you probably wore as you were growing up. The temporary tattoos that you loved as a kid become intricate eye makeup designs. Classic braided staples take on new life. And beloved nail trends ascend into certified beauty staples proving that they best way to have fun with your look, is basically to do everything that you loved as a kid.
The designers at the spring/summer ’25 runways seem to be diving headfirst into the freedom that comes from experimenting with colors and texture and are creating looks that would truly stand the test of time. So, if you’re looking to get back in touch with a childlike sense of wonder these playful beauty trends are the perfect place to start. See some of our favorite beauty trends from this season’s fashion shows below.
Bold Eyes
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. That’s probably why designers are going all out on the eye makeup looks this fashion month. While some designers draw attention to the eyes with bold smokey eyeshadows as seen at Dsquared2, others opted for thick geometric liners like the ones models donned at Simone Rocha. There was even leopard printed temporary tattoos that took the place of your standard eye makeup at Luar.
Vampy Lips
There is no denying the power of a classic red lip. The beauty staple has transcended trend status and is a certified staple loved and frequented by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more. But this year darker lip colors dominated the runways. At Jonathan Cohen and Versace deep sultry shades of red ushered in a new staple color for the fall. Black lipstick also made an appearance at Luar solidifying the vampy makeup look as a go-to. Just in time for a Twilight series rewatch.
Slicked Back
We rarely discuss the impact that a simple part—or lack thereof— can make when you’re doing your hair. Debates have even erupted on TikTok about where to divide your hair as millennials rushed to defend the side parts that carried the early 2000s. Gen Z TikTokers stood firmly in support of the middle part. But luckily, we can all lower our arms in this battle because designer have decided that the best part is no part at all. Models at Tory Burch, Kim Shui and Lemaire wore slicked back hairstyles that brought an edgy yet sophisticated energy to the collections.
Chrome Nails
After years of talking about chrome nails in all its iterations—glazed, hologram, metallic, the list goes on—you might have thought that we’d be over the trend by now. Well, think again. Chrome nails are more in than ever according to designers at New York Fashion Week. At Theophilio, green and purple sparkling nails accented the model’s hands as the sported the designer’s classic sexy, colorful designs. Long silver chrome nails were elevated with dangling charms and appliques at Luar. Extra-long chrome nails were even the finishing touch that helped bring the surreal smokey vision of Grace Ling’s collection to life.
Braided Punctuations
A running theme throughout this season’s beauty looks is the elevation of simple beauty staples, especially when it comes to hair. The plaits and French braids that we used to do as kids have gotten a chic upgrade. At Chopova Lowena the braids ranged from pigtails with metallic clamps to braided buns with intricate designs. Models at Who Decides War wore reminiscent of braided headbands that were popular in the 2010s. Sometimes going back to the basics is exactly what you need to inspire you to create something new.
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine’s beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.