Runway season isn’t just about jaw-dropping outfits and questionable avant-garde looks that make you think, “Who would actually wear that?” It’s also a goldmine for beauty inspo. This year, the catwalks brought us bold, rebellious, and downright stunning beauty trends that are way too good to leave behind in Fashion Week. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you so you can slay these trends IRL. Affordable options included, because none of us are here for a $700 foundation (looking at you, designer brands).
Get ready to facelift your makeup bag, level up your skincare game, and maybe even take a walk on the wild side with your hair. Here’s your guide to the hottest beauty trends straight from the glitzy, chaotic world of the runway.
1. Skin That Shines Brighter Than Your Ex's Red Flags
Yes, we’re talking glossy, glassy, "just-left-the-skin-clinic" skin. Dewy is out, and full-on wet-look skin is in. Think less no-makeup makeup and more, "I bathe in highlighter and I’m proud."
The key here? Skincare. Layer your hyaluronic acid, slap on your most hydrating creams, and highlight strategically. If you’re not already using a dewy setting spray, do you even care about glowing like the goddess you are?
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Mix a drop of liquid highlighter with your foundation for that lit-from-within vibe.
- Use facial oils, but don’t overdo it unless you want to look like you dipped your face in olive oil (not cute).
- Affordable MVPs? Try the ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter or Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops.
2. Raging Red Lips Are Back, Baby
Question: When aren’t red lips a vibe? Answer: Never. Classic red made a major comeback this season—but with a twist. Think high-impact, hyper-saturated pigments and a less precision-perfect pout (finally, a trend for us messy lipstick appliers).
Glossy or matte? The runway says both, so it’s your call. Just own it.
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Prep with lip balm because crusty lips and red lipstick are sworn enemies.
- Grab an affordable yet boujee red, like the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in "Pioneer," which isn't just good; it’s iconic.
Pro tip? Tap a bit of red on the center of your lips and blur out the edges with your finger for that “I just made out with someone behind the bleachers” edgy look.
3. Hair Accessories Worth Their Weight in Drama
From sculptural headbands that look straight out of a museum to pearl-encrusted clips that scream “yes, I’m extra,” the runways went HARD with hair accessories this year. More is more.
Messy buns with a side of drama? Approved. Soft waves with a crown of sparkly pins? Divine. Honestly, as long as it’s adding a little flare up top, you’re doing it right.
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Check out your local Forever 21 or Amazon for dupes that won’t bankrupt you.
- Stack those rhinestone clips like a TikTok hair influencer.
- For the ultimate wow-factor, snag a statement headband covered in pearls, sequins, or studs.
4. Barely-There Brows (Yes, Seriously)
Okay, so don’t panic, but bleached brows are still having their moment. Zendaya rocked it. Bella Hadid rocked it. And honestly? You can too. If bleaching isn’t your thing, the “so barely there you have to squint” brow look is all over the place too.
The vibe is soft, natural, and a little alien chic. It’s giving, “I woke up and just was this ethereal.”
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Not ready to commit to bleaching? Use a tinted brow gel that's one or two shades lighter than your natural color to tone it down.
- For DIY bleaching, opt for a temporary bleached-brow effect with concealer and powder. Hey, fake it till you make it.
5. Color-Blocked Eyes That Demand Attention
No neutrals here. Loud, unapologetic colors plastered across eyelids were one of the biggest stars on the runway. Bright teals, fiery oranges, and shocking pinks, applied with abandon.
The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Swipe, smudge, and slay.
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Go big or go simple. A bold line of cobalt blue eyeliner is a safe starting point.
- For eyeshadow, NYX’s Ultimate Brights palette will have you looking like an artsy icon without maxing out your credit card.
- Feeling extra? Add a matching bold lip. Just because you can.
6. Blush That Does the Most
Blush isn’t just a supporting player anymore. It’s getting main character energy. The runways celebrated flushed cheeks with exaggerated, high-on-the-cheekbone placement, giving off that "just sprinted through a flower field" look.
Oh, and pink is practically a primary color in 2025’s beauty world. Bubblegum, baby, you can’t go wrong with a full-on Barbie moment.
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Use a cream blush (or even lipstick) for that youthful glow.
- Sweep it across your temples if you’re feeling adventurous. Boom. Insta-worthy.
7. Skincare for All, and Yes, It’s Extra
If you thought slugging (smothering your face with petroleum jelly) was a lot, get ready. This season was all about decadent, multi-step skincare routines that mean business.
Runways gave us faces so hydrated it looked illegal. It’s time to treat your skincare like a ritual because, well, you deserve it.
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Double cleanse, exfoliate (gently, please), and slap on a sheet mask before Netflix.
- Add in barrier creams like CeraVe for affordable hydration magic.
8. Euphoria-Level Glitter and Gems
We’re not done bedazzling our faces yet. Glitter, rhinestones, and little embellishments are still very much alive and well. If your makeup doesn’t sparkle like a disco ball under good lighting, are you even in 2025?
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Hit up the craft store for loose glitter and tiny face gems. Stick them on with lash glue.
- You don’t have to go full Galaxy Fairy unless you want to. A speck or two in the inner corner of your eyes? Perfection.
9. The Low-Maintenance Cool-Girl Haircut
The 2025 runways also served us effortless, messy cuts designed for people who have exactly zero time to style their hair. Think shaggy layers, soft fringe, and undone waves that say, “I totally woke up looking this good.”
How to Make It Work IRL:
- Tell your stylist you want a modern shag cut with lots of texture.
- Lazy-girl tip? Dry shampoo adds the perfect amount of grit for that undone look.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, beauties. The trends straight from the runway are daring, bold, and dripping with personality, just like you.