NYFW is just 9 days away—here are 9 beauty trends that editors anticipate will take center stage on the runways.

      As beauty editors, we take pride in being trend forecasters, especially during New York Fashion Week, which kicks off in just nine days on September 11. With our backstage passes, we often get a first look at the hair, makeup, and collections making their way down the runway, allowing us to view the finished styles even before the star-studded audience does. While the runway shows and striking street style are the main events, the backstage chaos of powders, hairspray, and glittery eyeshadow offers a stunning visual experience that we eagerly absorb. Before diving into a week of shows, we consulted our collective crystal ball (read: our beauty Slack channel) to predict the makeup, hair, and nail trends that we expect will dominate the fashion scene this September, influencing the beauty landscape for S/S 26. Below are nine trends we anticipate will make a fashionable statement at NYFW in just over a week.

      ### Grown-Up Grunge

      “Autumn typically brings darker, more matte makeup styles, much like it brings falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. After a summer of sheer, bright, and radiant looks, we’re likely to see a shift towards espresso-brown eye shadow, burgundy nails, and crimson lips. Unlike the ‘quiet luxury’ trends of recent years that emphasized a polished aesthetic, I think we’ll witness a revival of grunge makeup at NYFW. I’m referring to a softer, smokier, and modern interpretation rather than the bold looks of the ‘90s. Imagine a color palette featuring gentle grays, cool plums, and neutral browns instead of stark blacks. This 'grown-up grunge' style aligns perfectly with Jenna Ortega's stunning looks during the Wednesday press tour.” — Kaitlyn McLintock, beauty editor

      ### My Hair's the Outfit

      “There’s no denying that hair accessories have been popular for years, but I foresee a creative twist in runway hairstyles that incorporate fashion elements. With maximalist, hyperpersonal RTW styles emerging, we’re witnessing bolder choices in hairstyling, such as cuffs on ponytails and gold-buttoned bubble braids similar to those seen at Blazé Milano's F/W 25 show. Consider the trending comb-necklace style from The Row: hair is becoming a focal point, and I’m excited about it. I predict we’ll see embroidery threads woven into braids, belted ponytails, and various ‘clothing’ details that transform hair into the outfit itself.” — Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor

      ### The Return to "Real" Lipstick

      “This year has focused on sheer, glossy, and glow-enhancing lip colors, leading me to wonder what comes next. Will there be no lip color at all? I bet we will see a comeback of ‘real’ lipstick. This means a resurgence of full-coverage formulas in either matte or satin finishes—think of the products many of us set aside before 2020. Perhaps this trend will encourage the fashion crowd to dust off their reliable MAC, Revlon, and Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks. I believe this direction is promising, especially with Louis Vuitton launching luxurious, pigmented lipsticks and Kylie Jenner reviving her iconic Lip Kits. I’m ready with a bag full of full-coverage products.” — McLintock

      ### Spider Lashes

      “I expect the trend to shift from ’barely-there ghost lashes’ to spiky, dramatic, intentionally clumpy mascara. I can’t stop reminiscing about the clustered lash styles from Cucculelli Shaheen and Thom Browne last season, and I look forward to seeing creative spins for S/S 26. Let’s embrace the doe-eyed drama.” — Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor

      ### Anti-Neutral Nails

      “Given the strong influence of butter yellow and limoncello this year, I believe designers will continue to explore monochromatic color schemes in their NYFW collections. This will likely extend to nail designs, leading to non-neutral colors like mustard yellow, blood orange, and deep aubergine appearing on the runway. We might even see overtly ‘90s and Y2K references, such as ‘deep ‘90s’ French tips or snakeskin prints. As a fan of bold nails, I truly hope my prediction is accurate; I’m eager to embrace these trends myself.” — McLintock

      ### Subversive Blush

      “Blush remains a trending topic this year, but I’m intrigued by fresh approaches. Almost every brand has unveiled new blush formulas this year, from liquids to creams and (gasp!) powders, so makeup artists will likely use these backstage. Drawing inspiration from the 'exhaustion blush' trend seen last season at the Meruert Tolegen show, this pigment will be applied in unconventional ways to achieve a tired-girl chic look while still feeling modern. For the mainstream, I expect ultra-shimmery 'disco blush' to be buzzing