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

      As beauty editors, we take pride in our skill for spotting trends (or forecasting them, if we’re feeling a bit pretentious). New York Fashion Week is a prime opportunity for us to observe both established trends and new ones on the rise, with the next event kicking off in just nine days on September 11. Thanks to our backstage access, we often get the first look at what’s debuting on the runway—hair, makeup, collections, and more—allowing us to preview the finished looks before even the glamorous audience gets a chance to see them. While the runway shows and eye-catching street style are certainly the highlights, the backstage buzz of powders, hairsprays, and glittery eyeshadows is a visual delight that we can hardly take in fast enough. However, before we dive into a whirlwind week of shows, we consulted our inner crystal ball (ahem, our beauty Slack channel) to predict which makeup, hair, and nail trends we expect to dominate the fashion landscape this September, potentially shaping beauty for S/S 26. Here are nine beauty trends we anticipate seeing as they sweep across the stylish faces at NYFW in just over a week.

      **Grown-Up Grunge**

      “Fall typically signifies a shift to darker, more matte makeup, paralleling falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. After a summer of sheer, bright, and glowing looks, the trends will likely lean towards espresso-brown eyeshadow, burgundy nails, and crimson lips. However, unlike the 'quiet luxury' aesthetics that have dominated recently with their polished vibes, I foresee a revival of grunge makeup at NYFW. But I’m not referring to the bold grunge looks of the ’90s. Instead, think a softer, smokier, more contemporary interpretation. Imagine color palettes featuring gentle grays, cool plums, and neutral browns rather than stark blacks. This 'grown-up grunge' style I envision aligns perfectly with Jenna Ortega's stunning looks during her Wednesday press tour.” — Kaitlyn McLintock, beauty editor

      **Get the Look**

      - CHANEL Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow

      - Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow

      - MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

      **My Hair's the Outfit**

      "There’s no denying that hair accessories have been trending for a while, but I expect an innovative twist on runway hairstyles involving fashion elements. With maximalist, hyperpersonal ready-to-wear styles on the rise, we're seeing more creative expressions with hair—like cuffs in ponytails and gold-buttoned bubble braids reminiscent of Blazé Milano's F/W 25 show. Take, for instance, the comb-necklace trend made popular by The Row: Hair is stepping into the spotlight, and I’m here for it. I hope to spot embroidery threads woven into braids, belted ponytails, and many more 'clothing' details that truly transform hair into the outfit.” — Alyssa Brascia, associate beauty editor

      **Get the Look**

      - J.Crew Dimensional Oval Metallic Hair Clip

      - Ettika Noble Nugget Hair Pin

      - Free People Careless Whisper Hair Pin

      **The Return to "Real" Lipstick**

      “Thus far, 2025 has embraced sheer, glossy, and glow-enhancing lip colors. I've been pondering the future. What's next? Are we heading toward no lip color? I’m betting we’ll see a comeback of ‘real’ lipstick. This means more full-coverage formulas in matte or satin finishes (the types many abandoned pre-2020). It might just encourage the fashion set to revisit their beloved bullets from MAC, Revlon, and Charlotte Tilbury. I can’t help but feel that this is the direction we're heading, especially after Louis Vuitton recently launched luxurious, pigmented lipsticks, and Kylie Jenner has brought back her iconic Lip Kits. I'm all for it because I have a stash of full-coverage formulas at the ready.” — McLintock

      **Get the Look**

      - CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet

      - MERIT Beauty Signature Lip

      - Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

      **Spider Lashes**

      “I believe we're shifting from the barely-there ‘ghost lashes’ to voluminous, deliberately clumpy mascara looks. I keep remembering the clustered lash styles from Cucculelli Shaheen and Thom Browne last season, and I anticipate seeing playful variations for S/S 26. Bring on the dramatic doe-eyed looks.” — Jamie Schneider, senior beauty editor

      **Get the Look**

      - MAC Cosmetics Macstack Mascara

      - Tower 28 Beauty Makewaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

      - Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara

      **Anti-Neutral Nails**

      “Given the grip that butter yellow and later limoncello had on the internet this year, I'm predicting designers will continue to