6 Beauty Trends for Autumn/Winter 2026 That Are Set to Take Over the Upcoming Season

      As we look ahead to the new season, with the quintessential British weather returning to its usual state after a summer filled with heatwaves, I can hardly contain my excitement. It's not just about pulling out my boots and cashmere again; I'm thrilled to explore the Autumn/Winter 2026 beauty trends that captured my attention on the runways back in February. As a beauty editor who has followed fashion week beauty styles for over ten years, it seems that backstage is rediscovering the joy of creativity in hair, makeup, and nails. While I appreciated the minimalist looks we've seen in recent seasons, this Autumn/Winter 2026 offers a delightful return to maximalism in many aspects. No more bare nails; it's time for bold nail art. Forget about bare lids and lashes; break out your eyeshadow palette. Short hair? It's a call to grow out those bob cuts.

      Of course, echoes of the minimalist aesthetic remain (note the absence of bold blush this season), yet even the more adventurous trends are entirely wearable. If you're in search of hair, makeup, and nail inspiration for the season ahead, read on for the key beauty trends of Autumn/Winter 2026 that you'll be eager to try.

      1. Barely-There Blush

      Bold blush has ruled our social media and makeup collections throughout much of this decade, but this season ushers in a subtler approach. Instead of vivid cheeks, models at Victoria Beckham, Fendi, and Altuzarra showcased soft, natural flushes reminiscent of the rosy glow you get from a brisk autumn walk. At Ralph Lauren, blush was applied lower on the cheeks, creating an authentic windswept appearance rather than the sculpted blush looks that typically sit high on the cheekbones. Victoria Beckham’s makeup artist, Lucia Pica, drew inspiration from the gentle flushes seen in portraits by Tamara de Łempicka. "The skin looks beautifully transparent and perfected, with a subtle touch of pink on the cheeks that adds a fresh warmth to the complexion," she remarks.

      2. Great Lengths

      While short haircuts and bobs have been trending, the Autumn/Winter 2026 shows suggest it might be time to grow your hair out. We observed flowing, pre-Raphaelite lengths at Chloe and Acne Studios, adorned with braided accents, while Patrick McDowell and Holzweiler showcased long, bouncy curls radiating a halo effect. The consistent theme throughout all the shows was enhancing the models' natural textures. Hairstylist Anthony Turner described the process for achieving effortless waves at Chloé: "It feels very weathered—mountainous, windy, and sunny; she's experiencing all the elements," he explains. "Many of the models have naturally curly hair, so we used the Dyson Supersonic R Hairdryer (£450) with the diffuser to enhance the curls. For those with long hair, we braided it, released the braids, and brushed them out."

      3. Eyeshadow Abundance

      After several seasons of bare eyelids and mascara-free lashes, Autumn/Winter 2026 marks the return of bold eye makeup. From holographic silver dust at Chanel to metallic purple at Carolina Herrera, it's time to dive into the shimmers and glitters waiting in your eyeshadow palette. Acne Studios featured vividly colored eyes with bright streaks of apple green and electric blue, while Tolu Coker offered a softer take with hazy blue washes ranging from smoky petrol to powdery tones. Either way, prepare to get creative with your eyeshadow brushes.

      4. Nail Renaissance

      In recent seasons, we've grown accustomed to bare nail looks featuring sheer pinks or simply nothing. However, the Autumn/Winter 2026 shows welcomed back nail art and shimmering shades in all their brilliance. Long almond nails adorned with aura art and reverse French tips appeared at Christian Cowan and Harris Reed, while Proenza Schouler showcased bold blues. Perhaps the most captivating were the jewel-like nails at Chanel. "Among the classic pieces of the Chanel A/W26 collection, the clothing and accessories possessed a whimsical element—a transformation from caterpillar to butterfly," explains Ama Quashie, the lead manicurist. "For the nails, I drew on my favorite insect-inspired colors, choosing a palette with iridescent and subtle shimmers. After the tough years we've faced, fantasy and escapism, even on such a small canvas, remind us of the simple pleasures of beauty."

      5. Parting Shift

      One of the easiest trends to adopt from the Autumn/Winter 2026 shows is changing your hair parting. This season, deep side partings and swooping side fringes appeared frequently on the runways, signaling that it's time to switch from a middle part. It's also a fantastic way to add volume to finer hair. Hairstylist Anthony Turner crafted a sleek side-parted look for the Victoria Beckham show, stating: "We wanted the hair to feel effortless and feminine yet polished