Natural or graphic? Eyes or lips in the spotlight? As always, the Spring/Summer shows in Milan and Paris set the direction for next year's makeup trends, showcasing looks to reinterpret and personalise for everyday wear.
One feature shared by many of the runway looks is a luminous, natural-looking complexion, achieved with a lightweight base, often with a dewy finish to enhance the freshness. Highlighter takes centre stage, enhancing the eyes and adding dimension to the face, but without glitter or an overly glossy finish. In short, the complexion should look radiant yet natural.
This trend has been around for a few seasons, but is now gaining even more momentum. Several looks on the Milan runways embraced the sun-kissed effect, with blush swept across the cheekbones and nose to recreate the look of a day spent outdoors. Shades ranged from rosy hues to warmer tones, always paired with lightweight textures for a natural finish. In many cases, the same shade is also used on the lips.
Speaking of lips, the runways presented a clear choice: bold red lipstick or an ultra-natural look, particularly when the focus of the glam is on the eyes. For those opting for colour, it should be intense, with a classic red lipstick, often in a velvety finish. Nude shades, on the other hand, are almost imperceptible, yet feature glossy finishes and precisely defined lip contours.
The most photographed eye makeup looks from the Spring/Summer 2027 shows fall into two contrasting camps: graphic or natural.
Sharp lines and bold contrasts are a favourite, alongside smokey eyes – strictly in black – elongated towards the temples, and metallic effects across the eyelids. These statement eye looks are consistently paired with bold colours and nude lips.
Alternatively, there are sheer, natural-looking shades in brown or rosy tones, with a soft, luminous finish.