As pro New York City as I am, I can take the L and admit that Paris Fashion Week is what really rules when it comes to beauty. PFW is the birthplace of all big beauty trends. It’s where the hottest names in makeup and hair tap right into what we’ll start seeing on our feeds. The looks don’t have to be cooker cutter—it’s Paris, after all.
With huge shows like Saint Laurent, Chanel, Loewe, Christian Dior, Miu Miu, and more, we got a glimpse into what hair and makeup will take shape the rest of 2026 and beyond. This season felt especially daring, as it marked debuts across the fashion set for a whole new crop of creative directors after a big shake-up in the industry last year. With new ideas in clothes, we’ll naturally see a shift in what makeup looks walk down the runway too. And not to get all Devil Wears Prada on you, but the hair and makeup decided at these shows will soon find its way onto red carpets, editorials, and eventually, the faces you see walking down the street.
That said, the beauty moments this season were next level. As a beauty editor, I’ve spent the last week pouring over all the best looks. Intentionally tangled hair, ultra-chic bob haircuts, metallic lips, glitter eyeshadow, ‘90s hair accessories—I found it all. Keep scrolling for all of my favorites and what we’ll definitely be seeing more of this year.
Love Cosmo’s beauty content? Subscribe to our Substack for more recs and reviews delivered straight to your inbox.
Helmet Hair
One look at the collections in Paris, and you’ll see lots of hats and hoods. And with it, we’re embracing the undone hat hair, specifically at Lacoste and Rabanne.
‘80s Baby
Balenciaga went full ‘80s with bold blush and colorblocking. It’s the makeup equivalent to shoulder pads and power suits.
The Power Bob
The c*nty bob has officially gone fashion, per Alex Consani’s ginger bob wig at Alexander McQueen.
Chrome Theory
At Vivienne Westwood, metals washed lips and lids. Pro tip: The futuristic look is best achieved with a liquid or cream-based product (like Danessa Myricks Colorfix Foils) for a molten effect.
Side Swoops
Water lilies were the main inspo for Jonathan Anderson’s much-anticipated Christian Dior show, and this tousled, side-swept style with a low pony screams gardens in bloom (even though it’s obviously penned to fall/winter).
Primary Colors
These bright-colored wings at Acne Studios look like you just grabbed a shade out of a crayon box (er, an eyeliner) and went to town. And that’s exactly the vibe: creative and not too precious.
Pin Point
The whole updo thing feel like a chore? Just stick a zillion bobby pins in and call it a day. At least that’s what happened at Dries Van Noten, and the result is so chic.
The Olsen Tuck
The faux-bob, “Olsen tuck” walked on the Courreges runway and showed just how formal your hair can go, leaving it stuck under your collar.
All That Glitters
Glitter for grown-ups? Chanel says yes. From this glitzy eye comprised of teeny-tiny micro glitters for a scattered effect to this fully doused glitter slick-back, the party is you, honey.
Blowing Smoke
Smokey eyes were everywhere this season, from blacked-out lids at Jean Paul Gaultier to smudgey liner at Givenchy.
Claw Headbands
Forget claw clips—Miu Miu is bringing back another nostalgic ‘90s hair accessory with these claw headbands.
Weathered Skin
Inspired by the effects of spending a long day in cold, windy, sunny weather, makeup artist Yadim Carranza gave models flushed cheeks and fake freckles at Chloe. It was all about glowy skin that’s not too polished, welcoming the impacts of cold air and sun exposure with a dab of Saie Dew Blush in Spicy on the cheeks and downward for a wind-struck effect.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.