It is that time of year again, folks; another New York Fashion Week has come to a close, and summer is over—officially. This is usually the time of year that my seasonal depression starts to creep in, which can make it a bit hard for me to keep up with and enjoy my usual interests. That being said, I’m quite proud of myself for actually taking the time to promptly look at some of the shows this time around, and so I wanted to hold space for what I thought were some of the most major moments in beauty this fashion week.
Collina Strada
To start off strong, I thought the beauty story here was quite clever/interesting. Pink, gold, and green smoky eyes were blown out to hug the contours of the nose, accentuating the shadows under the model’s eyes—a nod to the collection’s central theme. “The shadows represent the policies, histories, and systems that trail behind. Invisible to some and glaringly obvious to others. It’s about recognizing what has been in the past and how we can move forward with light.” – Hillary Taymour, founder of Collina Strada.
Diotima
I really liked the impact that the white paint splatters, delicately focused on the right temples and cheekbones by Kanako Takase, made on the runway—subtly and sweetly highlighting the models’ bone structure, like a twinkle of light.
Anna Sui
Legendary icon and key artist Pat McGrath aimed for dreamy and ethereal vibes with shades of cornflower and sky-blue eyeshadow. In addition, just a pinch of soft pink blush peeking through dewy, glass skin. I love it so much. This look will definitely be living in my head rent-free for a while.
Grace Ling
While I appreciated the effortlessly sexy, grungy, smoky eyes delivered by key artist Diane Kendal and the team at NARS, the nails are what really stole the show for me. Global Ambassador of OPI, Coca Michelle, created nine unique and equally impressive sets of nails for the show. My favorites were a bone-colored pierced stiletto set, a metallic chrome sword stiletto set, and a clear set of stilettos encapsulating bolts and nails (Home Depot—but make it fashion).
Elena Velez
I’m obsessed with what my fellow Puerto Rican, Elena Velez, dubs “Great Depression core.” Her models sported sunken, gaunt complexions, white eyebrows, heavy black eyeshadow, a nasty (in the best way) black lip, and seemingly dirt-smeared skin. In Makeup Academy NYC team lead Kinshasa Hunter‘s own words, “She’s a little glam but she’s a little dusty.”
Theophilio
One of this fashion week’s biggest beauty highlights was the colorful, provocative airbrushing at Theophilio done by Mab Cynner. I also loved the look of the gold rhinestone eyes created by Romero Jennings.
Luar
Finally, the most major moment in the beauty at NYFW SS2026 has to go to Luar, easily. It was pura fantasía. The collection: a historical reference that is full of reverence for designer Raúl Lopez‘s Dominican heritage, yet futuristic at the same time. My favorite look was a cobalt blue graphic cat-eye paired with huge, spikey eyelashes expertly stacked together to create a moment of Pat McGrath x Galliano. Honorable mentions to both the blue & gold foil lips as well as the feathered-tipped nails. Overall, just a fantastic runway show and beauty story across the board from Luar and key artist Andrew Dahling.
