This season, the beauty looks at New York Fashion Week’s SS25 shows were a testament to the industry’s skillful balance of simplicity and creativity. Beauty trends leaned into a demure, effortlessly chic aesthetic, while embracing daring, avant-garde elements that left a lasting impact. From barely-there skin finishes to bold, experimental accents, makeup artists and hairstylists took the runways to new heights. Here’s a breakdown of the top beauty trends that radiated elegance and inventiveness at NYFW SS25.
Off-White: Natural Glam Meets Strong Cultural Symbols
At Off-White’s SS25 “DUTY FREE” collection, creative director IB Kamara merged African and American influences to create a vivid narrative of cultural fusion. Raisa Flowers brought this vision to life backstage with radiant, dewy makeup, enhancing the models’ natural beauty to look as though they had just stepped off a plane from Ghana.
Source : VOGUE RUNWAY
Hair, styled by the incredible Jawara, embraced the models’ natural textures, with some sporting ponytails wrapped in elastic cords for an elevated touch.
The overall look balanced heritage and futurism, with powerful jewelry and strong, traditional elements adding depth to the styles.
Sandy Liang: Princess Glam with a modern twist
Sandy Liang’s SS25 collection took a whimsical approach to beauty, described as a “princess ready to work” aesthetic. Romy Soleimani, the makeup artist behind the look, crafted a frosted pink lip with a unique twist—layering a hint of white eyeshadow to create an intentionally imperfect yet effortlessly cool effect. The quirky, playful lip was a standout, adding an offbeat charm that felt modern and fresh, perfectly in line with Liang’s youthful energy.
Alaïa: Immaculate Nudes by Pat McGrath
At Alaïa, the legendary Pat McGrath brought her signature glow to the runway of Pieter Mulier. The key focus was on flawless, nude tones with a touch of brilliance, courtesy of her Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo. The eyes were kept iconic, with precise definition and glowing skin that had the perfect balance of natural beauty and sculpted elegance.
This nude-centric look was the embodiment of quiet luxury, a trend that is making waves in both fashion and beauty. The makeup allowed the models’ natural beauty to shine, while still bringing the refinement that Alaïa is known for.
Nanushka: Futuristic Piercings and Glow
For Nanushka’s 20th anniversary show, makeup artist Fara Homidi elevated the models’ fresh, glowing skin with a minimalist futuristic touch—delicate silver lip piercings. The look was both subtle and striking, with these metallic accents standing out against radiant, flawless complexions. The contrast of natural glow and edgy adornment created a modern beauty statement that felt innovative and bold.
Source : nanushka.com
3.1 Philip Lim: A Delicate Touch of Lilac
At 3.1 Philip Lim’s SS25 show, Fara Homidi continued to push the boundaries of delicate beauty. She added a wash of lilac under the models’ eyes, evoking a dreamy, ethereal quality. This soft touch of color captured the theme of “memories of joy,” bringing a sense of lightness and emotion to the runway. The lilac hue felt like a subtle yet impactful nod to nostalgia, offering a fresh take on understated eye makeup.
Palomo Spain: Playful Hair Moments
Paloma Spain’s SS25 show was a vibrant display of bold and imaginative hairstyles. Some models strutted the runway with gelled, sculpted styles that seemed to defy gravity, while others embraced more colourful, cosplay-inspired looks, accented with shades like plum.
Despite the eccentric designs, the overall vibe remained natural and effortless, with a harmonious blend of avant-garde creativity and organic charm.
From Off-White’s culturally infused natural glam to Nanushka’s futuristic piercings, the beauty trends at NYFW SS25 were all about celebrating contrasts. Whether it’s Alaïa’s sophisticated nude glow or Sandy Liang’s playful pink lip, this season encourages us all to embrace both simplicity and boldness in our beauty routines. Step out of your comfort zone and let your personal style shine—there’s something here for everyone.
Words By Noa Balou
Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation
