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Each fashion month, beauty quietly burgles the spotlight think gleaming skin, statement lashes, and lip shades that stop traffic. From London to New York, Milan to Mumbai, we’ve watched the back-of-stage alchemy capitulate on the catwalk, and now it’s time to unpack what truly mattered in beauty this season.
In India, Lakmé Fashion Week stood as a bold declaration that local flair and international finesse can dance in harmony. The 25th edition, held across Delhi and Mumbai under the Lakmé × FDCI banner, wasn’t just about silhouettes; models walked to a beat of luminous skin, pastel eyelids, auric highlighters and confident berry lips. Pastel washes, “clean-girl” radiance, and thoughtfully bold accents emerged backstage as the most compelling beauty breakthroughs from India’s premier fashion stage.
Globally, beauty trends this season insisted on duality, restraint and bravura coexisting. At Paris SS26, we saw the rise of gloss; in lips, skin, even hair and a playful flirtation with colour in lashes and liner. Meanwhile, minimalism was no wallflower: soft “no-makeup” finishes held their ground next to bold, alien-glam statements.
To usher you through the season’s most arresting runway beauty and translate them into your everyday toolkit, here’s Nykaa’s beauty editor on the trend hits that matter: luminous cheekbones, graphic eyes, and all the luxe little details you’ll want in your next beauty update.
Dramatic Eyes & Bold Liners
On runways in Lakmé and Paris AW/Winter 25, eyes took centre stage. Kohl-lined waterlines, graphic liners, and foreheads framed with strong, dark eye makeup stood out.
How to Recreate:
Use a creamy kohl or gel liner to define both upper and lower lash lines; smudge softly for a sultry effect. Then add a sharp wing or graphic shape using a liquid liner. Balance with a muted lip so the eyes remain the star.
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Pastel Eyes & Romantic Hues
Lakmé especially showed “Romantic Pastels” (ice blue, soft pink, lilac) across eye makeup, giving a wash of colour that’s soft yet noticeable.
How to Recreate:
Pick a pastel shadow and apply all over the lid, or wash it of colour from crease to brow. Use soft blending brushes. Keep mascara minimal so pastel doesn’t get overwhelmed. Finish with fresh skin and gentle glow.
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Wine-Toned Lips With Natural Finish
Instead of ultra-matte or high vamp, “bitten lips” emerged: wine or berry shades with softness and slightly blurred edges.
How to Recreate:
Outline lips softly (or skip lining if you have full lips), dab in a wine-toned stain or liquid lipstick, then soften the edges with a brush or finger. Maybe add just a touch of gloss centre-lip for dimension.
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Natural, Glowing Skin With Subtle Highlight
Backstage at Lakmé and across other shows, luminous skin was everywhere: velvety, healthy, dewy, not glazed. Think minimal base, subtle highlighter, good skincare prep. “Sunkissed & effortless” skin was part of this.
How to Recreate:
Moisturiser + hydrating primer or serum, light coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser, highlighter on high points (cheeks, brow bone, bridge of nose). Use cream or balm highlighters to keep the finish soft. Avoid heavy contouring if the skin is doing the talking.
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Bobs, Braids & Slicked-Back Look
Hair trends this season went beyond ornamentation. Ultra-short bobs, braids with boho hints, slicked-back roots, and voluminous up-dos were all over Lakmé’s shows.
How to Recreate:
If you can, get a cut or temporary styling (clip-ins, extensions) for a bob look. For slicked back styles: use gel or styling cream; polish with shine spray. Braids: simple three-strands or fishtail, either tight or loose depending on the mood. Always finish with a flexible hold spray so it moves but stays in place.
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Key Takeaways
As Fashion Month draws its final curtain, one thing is certain: beauty this season is all about balance. From ethereal skin that breathes confidence to playful eyes that wink at rebellion, the looks we’ve seen across Paris, Milan, New York, and Delhi prove that individuality is the ultimate trend. Whether you lean toward a dewy glow, a smudged berry pout, or the drama of a slicked liner, the runway’s biggest beauty lesson is simple: perfection is passé, and expression is everything.
FAQs
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How can I recreate runway beauty looks without professional help?
You don't need a backstage team, just smart multitasking products. Use cream formulas for easy blending, a tinted balm for lips and cheeks, and a highlighter to fake eight hours of sleep. The trick? Keep textures light and finishes skin-first.
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Which beauty trend is the most wearable for everyday life?
The “clean, radiant skin” trend is the one to keep on rotation. A good moisturiser, sheer foundation, and a dab of glow serum go a long way. Add a hint of colour on lips or lids, and you’re ready for work or wine night.
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What’s the biggest takeaway from Fashion Week beauty this year?
This season championed personality over perfection. Whether you’re into minimalism or maximalism, there’s space for both; it’s all about confidence, creativity, and having fun with beauty again.
