Where bold meets bare: 5 beauty trends from LFW SS26

SS26 at London Fashion Week offered a bold juxtaposition of aesthetics on the beauty front - from barely-there skin to unapologetically maximalist statements in eyes, lips, and hair.

As designers experimented with silhouette and form, the beauty looks followed suit - pushing boundaries and expanding the narrative beyond clothing. Here's some of the standout trends that defined the season.

Statement lips

This season, lips became canvases for both timeless elegance and avant-garde artistry. At Roksanda, makeup remained refined and skin-focused - luminous complexions created a soft backdrop for impactful touches, like a black-to-red ombré lip that added drama without disturbing the collection’s narrative.

British fashion designer Richard Quinn offered contrast within the same runway: on some models, lips were kept neutral; on others, a classic red lip punctuated the look with glamour and confidence - a nod to Old Hollywood with a modern twist.

At Connor Ives, lips took a different turn - painted in bold shades of pink, along with an almost-grey tone that shifted into metallic orange for a futuristic edge. Meanwhile, Edeline Lee introduced a deep purple lip - rich and commanding, it stood out as a moody counterpoint to the season’s brighter tones.

Chopova Lowena delivered one of the week’s most radical looks. Lips were painted in a cool-toned grey, then outlined with silver gems - transforming mouths into jewel-encrusted art pieces.

At Simone Rocha, some models wore high-gloss lips adorned with words like "sweet dream" or delicate floral transfers, while others had shimmering, lacquered black lips that echoed the collection’s crystal-studded embellishments for SS26.

Bold eyes

Eyes took centre stage at several shows, often acting as a vehicle for character and attitude.

Ashish turned the runway into a dancefloor - quite literally - with models-turned-dancers adorned in vivid eyeshadow, radiant blush, glitter, ultra-fine brows, and bold lips. The beauty was joyful and maximalist - reflecting the designer’s exuberance.

"We’re bringing colour back in a big way - it’s always been part of our identity," said Marques’Almeida founder Marta Marques. The makeup echoed this, with eyes as the focal point. Red and black graphic liner delivered a punk-inspired edge, offset by clean skin and soft lips - a striking balance of rebellion and refinement.

The return of the bob

In hair, SS26 moved toward more defined, architectural styles - particularly the short, sculptural bob. "Bobs are really making noise right now," said Toni & Guy’s Global Creative Director, Cos Sakkas, who led hair direction for several shows. "Whether it’s a soft French bob or a slick Hollywood version - we’re seeing it styled with real intention and precision."

Cofone used products with high heat protection on the hair (Thomas Morgan for Authentic Beauty Concept/PA)

At Roksanda, this shift was most pronounced. For the 20th-anniversary show, stylist Anna Cofone crafted high-shine, almost liquid bobs that framed the face like sculpture. It was a fitting match for the designer's architectural silhouettes and statement pieces.

Even Paul Costelloe, whose SS26 collection paid homage to 1960s Beverly Hills, incorporated sleek bobs into several looks - styled into exaggerated updos and bouffants. These styles reflected the broader hair direction of the show, blending retro glamour with modern polish under the guidance of Cos Sakkas.

Doll-like beauty

A surreal, doll-inspired aesthetic emerged across several shows.

At Bora Aksu, the mood turned more melancholic. Models appeared like cracked porcelain dolls - dressed in lace bonnets, harlequin tights, and childlike accessories. The beauty look mirrored this tension: rosy cheeks, defined red lips, and an unsettling sweetness that felt more gothic fairytale than playful dress-up.

RIXO kept things whimsical with pastel blue lids and fluttery, doll-like lashes, while Harris Reed paired his bold, architectural designs with wide-eyed makeup and lacquered lips.

Fragrance as a storytelling tool

In an often-overlooked layer of runway storytelling, fragrance made a notable appearance at LFW. For her SS26 show, Roksanda collaborated with Stories Parfums (in partnership with Lookfantastic), scenting both the models and the venue with Stories No.02.

It added an olfactory dimension to her already immersive world. "Stories No.02 perfectly complements the emotional landscape of my spring/summer 2026 collection," Roksanda explained.

Its notes - rooted in nature and woodland surrounds - reflect the influence of Barbara Hepworth, whose sculptural dialogue with organic form was a core inspiration this season. This multi-sensory experience fused scent, style, and story - a reminder that beauty doesn’t end with the final look, but lingers in every breath and gesture.