The Top 6 Beauty Trends at New York Fashion Week S/S '27 Are All About Lip Gloss Lids, Low Ponys, and Almond Nails
Our take

The runways of New York Fashion Week S/S '27 have spoken, and the message is clear: beauty is embracing a quieter, more considered elegance. The shift away from maximalism, evident in the recent embrace of Y2K activewear [Introducing Old Navy Sport: The Affordable (and Chic) Activewear I'll Be Wearing to My Next Pilates Class], continues, now manifesting in beauty trends that prioritize wearability and a sense of understated sophistication. This season’s focus on lip gloss lids, low ponytails, and almond nails isn’t about shock value; it’s about a return to fundamentals, a celebration of natural beauty elevated with intentional touches. It feels like a direct response to the increasingly chaotic digital landscape, a desire for moments of calm and refinement reflected in our outward appearance. The emphasis on simple, almost effortless styles underscores a broader cultural shift towards conscious consumption and a rejection of fleeting trends in favor of timeless appeal, a sentiment echoed in the ongoing popularity of layered haircuts [The Top 7 Fall 2026 Haircut Trends Are All About Layers, Shags, and Embracing Natural Texture].
The beauty trends emerging from NYFW S/S '27 aren’t just about specific techniques; they represent a broader aesthetic philosophy. Lip gloss lids, for example, are a departure from the heavy, sculpted eyeshadow looks that have dominated recent years. It’s a move towards luminosity and a blurring of lines, creating a soft, almost ethereal effect. Similarly, the prevalence of low ponytails signals a rejection of overly styled updos, favoring a more relaxed and natural feel. And almond-shaped nails, perfectly manicured but not excessively long or embellished, embody a quiet confidence and refined taste. These choices align perfectly with the broader trends we've observed in recent awards season after-parties [The 2026 Emmys Ended, But the Award-Worthy Looks Continued on the After-Parties], where understated elegance consistently triumphed over ostentatious displays. This isn't about erasing individuality; it's about channeling it through a lens of intentionality and restraint.
What’s particularly compelling about this shift is its accessibility. Unlike some runway looks that feel purely aspirational, these trends are genuinely wearable. Lip gloss on the eyes requires minimal skill, a low ponytail takes seconds to achieve, and almond-shaped nails are a universally flattering shape. This democratizing effect is crucial; it allows individuals to embrace the runway aesthetic without feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic standards. It’s a beauty landscape that encourages experimentation within a framework of simplicity, fostering a sense of self-assuredness and empowering individuals to express their personal style authentically. This resonates with the core values of the Chiara Bransi aesthetic – a focus on feeling rather than performance, and a quiet confidence that radiates from within.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how these trends are adopted and adapted by mainstream beauty consumers. Will the lip gloss lid become a staple in everyday makeup routines, or will it remain a runway-inspired moment? Will the low ponytail evolve into a range of variations, incorporating different textures and accessories? The key will be to maintain the essence of effortless elegance that defines these trends, avoiding the pitfalls of over-styling or excessive embellishment. Ultimately, the success of these trends will depend on their ability to inspire a sense of calm, confidence, and self-expression—a feeling that transcends fleeting trends and resonates with a deeper desire for authenticity. The question remains: how will these seemingly simple beauty choices impact the broader conversation around self-image and the pursuit of effortless style in the coming seasons?
Tonight marks the official end of New York Fashion Week, which means one thing: it’s time for a trend recap. The S/S '27 season marks a major pivot in beauty trends. You can retire blush and slick back buns—it’s all about eyeliner and partless low ponytails now. The simple, short manicures in 20 shades of nude that dominated most of last year? Well, it’s all about almond-shaped extensions in the boldest color you can imagine now. If 2025/2026 was focused on glass skin and bobs, then 2026/2027 is all about the eyes and mermaid waves.
NYFW beauty trends can often feel a bit unattainable—as much as I love a teased updo or black lipstick, I’m not wearing it to work. But this year’s looks are actually very wearable and incredibly easy to recreate. I’m rounding up my six favorite trends from the week—along with some expert tips on how to get the look and what to use below. Only time will tell whether these trends will carry over into London, Paris, and Milan, but for now, happy scrolling.
Lip Gloss Lids




As a staunch shimmer shadow girl, I’m thrilled to see this trend take off. Here’s the TLDR: take a slightly opalescent shadow—in the color of your choice—and then put a thin film of clear gloss on top. If you’re sensitive to the tacky texture, try using a glitter pot (my favorite is from Bodyography) to achieve a wet look.
Partless Perfection




If one thing was glaringly clear on the runways, it’s that hair parts of any kind are dead. Stylists went to whatever means necessary to hide any sign of a scalp. Some were slicked back; others were teased to a degree that I'm sure made brushing a terrifying experience. Message was received loud and clear: no side parts, no middles parts, no parts at all.
Lots of Liner



Liner is to 2026 what blush was to 2025. Looks ranged from inner corner moments and tightlining to traditional cat eyes. What’s worth noting is the color experimentation: black eyeliner is almost too basic to have real estate in your makeup bag this year. Reach for a gilded shade or a neon hue to switch up your glam for the new season.
Low Ponytails




Beauty Director Hannah Baxter is very much into the low ponytail trend; I personally need a little time to shed my middle-school trauma. It’s a very Olsen twin aesthetic, and with an expertly layered haircut and a chic ponytail cuff, the style has a cool girl vibe. Even Grace Gummer and Shailene Woodley got on board with the look at the 2026 Emmys.
No Mascara Makeup



It’s apparently time to give our lashes a break. Pop on a red lip, a glowy foundation, and give your lashes a good curl before heading out the door. If you can’t get on board with bare eyelashes, take a little Vaseline and brush it on after curling—it’ll help hold the look, even sans mascara.
Almond Nails



Short and square had a good run, but the trend cycle is officially flipping. The longer and pointier, the better. I'll be sticking to press-ons, but if you have strong nails, go forth and conquer with a nail file and and your favorite polish. As for colors? Earth tones are dominating in fall, but don’t be surprised if you start seeing cobalt blues and rich purples.

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