Now fashion month has drawn to a close, it’s time to reflect upon some of the standout beauty trends from LFW.
Spring Summer 2026 we’re calling the season of maximalism, – with hair, make-up and nails all making a bold and brash statement, tailored to individual models and looks, rather than the ‘one size fits all ‘approach-
Noctis beauty editor Charli Avery breaks down her SS26 highlights
KARINA BOND
Hair Key: Efi Davies // Hair Sponsor: Label M Toni and Guy // Make-up Key: Lan Nguyen-Grealis // Makeup Sponsors: Seoulista Beauty & By Terry // Nails Key: Giulia Oldani // Photos: @judeblackphotography @logangrayphotography @jasonlloydevans
Karina Bonds’ otherwordly outfits were perfectly translated through the intricate hair, make-up and nail designs. Each model had their own aesthetic – either with elongated spikey talons, strong white eyeliner or ‘mars-attacks-esque’ hair covered in pearls.
The three glam teams worked in unison to elevate each model’s look into something ethereal, and alien-esque in the most beautiful way possible.
The skin was glowing, reflecting the pearlescent accents in the hair. Although it was difficult to notice the smaller intricacies from our seats at the runway show, they showed up beautifully on camera.
ASHISH
Hair Key – Ali Pirzadeh // Make up Key – Terry Barber Mac Pro team for Mac Cosmetics // Nails key – Jenny Longworth, Lead – Nichole Williams // Photos – Daniele Oberrauch Gorunway.com
As a designer, Ashish is never one to be a wallflower, and this season was no different. Each model had a bespoke make-up look, from a 60’s inspired eye, to an 80’s vibe glittery bold eye, to the torso being covered in stars, or paint. Bold, brash, individual. Ashish all over.
The hair on the other hand was kept natural and free flowing, allowing it to move with the energetic dance-runway from the models.
PAUL COSTELLOE
Hair – @cossakkasofficial for @toniandguyworld using @labelmworld // Make up – @yinleemakeup using @lauramercier @legologyofficial // Nails – @sophiastylianou_using@miicosmetics // Jewellery -@ivyjstudio @pkbc1 @pebble.london // Styling – @borna_prikaski // Choreography – @cult_of_fashion // Photography – Getty images
Paul Costelloe went for bold 1960’s beehive glamour. Pale blue eyes and bold lashes, teamed with soft peachy skin and a stained lip set the scene for the retro style collection.
All models had the same look – a rarity for what I’ve seen on the runway, resulting in a beautiful cohesion. The hair was also a triumph of vintage glamour.
Sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
LEO PROTHMANN
Makeup – Andrew Gallimore, using @maccosmetics @maccosmeticsuki // Styling – @eddagud // Hair – @efidavies using @toniandguyworld
This make-up look was a stand out for me – the elegant, but bold nature of each design, with slight differences on each model to match complexion and look was a triumph.
Master Andrew Gallimore managed to create a slightly ‘gothic, new romantic’ edge to the look, without it being contrived or obvious. The use of negative space on the centre of the lip was not something you see on every runway, but worked brilliantly. The colours popped where they needed to, without taking anything away from the garments.
The hair looks simple, but again there is an elegance to it – gelled with style in all the right places.
HECTOR MACCLEAN
Creative Director: Hector Maclean // Stylist: Jordan Kelsey With Canva Represents // Hair: Paula Mccash Using @babylisspro @evopro // Make Up: Ciara O’shea Using @1999beauty @weledau @spectrumcollections // Mannicurist: Chiara Ballisai With One Represents Using The Gelbott Inc // Runway Photography: Ben Montgomery
Hector is another designer who embraces bolder looks. Each model had their own ‘character’ to embody, resulting in either a blocked brow and black halo eye, a messy painted red eye look or a two-tone lip. The colours were all kept cohesive – red being one of the key tones, keeping the looks in the same story, embodying the show title ‘The Girl Who Ate The Dragon’
The hair looks varied between wet and gelled, to soft braids, and the nails varied between long chrome talons to more natural sets.
This simply goes to show how the hair, make-up and nails can add to the story of the designs, without taking any focus away.
Words: Charli Avery