There’s a chill in the air, a spring in our steps, and an abundance of well-dressed people running around New York City—Fashion Month is here. Every September, we’re greeted by a sartorial feast of inspiration on the runways (and in the streets). While the clothing is the main event, it’s always interesting to see what beauty trends will blossom from the looks.
Often, designers choose to go with pared-down beauty looks to let their clothes do the talking, but this year, bold makeup helped collections stand out. ELLE beauty editors went backstage to see all of the best beauty looks in action. For spring 2025, there were plenty of bold eyes, statement lips, and unexpected pops of color. Keep reading for some of our favorite makeup trends and the best products to try them with.
Color Block
An unexpected shock of color can make you do a double-take, and that’s exactly what many of this season’s best makeup looks did. At Sandy Liang, models sported chalky, baby pink lips that looked like they might glow in the dark. At Ulla Johnson, a hint of green on the waterline added intrigue to otherwise minimal makeup looks. And at Diotima, models fluttered bright eyelashes. “Red and white accents are reflected in the colorful eyelashes for drama and definition,” said Kanako Takase, the Addiction Tokyo creative director and makeup artist behind the looks at Diotoma.
Addiction Tokyo The Mascara Color Nuance WP in Pure Scarlet
Sisley Paris Phyto-Eye Twist All in One Eyeshadow, Pencil & Eyeliner in Emerald
Estée Lauder Pure Color Whipped Matte Lip Color with Moringa Butter in Air Kiss
Red Again
In case you haven’t heard, we’re seeing red again. Red lipstick has been having a bit of a renaissance lately, and this year’s runways are proving it. Though red is a bold color, it’s still feminine. At Alice + Olivia, models sported glossy red lips. “That’s very heavily inspired by the 1950s—classic, timeless beauty,” said makeup artist Michela Wariebi for Tarte. At Maria McManus, models sported a French girl staple—matte red lips with minimal makeup.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Vinyl in Apple
Estee Lauder Double Wear 24H Stay-In-Place Lip Liner in Red
Estée Lauder Pure Color Explicit Silk Matte Lipstick in Heartbeat
Up in Smoke
Smoky eyes are ready for a renaissance. At Tibi, models showed a pared-down version of the makeup look with just a hint of dusty shadow under their eyes using Bobbi Brown products. Area, on the other hand, went the maximalist route, with punk rock-inspired, dramatic smoky eyes and deep, oxblood lips.
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick in Panther
MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee
MAC Studio Fix Sculpt and Shape Contour Palette
Mixed Metals
A sure way to amp up any look is by adding a flash of metal. At Christian Siriano, flicks of bronze eyeliner helped bring even more drama to the clothes. “I wanted the power to come from the eyes,” said makeup artist Vincent Oquendo with Revlon. “I wanted it to be beautiful, dangerous, and powerful.” Laquan Smith also opted for metallic accents with a glimmer of chrome on the inner corners of the eyes.
Revlon ColorStay Multiplayer Liquid-Glide Eye Pencil in Queen of Hearts
Now 25% Off
Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Moonlit
Now 26% Off
Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow Palette in Smokey Chic
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. _When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.