I know what you’re thinking: How can we discuss next fall’s trends while we’re still shoveling snow from the sidewalk? February marks the start of fashion month, which means that for the next few weeks, we will get to explore, analyze, and admire what the runways predict will be the fall and winter 2025 beauty trends.
For makeup, several runway shows emphasized the importance of experimentation, demonstrating looks with unexpected colors, like blue and green. Interesting makeup placements also dominated the runways, inspiring us to think outside the box.
Though simple makeup looks will always have their place, intensity, vibrancy, and passion reigned supreme this season, leading us away from minimalism and toward drama and fantasy. Below, take a look at the best makeup trends we spotted on the runway.
Colorful Eyeshadow
Gone are the days when we would run away from blue and green eyeshadow. These colors will be inescapable this fall, and designers like Christian Cowan and Luar are leading the charge. The colors aren’t as jarring as you may think; with so many ways to dip your toe into the trend, you can incorporate these colors in a way that works with your taste. If you are a novice, try using green or blue eyeliner, similar to the models at Anna Sui. However, if you prefer drama, fully saturate your eyelids with vibrant shades of blue and green from the Rimmel London Magnif’eyes Palette to get the Christian Cowan mod ’60s vibe.
No More Nude Lips
Christopher John Rogers
Moving down the face, quirky, vibrant lips are in this season. And no, not just your typical bright red (although the models at Alice and Olivia and Coach made a compelling case for it). We’re talking about shades of blue, purple, green, and even iridescent pearly tones. While some of the shades may not seem practical for everyday wear, designers like Christopher John Rogers exist to let you know that beauty is what you make it—there are no rules. Who says you can wear your makeup with a blue lip? At Christopher John Rogers, key artist Alex Levy used a mix of the MAC Cosmetics Perpetual Shock MAC Color Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner, MAC Dazzle Shadow Extreme in color Emerald Cut, and MAC Dazzle Shadow Liquid eye shadow in color Diamond Crumblesover the lips. Then, he added the MAC Clear Lipglass as a finishing touch.
The Cat Eye
Kim Shui
Moody makeup looks will always be a cold-weather staple. Alluring, edgy, and sultry, something about dark, deep hues in a makeup look will always be a win in our book. Of course, one of the pillars of the moody grungy makeup aesthetic is the cat eye. At Kim Shui, the classic cat eye was the star of the show, with the tail of the black eyeliner lightly brushed out and surrounded by a soft white eyeshadow.
Luar
Over at Luar, makeup artist Terry Barber was inspired by “late ’80s supermodel glam meets DIY club drag.” That translated to an ombre, cut-crease eyeshadow look comprised of chalky white, black, and grey eyeshadow and brushed-out eyeliner using the MAC Eye Kohl Pencil in Feline to get a pristine cat eye shape.
Blush Play
A good blush is probably one of the easiest ways to elevate a makeup look. Whether you like a full beat or are loyal to the minimalist makeup aesthetic, the right blush—and strategic placement—will make all the difference. Marc Jacobs inspired us all to think outside the box with blush. Though you may not be placing big red dots on your face any time soon, this look was an opportunity to think about blush placement and how it can help accentuate your unique features. At Diotima, blush was vibrant, dewy, and bold, thanks to the Addiction Tokyo Blush in Raspberry Chocolate and Kiss The Night.
Blowing Smoke
The smokey eye, much like the cat eye, is here to stay. But this season, designers didn’t just want you to buff out your dark shadows and call it a day—they wanted you to have a little bit more fun. At Khaite, shadows were applied higher up on the lids to allow for some negative space between the lashes and the shadow. At Tory Burch, instead of reaching for a black or deep brown shade, makeup artists opted for a light grey, almost silver hue for a subtle yet ethereal twist.