Spring/Summer ‘26 is shaping up to be a season of restraint on the beauty front. Across the runways, designers leaned into pared-back elegance, steering clear of bold palettes in favour of refined simplicity. Hair was sleek and deliberate, with both Fendi and Prada taking the idea of slicked-back styling in their own distinctive directions. Make-up, too, was softened—often barely-there, with the occasional flourish used to underscore a collection’s mood.
Here, the beauty takeaways from the Milan runways.
Gucci
Gucci’s SS26 presentation, La Famiglia, unfolded as a cinematic experience under the title The Tiger. The collection danced between heritage references and daring reinvention, a balance echoed in the beauty direction. Make-up leaned dramatic—recognisably Gucci in its theatrical flair—setting the stage for a narrative that felt both nostalgic and forward-facing.
Fendi
Fendi showcased a more architectural approach to hair. Strands were slicked flat from the crown with deep side-partings, held in place with precision and shine, while the lengths were left natural, free to fall with movement.
Prada
At Prada, the slicked-back trend reached its peak. Models appeared as though they had just emerged from water, hair combed back from root to tip and set with a lacquered, wet-look finish. For real life, the trick to recreating this lies in layering: start by working a high-shine gel evenly through damp hair, combing it straight back, and securing with a light mist of hairspray to hold the effect in place all day.
Ferragamo
Ferragamo opted for a more relaxed take, embracing bohemian waves that framed faces with effortless ease. Unlike the ultra-sleek looks elsewhere, this was about natural movement. To achieve the same at home, braid slightly damp hair overnight and brush through in the morning, finishing with a touch of texturising spray for a soft, undone finish.
Dolce&Gabbana
Dolce&Gabbana delivered a dreamy play on contrasts. Make-up was tender and romantic, with soft pink washes across cheeks and eyes, but punctuated with the drama of a sharp winged liner. The result was a delicate push-and-pull between languid, pyjama-party ease and high-octane glamour.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta’s minimalism came with a hint of shimmer. The beauty was understated, but a whisper of silver brushed across eyelids caught the light in unexpected ways—akin to the way highlighter transforms the cheekbones.
Giorgio Armani
At Giorgio Armani, the beauty direction leaned sun-kissed and serene. Eyes glowed in shades of sunset gloss, while bronzed cheeks lent a post-holiday warmth. The finish was radiant but never heavy.
