NYFW Spring 2027 Beauty Trends: Bold Lips and Messy Knots

New York Fashion Week has set the beauty agenda for Spring/Summer 2027. A Purewow editor, after attending shows and backstage moments, identified seven trends moving from clear glosses and slicked hair toward bold lipstick and intentionally messy textures.

The Return of Bold Lipstick

Bright lip color made a definitive comeback. The runways did not offer a subtle transition. Designers embraced vivid shades across multiple shows. Bright pink appeared at Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Conner Ives, and Tommy Hilfiger. Christian Siriano and Tory Burch favored rosy, bubblegum tones over traditional spring peaches. Diane von Furstenberg opted for glossy red lips to complement a 70s and 80s aesthetic. Thom Browne presented models with fuchsia, indigo, and plum lip colors.

Textured, Lived-In Hair Knots

Tight, perfect buns are being replaced by loose, textured knots. This trend represents a departure from years of slicked-back styles. At the Diotima show, session stylist Joey George created a low, off-center knot. It was designed to look as if the model had just emerged from the ocean, aligning with the collection's Caribbean themes. Celebrity stylist Justine Marjan developed the "Mermaid Messy Knot" for Christian Cowan. This look combined sleek hair sections with crimped strands, flyaways, and a deliberately undone knot.

Statement Eyeliner as Spectacle

Precise, matching wings are giving way to bold, statement liner. Eye makeup became part of the theatrical presentation. At The Blonds, slightly messy lines matched a maximalist beauty aesthetic. The trend appeared in varied forms throughout the week. Heirlome featured liner extended into the inner corners of the eye. Area emphasized tightlining, while Sergio Hudson created a retro, mod-inspired cat eye with floating liner. Black was not the only color used; bright and metallic shades were also prominent.

Athletic Blush and Lived-In Makeup

The athletic blush trend mimics a natural, post-workout flush. Color is diffused across the cheeks instead of being concentrated for contouring. The goal is a lived-in, radiant effect. For the Atelier Ndigo show, Dior makeup artist Ricky Wilson layered multiple highlighter and blush shades on models to create an illuminated glow. At Kallmeyer, Saie Global Artistic Director Shain Kish created three distinct makeup looks. One look featured a smoky, lived-in liner paired with flushed blush. Kish stated the vision was to shows a diverse, wearable makeup range that complements the wearability of the Kallmeyer collection.

Additional Runway Directions

Beyond these highlighted trends, the runways presented further inspiration. Nail art embraced bold color and graphic designs, moving away from sheer neutrals. Skin preparation focused on a dewy, hydrated finish, providing a glowing canvas for stronger makeup statements. Fragrance was noted as an integral, mood-setting element backstage, though specific scents were not detailed. These elements collectively signal a spring season embracing personality, texture, and color over minimalist restraint.