The 80s are back (also) in the make-up runway looks Give free rein to bright colors, bold lips and fluffy hair
Now that the Milan Fashion Week has wrapped up and Paris Fashion Week is also coming to an end, we can say it without hesitation: the ’80s are back (again). From the Spring/Summer 2026 runways come make-up looks brimming with confidence, reviving the bold pop-era aesthetics. Colored lips, metallic lashes, and a playful approach to color that had been forgotten between clean-girl looks. After seasons of minimalism, beauty is back to having fun and making a statement.
’80s aesthetic returns to runway make-up
Electric Blush
Forget the sunkissed effect: the upcoming season demands blush so intense it’s visible from afar. Runways are bringing back bold color blends. The result is deliberately excessive but incredibly fresh. Examples can be seen on models at Chopova Lowena and Dilara Findikolglu.
Eyes as the main feature
On the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, eyes are once again the focal point. Eyeshadow is vibrant and playful, as seen in Anna Sui’s show, which revived the pastel blue typical of ’80s looks. No half measures: daring fuchsia shades appeared on Caroline Hú’s runway, mint green and lilac paired with nude lips, or for the boldest, a striking vampy red à la Grace Jones, showcased by Vaquera.
Theatrical lashes
In the ’80s, lashes knew no middle ground: black or colored, always thickly coated in mascara. This Fashion Week draws inspiration from doll-like eyes: clumpy, theatrical, and intentionally excessive. At Vivetta, mascara is colorful and applied in layers for a graphic effect; at Moschino, metallic false lashes transform the face into a small work of art.
Colorful lipsticks
Finally, after seasons of transparent gloss and lip balms, real lipsticks are back. On the Fashion Week runways, lips reclaim the spotlight: Chloé dressed them in shocking candy-pink, while Roksanda offered a deeper shade inspired by the ’80s dark aesthetic, paired with pale faces and cool contouring.
Voluminous hair
Goodbye flat hair and tight buns: volume is back on the runway. Fidan Novruzova revives the ’80s aesthetic with soft waves, natural curls, and puffy styles. Hair moves, occupies space, tells a story, and emphasizes character. This is volume’s revenge against the usual sleek styles: finally, hair stands out again.
