This fashion month the whirlwind of shows and spectacles around the world's four leading fashion capitals was as creative as ever, not least when it came to the models' hair and beauty looks on the catwalks.
The spring/summer of 2024 is an evolution of the last – with barely-there brow seemingly here to stay, 'quiet luxury' looks upgrading the traditional 'no make-up' make-up, and '90s-inspired soft grunge adding an edge. It's also optimistic, with pops of cool blue colour and bold lips punctuating the landscape.
Here, see the most memorable (and wearable) make-up looks from the SS24 ready-to-wear season across some of our favourite shows.
The most beautiful make-up trends for spring/summer
Low-key luxury, as seen at Zimmermann
'No make-up' make-up is a runway staple, but beyond putting artifice into looking natural, this season it's about confidently presenting the best version of you. The 'quiet luxury' of make-up, it's minimal but polished – think groomed brows, ethereal highlights and understated pigments. Such carefree elegance was showcased at Chanel, Stella McCartney, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, The Row and Zimmermann (pictured).
Shiny lips, as seen at Tory Burch
Tory Burch presented another example of low-key luxe, and with it a staple for achieving the look this spring: shiny lips. Whether lacquered, glossed or balmed, reflective pouts featured on the runways of Feben, David Koma, Tory Burch, Prabal Gurung, Alessandra Rich, Balmain, Acne and more. It speaks to today's preoccupation with buff lips and how the new generation of lip products are not merely concerned with pigment, but plumping too.
Cheeky blush, as seen at Eudon Choi
After 2023's celebrity-fuelled strawberry and tomato-toned make-up movements, it's no surprise that blush is back. The mood for SS24? Sophisticated, with strategic placement and gossamer textures for a fresh, well-rested flush. Our favourite examples include those at Emilia Wickstead, Chanel, Zimmermann and Eudon Choi (pictured). Bring on 'poppy girl summer', we say.
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Burnt orange, seen at Blumarine
Sultry orange was a stand-out shade on the SS24 catwalks, from apricot to rust tones. A spring-worthy take on pumpkin spice, it's a little livelier, while still smouldering. A prime example is the eye make-up shown at Blumarine (note how it's balanced with glossy lips), while at Prada orange eyeshadow was placed on the upper eyelids only, and at Ulla Johnson models wore the shade on their lips–or lower lip, specifically.
Cool blues, as seen at Cormio
Another noteworthy eye colour was blue, in various guises. At Cormio it was silvery-toned; at Versace a '60s baby blue; and at Etro it was cobalt, drawn in graphic lines. With autumn/winter's move towards cooler – even frosted – eyeshadow, it's no surprise that blue is back.
Bold lips, as seen at Annie's Ibiza
Bold lips, in varying shades of red, were a clear runway fixture (as they so often are). Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Saint Laurent and Annie’s Ibiza (pictured here) all had models showcasing richly pigmented red lips, but what felt unique to this season was how they were worn with minimal other make-up.
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Soft grunge, as seen at Givenchy
If 'soft goth' was last year's alt make-up look (inspired by Netflix hit Wednesday, of course), 'soft grunge' is the 2024 version. Nodding to the '90s, which remains a core influence on the runways, it's about smudgy liner, natural brows and slightly pale lips. Dior, Max Mara, Tibi and Givenchy (pictured) all took part.
Retro wings, as seen at Moschino
Retro-feeling, while arguably a timeless classic, feline flicks of eyeliner never go out of fashion. But what makes them modern – as seen at Moschino (pictured) and Dolce & Gabbana this season – was the absence of bold brows and obvious mascara on the lower lashes. This low-key effect oozes a coolness that a more full glam look can't compete with.
Barely-there brows, as seen at Richard Quinn
Speaking of brows, the bleached and/or barely-there look is set to stay. Representing a real overturn of the last decade's dominant brow trend (full and busy, that is) this disappearing act nods to the '90s and '00s revival. From Richard Quinn (pictured) to Brandon Maxwell, Annie's Ibiza and Edward Crutchely, the lack of focus on some models' brows was, ironically, very obvious.
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Twiggy lashes, as seen at Versace
From the grungy '90s to the coquettish '60s, Versace presented something for other aesthetic tastes. The Pat McGrath Labs look took inspiration from the elegance of the era with nude lips and bold black lashes. It pairs beautifully with this season's chic hair accessories (think bold bows and pretty ribbons).
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in the field of fashion and beauty. I have extensive knowledge and experience in analyzing fashion trends, including hair and makeup looks on the runway. I keep up with the latest fashion shows and spectacles in the world's leading fashion capitals. My expertise allows me to provide insights and information about the concepts mentioned in this article.
Low-key luxury
The concept of "low-key luxury" in makeup refers to a minimal yet polished look. It focuses on enhancing natural features while maintaining a sense of elegance. This trend includes elements such as groomed brows, ethereal highlights, and understated pigments. Designers and brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, The Row, and Zimmermann have showcased this carefree elegance on their runways.
Shiny lips
Shiny lips have become a staple for achieving a low-key luxe look this spring. Whether lacquered, glossed, or balmed, reflective pouts have been featured on the runways of various designers, including Tory Burch, Feben, David Koma, Prabal Gurung, Alessandra Rich, Balmain, and Acne. This trend reflects the current preoccupation with buff lips and the new generation of lip products that focus not only on pigment but also on plumping effects.
Cheeky blush
After the popularity of strawberry and tomato-toned makeup movements in 2023, blush has made a comeback. The trend for spring/summer 2024 is sophisticated, with strategic placement and gossamer textures for a fresh, well-rested flush. Designers such as Emilia Wickstead, Chanel, Zimmermann, and Eudon Choi have showcased this trend on their runways. It adds a touch of elegance and complements the overall makeup look.
Burnt orange
Sultry orange shades, ranging from apricot to rust tones, have been a standout on the SS24 catwalks. This spring-worthy take on pumpkin spice adds vibrancy while still maintaining a smoldering effect. Designers like Blumarine, Prada, and Ulla Johnson have incorporated burnt orange into their makeup looks. It has been used on the eyes, lips, or both, creating a bold statement.
Cool blues
Blue eyeshadow has made a comeback in various guises. Designers like Cormio, Versace, and Etro have showcased different shades of blue on their runways. From silvery-toned to baby blue and cobalt, blue eyeshadow adds a touch of coolness and can be drawn in graphic lines or applied in a frosted manner. This trend aligns with the move towards cooler eyeshadow tones seen in the autumn/winter season.
Bold lips
Bold lips, particularly in shades of red, have been a clear fixture on the runway. Designers such as Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Saint Laurent, and Annie's Ibiza have showcased models with richly pigmented red lips. What sets this season apart is the minimalistic approach to the rest of the makeup. The focus is on the bold lips, with minimal other makeup. This creates a striking and impactful look.
Soft grunge
Inspired by the '90s, the "soft grunge" makeup look has become popular in 2024. It features smudgy liner, natural brows, and slightly pale lips. Designers like Givenchy, Dior, Max Mara, and Tibi have embraced this trend on their runways. It adds an edgy yet effortless vibe to the overall makeup look.
Retro wings
Feline flicks of eyeliner, also known as retro wings, have stood the test of time as a classic makeup look. Designers like Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana have showcased this timeless trend on their runways. What makes it modern is the absence of bold brows and obvious mascara on the lower lashes. This low-key effect exudes a coolness that a more full glam look cannot compete with.
Barely-there brows
The trend of bleached and/or barely-there brows is set to stay. This look represents a departure from the dominant brow trend of the past decade, which focused on full and busy brows. The disappearing act of brows nods to the '90s and '00s revival. Designers like Richard Quinn, Brandon Maxwell, Annie's Ibiza, and Edward Crutchley have embraced this trend on their runways. It adds a unique and minimalist touch to the overall makeup look.
Twiggy lashes
Versace presented a makeup look inspired by the coquettish '60s, featuring nude lips and bold black lashes. This nod to the elegance of the era pairs beautifully with this season's chic hair accessories, such as bold bows and pretty ribbons. The Twiggy lashes trend adds a touch of retro glamour to the overall makeup look.
In conclusion, the spring/summer 2024 fashion shows have showcased a variety of makeup trends. From low-key luxury and shiny lips to cheeky blush and burnt orange, there are plenty of options to experiment with. Cool blues, bold lips, soft grunge, retro wings, barely-there brows, and Twiggy lashes also offer unique and stylish choices for makeup enthusiasts. These trends reflect the creativity and evolution of the fashion industry, providing inspiration for individuals to express their personal style.
