The Milan Spring/Summer 2026 shows confirmed that beauty is entering a new phase — bold yet precise, nostalgic yet refreshingly modern. Across the city’s most anticipated collections, designers and make-up artists experimented with structure, sheen, and subtle rebellion. Here are five beauty trends that defined the season.
1. The Precision Cat-Eye
A classic returned with renewed confidence. At Dolce & Gabbana, make-up artists created immaculate, elongated eyeliner flicks paired with luminous complexions and understated lips — a modern take on timeless Italian glamour. Similar variations appeared at Blumarine, The Attico, and Durazzi, while at Bottega Veneta, Pat McGrath softened the line into a smoky, romantic version.
2. The Wet-Look Revival
High-shine hair dominated several runways, with Prada leading the way. Hairstylist Guido Palau used gel to sculpt sleek, pinned styles that combined discipline with elegance. Tod’s followed suit, embracing a freshly washed, effortless texture that felt both relaxed and refined — signalling a return of gel as next season’s unexpected essential.
3. Retro Elegance with a Twist
The Max Mara show celebrated elevated nostalgia. Models wore voluminous, Pompadour-inspired buns secured with vintage-style headbands, while Giorgio Armani featured delicate French twists brushed forward for a romantic finish. Even Gucci leaned into the retro aesthetic, styling headscarves reminiscent of mid-century icons. The message was clear: heritage-inspired hair has a place in the modern wardrobe.
4. Singular Statement Beauty
Several designers opted for restraint — focusing on one striking feature rather than a full face of make-up. Giuseppe Di Morabito showcased pearl tears that shimmered down the cheeks, while Sportmax paired bare skin with a blurred plum lip. At Moschino, gold lashes added whimsy and drama, proving that minimalism doesn’t mean invisibility.
5. Effortlessly Windswept Hair
Texture made its presence felt on the Milan runways. Versace and Roberto Cavalli featured voluminous, wind-swept waves, while MM6 Maison Margiela embraced tousled, undone strands that suggested movement and ease. Collectively, the looks celebrated natural texture and unpolished glamour — a balance between refinement and rebellion.
This season, Milan’s runways redefined classic beauty codes. From sculpted eyeliner to artfully dishevelled hair, the city’s designers embraced a vision of beauty that was precise yet spontaneous — elegant, but never overdone.
