NYFW Spring 2027 Makeup: Neon Eyes, Soft Purple and the End of 'Clean Girl' Minimalism

After several seasons of barely-there makeup, New York Fashion Week's spring/summer 2027 shows were openly expressive, according to roundups from Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Bustle and Hypebae. Many of the most talked-about looks paired nostalgic references with glossy, modern skin and deliberately imperfect finishes.

Color led the eyes. At Thom Browne, makeup artist Aaron de Mey turned models into butterflies and bugs with watercolor eyeshadow from Byredo, vibrant winged liner and contrasting cheeks and lips. At Proenza Schouler, Dick Page created messy, colorful liner, and Kim Shui showed long, feathered lashes. Soft purple emerged as a new neutral, appearing as shimmery lilac and gold lids at Anna Sui and a cool mauve shadow at Sandy Liang that gave models hollowed-out under-eyes.

Other standout looks: at Diane von Furstenberg, makeup artist Emi Kaneko used Estée Lauder products for sultry shadow with touches of glitter and glowy lips; Carolina Herrera paired shimmering eye highlight with "rich girl" blowouts; and Ulla Johnson showed petal-fresh glossy eyes and lips. Bustle also noted a moody carryover of wintry shades, including vampy lips at Rachel Comey.

Glowing skin remained the common thread, with the message that polished foundation can sit comfortably next to dramatic lashes, bright lids and messy hair. Several of the product mentions come from brands partnering with the shows, so they reflect what artists used rather than independent endorsements.

Reporting based on Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hypebae and Ecosmetics.