Paris Haute Couture Week S/S '26: Best Runway Beauty Looks

a collage of models walking the runway during paris couture week — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Paris Haute Couture Week is wrapping up, and if you haven't already spent the last few days attuned to what's been happening on the runway overseas, you're missing out on the major fashion and beauty moments that deserve to take up a spot on your mood board this season. Usually I'd argue that some of the best hair and makeup moments during fashion week are taking place on the streets (the street style in Paris is unmatched), but everyone is currently convening in the City of Love for a reason, so the runway beauty isn't to be ignored.

So far I've seen a handful of designers embrace blast-from-the-past beauty trends, with some models being sent down the runway wearing high ponytails that have been teased to the heavens (looking at you, Jacquemus) and others showing off '60s-style updos and bombshell curls. Cropped cuts like the French bob and angled bob were all the rage last year, so of course these styles are also having their turn in the spotlight in Paris.

As for makeup, the minimalist look typically reigns supreme on the runway, but the rich, red lipstick shades and occasional dramatic smokey eye seen during some shows suggests a return to bold, maximalist glam this season.

Read ahead to see some of the best runway and backstage beauty moments during Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer '26.

a model walks during a runway show wearing an oversized, white, mesh gown and black pumps. her curly hair is styled in a side ponytail — Side ponytails take over the runway during the Jacquemus Fall/Winter '26 presentation.

The '80s side ponytail got a high-fashion upgrade on the runway during a Fall/Winter '26 presentation from Jacquemus this week. It also made an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month, thanks to Natasha Lyonne—is 2026 the year the side pony officially makes a comeback? Only time will tell.

a black woman with dark hair styled in a braided updo backstage at a fashion show — Braided updos were all the rage during the Yanina Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show.

Updos don't have to be boring, and the pigtail-braided updos that took over the runway during the Yanina Couture S/S '26 show were a perfect example of that.

a black woman with long, dark hair models on a runway — A model wears a textured blowout during the RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp S/S '26 show.

I love when a show spotlights kinky and curly hair textures. This blown-out look from RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp is giving me hair inspiration for days.

a model wearing smokey eye makeup during a runway show — Dramatic eyes were everywhere at Stéphane Rolland.

Dramatic eye makeup and chunky hair accessories belong on the runway.

a white woman with a short, black bob backstage at a fashion show — A model wears a chin-length bob with blunt bangs during Elie Saab.

The reign of the cunty little bob is nowhere near over, but a thick blunt bang only makes it look even more chic.

a black model with glittery face makeup walks the runway during paris couture week — A model wears dusted face makeup at Yuima Nakazato S/S '26.

This dreamy, dusted makeup look was worn during Yuima Nakazato's S/S '26 presentation on Jan. 28.

a woman with blonde hair styled in a beehive updo during a runway show — A model wears a beehive updo during Franck Sorbier.

Some designers leaned heavily into beauty that takes inspiration from past eras, and this beehive updo with barrel curls from Franck Sorbier fits the retro theme perfectly.

a woman with blonde hair styled in bombshell curls during a runway show — A model hits the runway wearing bombshell curls at Franck Sorbier S/S '26.

You can never go wrong with big hair and even bigger curls.

a model with dark hair poses backstage during a fashion show — Sleek, glassy hair was a major theme at Giorgio Armani Privé S/S '26.

2026 may be the year of the messy updo, but you really can't beat the sleek, wet, pulled-back look.

a model with short, curly hair walks the runway during couture week — A model wears an angled bob during Chanel's S/S '26 show.

Curly bobs are set to have a big moment this year—get an angled cut to add a little more edge.

a model walks the runway during paris couture week — A model wears a gold hair accessory during Yuima Nakazato's S/S '26 show.

Slick, wet hair is synonymous with the "clean" look, but shimmery gold paint makes this look appear less boring.

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Danielle Jackson is the former senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.