The 4 biggest beauty trends seen in NYFW.

This year's New York Fashion Week provided us with tons of inspiration for the spring 2024 looks. This inspiration came from mythology, dance, and artificial intelligence—essentially, the out-of-this-world artistry born only of being human and dreaming of things other than just that.

Though many details skewed somewhat supernatural, the escapism was balanced by unaffected looks, cheeky references, and, in some cases, no makeup at all. Here, are four beauty trends that defined New York Fashion Week and will inspire your spring beauty looks.

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Graphic Details

More was more in terms of eye makeup—except, of course, when it wasn’t. From the neoprene, tack-sharp wings, and black rectangles at Helmut Lang to the surrealist lashes at Luar, an assemblage of graphic details was marked by a bold approach. Conversely, the graphic eye enhancements were more about what wasn’t there, scant under-eye lines and fluid, globular delineations proving the visual power of negative space and floating shapes.

Mermaid-core Redux

Yes, we’re all still yearning for a life under the sea, but the new wave of mermaid-core comes with some edge. Sandy Liang quoted The Little Mermaid in her show notes, dainty diamante additions around the eyes referred to as “rhinestone barnacles" backstage, starfish clips finishing, and seashell ear cuffs paired with the famous wet look. Edges veered into dampened territory at Luar; ethereal waves and shells were spotted at Anna Sui; The skin at Jason Wu was designed to read wet, luminous, and worthy of a mythical sea creature.

Unfiltered versus Filtered

The inspiration for complexions came from opposite ends of the humanity spectrum, from the grease of commuter culture to preternatural perfection. Backstage at Maria McManus, the designer referenced the appeal of a woman just exiting the subway and embracing the reality of “sweaty-girl summer,” that reflected in glowy, effortless skin finished in a sheen. Dion Lee's industrial collection was offset by silvery, ethereally flawless skin—the sort associated with associated with artificial intelligence.

Angel Eyes

Otherworldly influence has been around for the last couple of months. Most of its inspiration comes from the skies as well as the sea. It combines washes of pearlescent shimmer and bright, light pops of color offering even more dreamery to the baby pastel color pallet. The eyes at Christian Siriano were pressed in shimmer from the inner corner to mid-lid, and Pat McGrath relied on the pinks and blues of a psychedelic sunrise when painting gazes.