The SS18 beauty trends to rock this season

Hot off the runway, we bring you the latest hair, makeup and nail trends that you need to know about now...

If you've found yourself stuck in a beauty rut of late (something we're all guilty of from time to time) there's nothing like a new round of catwalk shows to shake you from your slumber and inspire you to try something a little different. Whether it's an extreme graphic liner, a crystal nail trinket or a sprinkling of glitter, this season there really is something for everyone.

So keep scrolling to see our pick of the biggest, and best, beauty trends from the shows at New York, Paris, Milan and London...

The Trend: Black Magic

Jet-black liner is nothing new, but what is different this season is the placement. Rather than simply hugging the lash line, it can sit anywhere you like, depending on how experimental you’re feeling. At Monse, flicks were ultra fine and layered on top of one another over the corner of the eye. Lanvin’s kohl liner started high up in the crease with a flat, chunky sweep of black. You could try an opaque, almond-shaped swoosh à la Marc Jacobs to make peepers appear wider. Or, in perhaps our favourite incarnation of the lot, imitate everyone’s beloved Disney princess, Pocahontas, with a rectangular smudge of liner over the edge of the eye, as spotted at Jason Wu. The bottom line? Everything’s possible – you can be as brave and bold as you like, so have fun and experiment. Check out our edit of the best liquid eyeliners that'll help you nail this look.

The Trend: Power Peacock

If we had to sum up the mood of SS18 in a single word, it would be ‘peacocking’ – AKA make-up that, once applied, immediately induces a certain kind of swagger. But it’s not just the attitude of the big bird that we’re emulating; the colours of its showstopping plumage are on trend, too. A swoosh of inky metallic blue lit up eyes at Marni, while Fendi was all about the emerald flick. ‘The key is to explore without caution,’ advises make-up maestro Pat McGrath, who created the Fendi eye. ‘I used a really vibrant hue called Blitz Emerald from my Mothership II: Sublime Eye Palette (about £93. 48; Patmcgrath.com), which pops against all skin tones.’ If you’re feeling a little more daring, channel Tracy Reese and wash the whole lid with an opulent jade shade for an attention-grabbing finish.

The Trend: Pin And Proper

Thanks to 90s girl bands, hair accessories have a questionable reputation (bandana, anyone?), but hear us out on this one. From the bejewelled headbands at Dolce & Gabbana to the elegant pearl sliders at Simone Rocha, in SS18 accessories have finally come of age. Make sure you keep it simple, though, says Redken creative director Guido Palau, who created the Dolce look. ‘The embellishment should be the statement, not the hair. You don’t want the two to vie for attention.’

The Trend: Mirrored Lips

The runways made a great case for a high-shine pout this spring. Try Philosophy’s rosebud vinyl lacquers or add a touch of shine over a deep crimson shade, as seen at Haider Ackermann. For extra staying power, ‘Start with MAC’s Prep + Prime lip, then follow with a pencil to stain the entire lip before applying gloss,’ advises MAC’s Rebecca Butterworth.

The Trend: Porcelain Skin

Skincare is no longer just for prepping – it now doubles up as make-up, with artists turning to ultra-hydrating lotions and essences for a bona fide lit-from-within glow. Make-up artist Kenneth Soh let us in on the staples in his kit: ‘You’ll need a brightening essence like Caudalie's Vinoperfect for a dewy base, a sheer BB or CC cream to even out skin tone, a multitasking concealer to disguise dark circles, and a clear brow gel to groom.’

The Trend: Holographic Eyes

Just when you thought unicorns had permeated every possible inch of the beauty world, along came the gleaming lids at The Blonds. Eyes were embellished with a slither of holographic Perspex cut to fit each model and secured in place with lash glue. Fast track your way to otherworldly make-up – no messing.

The Trend: Crystal Tips

Park your nudes and pillar-box reds. This season, nail art exploded across the runways, reminding us that nails are much more than just a supporting act in the beauty arena. At Philipp Plein, design was led by Instagram sensation Mei Kawajiri (@nailsbymei), who encrusted each square tip with megawatt bling, while miniature crystals were delicately placed on the tips of the ring and pinky fingers at Naeem Khan, for a more subtle take. Away from the catwalk? ‘Crystals are totally wearable,’ says manicurist Ami Streets. ‘Keep it subtle by colour-matching gems to a sheer polish.’

The Trend: Glitter Bug

Who said sparkle was just for Christmas? At Dries Van Noten, models rocked gems in hairlines, on lips and around eyes, while at Jeremy Scott, a trio of glinting stones were applied in ascending size from the inner corner of the eye for a space-age twist. Fancy taking a step back in time? Get yourself a beauty spot to rival Cindy Crawford’s by placing a single gem high on the cheekbone, as at Givenchy. Glitter also had a moment, with Shrimps showcasing another way to rock grown-up glitz: with a sequin pout. If you want to try it yourself, start by ‘slathering on MAC’s Lip Conditioner £12.50, as it’s creamy enough to hold everything in place and gives a great glossy base,’ advises MAC senior artist Rachel O’Donnell. ‘Then use your finger to press in sequins for a playful scattered effect.’ If you want to take it to the next level, coat a set of falsies in glitter pigment like Ryan Lo, for an out-of-this-world lash look.

The Trend Off: Slick 'n' Slide Vs Surfer Girl

Hair this season belonged to one of two camps. Both were beachy (for summer, of course), but the results were dramatically different. On the one hand (seen above left), there were wet-look, slicked-back tresses. Gel is your product of choice here, but don’t go overboard: apply it to roots only so the rest hangs softly, as at Prabal Gurung; or sweep hair away from the face with a strong-hold version, spotted at Etro. On the other hand, there were cool-girl beachy waves (seen above right). Take inspiration from the sexy surfer vibes at Altuzarra, where hair was tonged and then brushed out to stop it looking too ‘done’. The only question, which do you prefer?