Beauty and fashion come together once again as Paris Fashion Week 2026 takes over the city. On September 28, L’Oréal Paris will bring Le Défilé to Place Joffre at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, celebrating beauty, individuality, sisterhood, and self-expression under the theme “Express Your Worth.”

While the runway moment is still ahead, the beauty story is already taking shape. Makeup artist Harold James and hair artist Stéphane Lancien will lead the teams creating the show’s beauty looks.

 

In A Nutshell

Take a look back at standout beauty moments from L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé over the years. Discover bold lips, graphic eyes, luminous skin, and other runway-inspired makeup looks. Explore the beauty trends shaping the conversation as Paris Fashion Week 2026 approaches.

Table Of Content

A Luminous Start to Paris Fashion Week

Fresh, radiant-looking skin has become a defining element of modern runway beauty. Rather than masking the complexion with heavy layers, the focus is on creating dimension while letting individual features take center stage.

For an everyday interpretation, start with lightweight complexion makeup, build coverage only where needed, and add a subtle touch of highlighter to the high points of the face. Read more about Paris Fashion Week Beauty Edition: Hair, Makeup & Skincare Trends to Try for more insights.

Bold Eyes and Statement Lips (Late '90s)

Runway beauty in this era was all about drama with no apologies.

Here’s how you can recreate the look:

Step 1: Use a matte foundation.

Step 2: Conceal with a light concealer.

Step 3: Sweep on a soft peach blush.

Step 4: Blend a smoky eyeshadow.

Step 5: Finish with a bold red lipstick.

The Bronzed, Glossy Glam (Early 2000s)

Runway faces turned sun-kissed and shimmery, favoring glow over matte.

Here’s how to recreate the look:

Step 1: Use a dewy foundation.

Step 2: Conceal with a light concealer.

Step 3: Sweep on a warm bronzer.

Step 4: Blend a shimmer eyeshadow.

Step 5: Finish with a glossy nude lip.

Natural, "No-Makeup" Makeup (2010)

The decade pivoted hard toward skin-first, barely-there beauty.

Products you can use to recreate the look:

Step 1: Use a lightweight BB cream.

Step 2: Conceal with a sheer concealer.

Step 3: Sweep on a cream blush.

Step 4: Line lids with a subtle brown liner.

Step 5: Finish with a tinted lip balm.

Empowered, Diverse Beauty (2020)

Le Défilé itself embraced its most inclusive era yet, casting looks across every skin tone and age. One standout moment: L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan brought her signature red-lip glamour to the runway, proving classic beauty could still feel fresh.

Here’s how you can recreate the look:

Step 1: Use a full-coverage foundation.

Step 2: Conceal with a brightening concealer.

Step 3: Sweep on a soft blush.

Step 4: Line eyes with a defined liner.

Step 5: Finish with a bold red lip.

2026: What to Expect

With Le Défilé returning on September 28, expect this year's runway to lean into a mix of nostalgia and fresh technology-driven formulas, long-wear bases, glossy "your-skin-but-better" finishes, and statement lips take centerstage. If past editions are any indication, expect at least one ambassador to reintroduce a bold red lip moment, since it's become something of a Le Défilé signature over the years.

The takeaway? Runway beauty is not about one signature look. It is about finding the details that make your own beauty expression feel unmistakably yours.

 

FAQS

1. What is L'Oréal Paris Le Défilé?
L'Oréal Paris Le Défilé is the brand's annual runway show held during Paris Fashion Week. It brings together fashion, beauty, and L'Oréal Paris ambassadors to celebrate self-expression.
2. What are some memorable Paris Fashion Week beauty looks?
Past shows have featured bold red lips, graphic eye makeup, luminous complexions, defined brows, and classic French eyeliner. The looks showcase different approaches to glamour, from understated to dramatic.
3. What makeup trends have appeared at L'Oréal Paris Le Défilé?
The show has featured radiant skin, statement lips, graphic liner, bronzed cheeks, and softly sculpted eyes. Many of these runway trends can also be adapted into everyday makeup looks.
4. Who creates the beauty looks for L'Oréal Paris Le Défilé?
The beauty looks are created by L'Oréal Paris makeup and hair artists working backstage at the show. Their work helps translate each ambassador's individual style into a runway-ready beauty look.
5. Can I recreate Paris Fashion Week beauty looks at home?
Yes. Many runway-inspired looks can be adapted using techniques such as defined eyeliner, glowing skin, bold lipstick, or softly sculpted cheeks. You can adjust the intensity to create a look that works for your personal style.