Backstage at Prabal Gurung’s Fall/Winter 2026 show, the beauty direction struck a powerful balance between softness and statement.
At the helm was celebrity makeup artist Sheika Daley, who delivered a masterclass in making melanin-rich skin glow under runway lights, without sacrificing edge.
Fresh, dewy skin served as the foundation of the look. Rather than masking the models’ complexions, Daley enhanced them. Skin appeared breathable and hydrated, with light-reflecting highlights placed strategically along the high points of the face, the cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose. The finish wasn’t greasy or overly glazed. It was intentional luminosity, allowing natural undertones to shine through.
But the true drama came from the lips.
Chrome lips, metallic, mirror-like, and unapologetically bold, added a futuristic twist to the otherwise soft glam. The reflective finish created dimension against the fresh skin, proving that high-impact elements don’t require heavy contour or exaggerated eyes. Some lips gleamed in molten silvers and cool-toned metallics, while others leaned into warmer chrome hues that complemented deeper skin tones beautifully.
The contrast was striking: luminous, almost bare-looking skin paired with statement-making shine. It’s a beauty equation that feels modern and wearable, even beyond the runway.
The eye makeup remained understated, often defined with subtle liner or softly diffused shadow to frame the face without competing with the lips. Brows were brushed up and natural, reinforcing the effortless aesthetic.
What made this moment stand out wasn’t just trend appeal, it was intention. Daley’s approach highlighted how texture plays a crucial role in makeup artistry. Matte versus gloss. Soft versus reflective. Skin versus metal. Each element worked in harmony rather than overpowering the other.
As Fall/Winter 2026 beauty trends begin to take shape, one thing is clear: glow isn’t going anywhere. But it’s evolving. Thanks to Sheika Daley’s vision at Prabal Gurung, we’re seeing a version of radiance that feels richer, bolder, and unapologetically dimensional, where luminous skin sets the stage and chrome lips steal it.

