You’d think Fashion Week is all runway and red lipstick. But backstage? It’s actually a full-blown skin marathon. Between 6 AM call times, harsh lights, late-night fittings, and more makeup than most of us wear in a month, models' skin is under serious pressure. And yet, somehow, they walk the runway looking like they just woke up from an eight-hour nap in a $500 silk pillowcase.
So… what’s the secret?
Turns out, the glow isn’t magic—it’s strategy. Backstage at SS26, makeup artists came armed with skincare that does the most: soothing, hydrating, barrier-protecting, and giving that no-makeup-makeup gleam we’re all chasing.
Here’s what they were actually using, and what you should absolutely steal this fall.
1. The Pre-Game: Skin is Prepped Like It’s a Canvas (Because It Is)
Before the first swipe of foundation touches a face, skin is treated like sacred ground. The first thing almost every MUA reaches for? A mist or prep-serum to wake up the skin without overloading it.
Used at Fendi SS26: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
This isn’t just hype. This ultra-luxe, deeply restorative moisturizer was seen backstage in Milan and New York. It hydrates and heals, which is a lifesaver when models are going through four makeup changes a day. Bonus: it gives that “lit-from-within” finish under makeup, no highlighter required.
Steal it for fall: Use it on damp skin before makeup, or as a nighttime repair cream when your face feels wrecked from central heating and too many oat milk lattes.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
2. The Real Glow-Up: Creams, Not Powders
Forget chalky highlighters. Backstage beauty in 2025 is all about moisture-based glow. Think balms, dewy sticks, and skin that catches light, not reflects it.
Used at Simone Rocha SS26: Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops
Makeup legend Thomas de Kluyver layered these under foundation for a natural, almost glassy finish. It’s subtle but buildable, and plays nicely with everything from tinted moisturizer to full glam. No pilling, no weird shimmer — just glow.
Steal it for fall: Dab on cheekbones, eyelids, and even Cupid’s bow when your skin’s looking tired but your calendar says “dinner out.”
3. Eye Cream Isn’t Optional (Especially Under Flashing Lights)
Between concealer layers, powder, glitter, and maybe even faux freckles, the under-eye area gets... a lot of attention. That’s why artists don’t skip eye cream — it helps makeup glide, not cake.
Used at Victoria Beckham SS26: 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream
Pricey? Yep. Worth it? Also yep. This stuff is thick but sinks in fast, plumping fine lines and de-puffing like a backstage espresso shot. VB’s models looked refreshed, not frozen.
Steal it for fall: Use a tiny bit before concealer. Your under-eyes will thank you, especially after a long night out.
111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Cream
4. Skin Barrier = Protected at All Costs
Models go from one harsh makeup removal to the next. That’s why barrier support products were everywhere this season.
Used at Dilara Findikoglu SS26: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
A staple in European kits, this moisturizer-slash-primer is a ride-or-die for pros. At Dilara’s show (which leaned into natural, imperfect beauty), it was used to maintain a fresh base that didn’t fight the skin's natural texture.
Steal it for fall: Ideal under foundation in cooler months.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
5. Skin Tints That Let Skin Look Like Skin
Even when makeup was full-beat, the base stayed breathable. SS26 doubled down on featherlight formulas that even skin tone but still let freckles and glow peek through.
Used at Proenza Schouler SS26: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This one’s a clean beauty overachiever. It’s skincare, SPF, and tint in one, and it was a quiet backstage MVP at New York Fashion Week. The finish? Radiant but not greasy, blurred but not masked.
Steal it for fall: Great for daytime. Pair with a creamy blush and brow gel and you’re runway ready.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
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