Sandy Liang's SS26 Show Proves Cool Girls Don’t Wear Foundation

Sandy Liang's shows at New York Fashion Week are known for making big beauty statements. But, at her SS26 show, the brand made a statement that when it comes to makeup, less is more. The designer tapped Charlie Riddle and Stila Cosmetics to conceptualize minimalist beauty looks that the makeup artist says are "all about restraint."

Unlike the brand's past shows which relied on makeup touches that are just as bold and feminine as the garments, Riddle says the philosophy for SS26 was to draw as much attention to the clothes as possible. While the no-makeup makeup look has become a big trend on NYFW runways, this look in particular is an attempt to emulate what Sandy Liang girls are wearing in real life. "It's about having this cool girl, undone aura on the runway. Everything [the cool girl] wears is polished and has a purpose," Riddle tells Hypebae.

 

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Skincare products from K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon were used to prep the models' skin and emphasize their natural radiance, as no foundation was applied. Instead, Riddle relied on a touch of concealer where needed, a brown micro wing and a soft popsicle lip to finish off the look. The simple nature of the glam plays into what Riddle calls "that cutie, downtown girl vibe."

After dabbling with concealer lips and bubble gum pink lipstick for past collections — this season, the brand ventured into the clean girl aesthetic with a watercolor lip achieved with blush. The Sandy Liang girl is always on the go and doesn't require a plethora of products to look good, and that's precisely what the SS26 show is mirroring. "The makeup is meant to add life and dimension that feels effortless — it lets the clothes show through," Riddle says.

While you're here, check out Collina Strada's SS226 makeup look created by Isamaya Ffrench.

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