For its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Creative Director Wes Gordon took the Carolina Herrera woman on an unprecedented journey, presenting the main show outside of New York for the first time in the house’s history. Staged in the majestic Plaza Mayor of Madrid at sunset, the collection was a vibrant love letter to the Spanish capital’s passion, art, and timeless culture. To complement the bold, sculptural silhouettes and vivid florals—from fuchsia and saffron yellow to the signature Herrera red—the beauty look, masterminded by makeup artist James Kaliardos, was equally powerful. It was a fusion of classic Spanish glamour with the sophisticated, slightly rebellious spirit of Carolina Herrera herself in the 1980s, proving that strong makeup elements, particularly a perfect red lip, remain the ultimate expression of confident femininity.
The Return of the Power Lip: Classic Red
The most striking feature of the Carolina Herrera SS26 beauty look was the unapologetic return of the classic red lip. This choice was a direct homage to the bold spirit of Madrid and the sophisticated elegance of the house’s founder. Kaliardos specifically selected the Carolina Herrera Beauty Fabulous Kiss Satin Lipstick in 310 Carolina Red to achieve a powerful, saturated color with a beautiful satin finish. The application was meticulously precise, requiring a lip liner—the Fabulous Kiss Lip Liner in 310 Carolina Red—to ensure a sharp, clean edge that defines the mouth and prevents any feathering. The red lip was not a mere accessory; it was the focal point, a symbol of the unafraid, confident Herrera woman who commands attention with timeless glamour.
Modernized Spanish Eyeliner: The Double Line
To balance the bold lip, the eye makeup took inspiration from classic Spanish beauty but was given a modern, graphic twist. Kaliardos executed a sharp, sophisticated eyeliner look that featured two distinct lines. First, a base of Carolina Herrera Beauty Fabulous Eyeliner in black was applied along the upper lash line, starting thin at the inner corner and thickening into an elongated, lifted wing at the outer edge. Beneath this black wing, a second line of color was added using a shimmering cream eyeshadow stick, such as shades like Mírame Gold or Lunar Catwalk. This duo-toned eyeliner technique provided an unexpected pop of metallic color that caught the light, adding dimension and a subtle rebellious edge reminiscent of the 80s while beautifully complementing the intricate details of the clothing.
The Foundation of Flawless, Dewy Skin
Despite the strong features, the overall face remained impeccably fresh, radiant, and dewy. The emphasis was on creating a complexional base that looked naturally luminous, supporting the dramatic eyes and lips without competing with them. The skin was prepped with a focus on hydration before applying the Carolina Herrera Beauty Nude Couture Triple Moisture Serum Foundation. This foundation was chosen for its ability to provide lightweight coverage while enhancing the skin’s natural glow, avoiding any matte or heavy appearance. A touch of the Nude Couture Matte Bronzer was used to provide subtle dimension and warmth, ensuring the face wasn’t completely washed out by the vivid colors elsewhere.
Hair and Accessories: Sculptural Simplicity
The hair, led by stylist Mónica Marmo, was designed to be a refined canvas that showcased the collection’s high necklines, sculptural ruffles, and dramatic silhouettes. The models’ hair was pulled back and kept off the face in sleek, polished chignons or low ponytails. The simplicity of the style ensured that the focus remained squarely on the couture and the bold beauty look. This sophisticated control was punctuated by the use of black satin headbands, an accessory that instantly elevated the look and nodded once more to the chic, timeless polish synonymous with the Carolina Herrera aesthetic. This element tied the beauty back to the fashion, enhancing the overall feeling of deliberate, high-octane glamour.
