Wearable Summer Beauty Trends That We’re Saving for Summer

This summer, what better way to get your beauty mood board going than by looking backstage–and at recently concluded BENCH’s S/S 2026 show at that?

Not the final runway walk, not the perfectly staged photos, but the in-between. The touch-ups, the slightly undone hair, the makeup that’s meant to survive heat, rush, and everything in between. It’s where beauty feels less intimidating, more real, and if I’m being honest, more wearable.

Runway beauty can sometimes feel a little too out there. But backstage? That’s where you find the sweet spot between editorial and everyday. Think skin that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun, hair that actually works with the humidity, and colors that feel like summer bottled into makeup form.

Here are the standout looks we saved, and are seriously considering recreating.

Kai Montinola: The effortless glow

Model wearing a blue striped button-down shirt, cream knit vest, denim mini skirt, white socks, and brown Mary Jane heels posing against a pale wall.

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Portrait of a woman with blue eyes and dark hair in a top bun, wearing a light blue striped shirt and beige knitted vest, looking at the camera.

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Kai Montinola’s look is proof that ‘effortless’ is always in. The messy bun, strategically undone, of course, frames a face that leans into warm, peachy tones. Blush is swept generously across the cheeks and lids, creating that slightly sunburnt (but make it chic) effect.

A soft glimmer on the inner and outer corners of the eyes catches the light just right, while a muted mauve-red gloss ties everything together. It’s giving “beach day, but glamorous enough to attend an event later.”

Maria Gigante: Sultry, but make it summer

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If your idea of summer beauty leans more bombshell than bare-faced, Maria Gigante’s look is your peg. The focus is all on the eyes: warm brown shadows layered with metallic glimmer, black eyeliner, and just enough gloss to keep things dimensional.

Paired with nude lips and sleek black hair, it’s a reminder that summer glam doesn’t always have to be minimal, it can be smoldering, too.

Angelina Cruz: Something to cool down the heat

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Who says you can’t look cold in the middle of summer? Angelina Cruz leans all the way in with a frosted look that feels straight out of a snow princess fantasy. Between the icy white eyeshadow, that signature “I’m cold” blush, and muted pink lips, everything reads soft, flushed, and chilled…in the best way. It’s the kind of glam that doesn’t fight the heat, but visually cancels it out.

Angelica Lao: Red lip is power

Fashion model wearing leopard-print tights under a black top with a cartoon cat graphic and a pink-lavender bow-trimmed train, red lipstick, and a red flower in her hair.

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Close-up portrait of a woman with bold red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and a red hair bow wearing a leopard-print top and sash.

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No beauty roundup is complete without a red lip moment, and Angelica Lao delivers exactly that. Her bold red lip perfectly mirrors her red bow hair clip, tying the whole look together. Paired with red-toned blush and doll-like eye makeup, the vibe lands somewhere between fierce and flirtatious, with just the right touch of coquette energy.

Atasha Muhlach: Peachy warm

Model posing in a white sleeveless top with a plaid shirt layered over a black pinstripe pleated skirt, white socks, and chunky black shoes, against a pale wall.

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Dewy, peachy, and just a little toasty–what else really defines summer? Atasha Muhlach makes a strong case for this trifecta. Her blush placement, stretching from cheeks to nose, mimics that natural sun-kissed flush, while glossy peach-toned lips add a juicy finish. Top it off with a radiant base, and it’s the kind of glow that feels effortless but intentional.

Chelsea Manalo: Clean bun, fresh face

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There’s something about a sleek bun in this heat that just makes sense, and Chelsea Manalo elevates it every time. The look is practical, polished, and completely sweat-proof in energy. Her makeup stays cohesive with soft berry tones on both cheeks and lips, plus brushed-up brows that keep everything looking fresh. Minimal, yes, but still very much put together.

Max Collins: Sleek straight

Editorial photo of a model in white lingerie (bra and panties) with a black-and-white striped wrap, standing against a light wall.

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Sometimes, it really is about letting your hair do its thing. Max Collins keeps it simple with straight, center-parted hair and soft, neutral glam. The look leans into understated beauty with nude tones, subtle definition, and just enough polish. It’s giving beach day, but make it absolutely alluring and confident.

Michelle Marquez Dee: Wet smoky look

Model posing in a bright orange sheer bodysuit, red beaded necklace, and orange high heels against a white wall for Allure styling shot.

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If you’re leaning toward something moodier this season, Michelle Marquez Dee makes a strong case for it. Her wet-look pixie, bordering on a soft mullet paired with a smoky eye brings a sultry, high-fashion edge to summer glam.

The nude lips balance everything out, letting the texture and intensity of the look take center stage. Cool, a little rebellious, and definitely unforgettable–the best way to end this list.

Backstage just hits different.

At the end of the day, what makes these looks stand out isn’t just that they came from backstage. It’s that they feel wearable, adaptable, and very much in tune with how we actually do summer.

And if there’s one takeaway, it’s this: summer beauty doesn’t have to follow a single formula. It can be glossy or matte, playful or pared-down, bold or barely there.

Personally? I’m bookmarking all of the above.