Copenhagen Fashion Week AW25 wasn't just about super cool collections from the likes of Munthe, Won Hundred and Baum und Pftergarten —it was also a playground for brilliant beauty. After studying the fashion trends and the key pieces we will add to our autumn wardrobes, stylist Corina Gaffey highlights the standout beauty trends that embrace Scandi-cool.
It wouldn’t be Copenhagen Fashion Week without a hefty dose of fresh-faced minimalism, but there were plenty of bold beauty statements to give Pinterest-worthy inspo—sweaty raver eyes, anyone? Take note, as these trends will take over your beauty bag and routines come autumn.
Rotate
Rotate
Minimalism
At Rotate’s after-party-themed runway show, make-up artist Sofia Tilbury worked her Charlotte Tilbury magic, creating a flawless, lit-from-within complexion. “To complement the collection’s opulence and modern take on Scandinavian glamour, we designed a soft, pared-back look focused on fresh, barely-there skin, eyes and lips,” said Sofia. She achieved the radiant effect using Tilbury skincare and the iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter. The clean-girl skin accompanied the ultimate cool-girl collection with elegant, party-centric, sculptural dresses and faux fur additions walking the runway. Echoing that beauty ease over a perfect sculpted look were also Gestuz and Forza Collective, who both emphasised fresh, luminous skin and natural brows.
Florals
Stine Goya is renowned for her love of flowers and for her AW25, she debuted her floral-centric show at the iconic Kunsten Museum of Modern Art in Aalborg. Press and brand friends made the four-hour journey from Copenhagen – a departure from the city’s fashion week circuit as Goya has personally curated the accompanying exhibition ‘If You See What I See‘. And what we saw in the show was that illusion was at the forefront when it came to beauty. Faces were affixed with florals mirroring the botanic creations the models were wearing, but the body painting didn’t stop there. Blurring the boundaries between garment and skin, blossomy body paint was etched onto the model’s arms and legs to give the illusion of gloves and tights.
Underwater Beauty
Inspired by maritime lore and naval references, Deadwood staged its ocean-themed show on the rooftop of the iconic Villa Copenhagen. Models waded through the pool, splashing as they walked to emphasise the collection’s rich oceanic palette—copper coin, kelp and skipper blue. For the beauty look, hair was styled to drape over the models’ faces, evoking the raw, damp feeling of being at sea. Smudged liner in kelp and sea-green hues reinforced the oceanic theme, while a blue-lined lip added an unexpected, almost frostbitten effect—evoking the raw chill of the open sea. Above ground but still water-inspired, Birrot—a fusion of Korean and Danish influences—drew inspiration from a rainy day in Seoul, with models appearing as if caught in a sudden downpour, complete with misted skin and tousled hair.
Won Hundred
Won Hundred
Grunge
Edgier rebellious looks starkly contrasted with the clean-girl beauty that dominated many shows. At the Won Hundred show, M·A·C Global Senior Artist Vilde Feste brought “sweaty raver eyes” to life—a lived-in, smudged look that perfectly complemented the collection’s tough leather, distressed fabrics and rough denim pieces. Hair was given an undone fashion frizz coined by hairstylist Nicci Welsh, creating lived-in roots but full static flyaway ends. To achieve the purposeful flyaway frizzy look, she rubbed a balloon backstage on the model’s hair. At Nicklas Skovgard, a statement lip was the focus, also keyed by Feste; this time, chestnut-hued lips sat against a neutral/natural base.
Red Hot
It wouldn’t be fashion week without a red lip on the catwalks. Drawing from the deep red hues of Opera Sport’s autumn collection, make-up artist Tanja Largré embraced vermillion tones, softly smudging them across lips and cheeks for a fresh, understated take on the red trend. Meanwhile, a cherry-red lip at Baum provided a pop to the preppy, sporty and utility-inspired looks. True to the modern, fresh aesthetic favoured by Scandi girls, this was a more effortless take on the classic red lip—glossy, blurred and perfectly undone.
Munthe
Munthe
Line Time
At Munthe, make-up artist Sidsel Marie Bøg crafted a bold graphic liner with a rock’ n’ roll twist, perfectly complementing the 70s-inspired show, which featured plenty of faux fur, relaxed denim and zebra print. Drawing inspiration from past YSL runway looks, Sidsel opted for angular, vertical strokes over the classic cat eye. For a softer, more diffused effect, eyeshadow replaced traditional liner.
