The beauty trends and launches set to shape the season ahead

Beauty is moving in exciting new directions this season. From major skincare launches and innovative wellness concepts to fresh hair trends and new retail destinations, these are the beauty updates, products, and industry moments worth keeping on your radar right now.

Beach Bends 

Vacation season brings mermaid waves back into focus with a softer slant drawn from Margot Robbie’s character in Wuthering Heights (2026). The texture leans into elongated bends rather than uniform curls, giving the hair a slightly windswept feel. Create it with a curling wand held downward, wrapping sections from the mid- lengths and loosening them out with your fingers to avoid anything too set.

Matte, Elevated 

Meet your skin’s new all-day ally. NARS Cosmetics introduces Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, a high- performance formula designed for 24-hour shine control with a weightless, breathable feel. Offering medium to full coverage, it creates a soft-focus blur that minimises the look of pores and imperfections, while its Pore Refining Trio technology works to improve skin texture over time. The finish stays matte without appearing flat, leaning into a more dimensional, skin-like effect.

The foundation is currently available in 23 shades in India. As Rachel Hardie, International Pro Artist at NARS Cosmetics, says of the formula, “Modern matte is all about a soft focus appearance, but still has a radiance coming from within, avoiding a flat finish. The Natural Matte Longwear Foundation does just that, keeping a cloud-like finish, but still looking healthy. Clean and polished.” She adds, “The texture is fluid, so it blends seamlessly on the skin. The formula is flexible, moving with the skin without cracking. I also love that it helps balance oil production with niacinamide, rather than drying the skin, making it great for different skin types.” 

Fresh Arrival 

Beauty enthusiasts have reason to rejoice as SK-II, the Japanese luxury skincare brand, makes its India debut with its PITERA-based range, centred on a fermented complex of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. The lineup features products such as the Facial Treatment Essence, GenOptics Infinitaura Essence, and Skinpower Renew Airy Cream.

The range is priced between ₹6,099 and ₹15,999

Wellness Reimagined 

Consider this your cue to rethink your wellness routine. Evolve, India’s first women-only wellness club, opens at Dhan Mill, Delhi, introducing an integrated approach to movement and recovery. The space brings together Pilates, yoga, and strength training with advanced therapies such as infrared sauna and red light therapy, alongside a curated programme of workshops.

New Beauty Destination 

Charlotte Tilbury scripts a new chapter in India with the opening of its first flagship store in New Delhi. Located at Nexus Select Citywalk, the space brings the brand’s signature blend of artistry and high-glamour retail into a dedicated, experiential space. Operated in partnership with Nykaa, the flagship marks an evolution of the brand’s long-standing collaboration.

Clean Approach 

A streamlined approach to skincare arrives with Q+A Skincare’s India debut. Known for its clear, ingredient-led philosophy, the UK label enters the market in partnership with Nykaa. The range focuses on targeted solutions across hydration, exfoliation, and barrier support, built around familiar actives like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide— prioritising clarity, function, and ease of use over excess.

Prices begin at ₹990 and goes up to ₹2,000

Images: Courtesy the brands and Instagram

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar India's April-May 2026 print issue.

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