Beauty Tips from Paris to Portland
Soft and playful set the tone for summer beauty.
words by jonathan pellerin
photo by leah carters
My name is Jonathan, and I’m MyMaine’s new beauty editor. In the coming issues, I will share seasonal tips to enhance your skin, hair, and beauty routines to showcase your best true self. If you need additional guidance, book an appointment with me or one of our incredible team at Akari Salon & Spa in downtown Portland.
I recently attended the Spring/Summer Fashion Week (SSFW) in Paris that sets the stage for the beauty trends that define the warmer months. This year’s shows celebrated both natural radiance and playful experimentation, offering versatile looks that can be effortlessly adapted from the runway to everyday wear. Let’s delve into the standout SSFW hair and makeup trends. You can also see these looks come to life on Maggie and Karen in “Fashion Statement” in our Summer issue.
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This season, movement and natural texture are key. Loose, airy waves are a prominent feature, styled to appear effortless and touchable. Hair is often tucked behind the ears or casually pinned, creating a breezy and relaxed vibe. Low ponytails and gently undone buns also make a statement, frequently paired with soft, face-framing tendrils.
Braids make a comeback, but with a relaxed but refined modern twist. Designers favored single, loosely woven braids or small accent braids peeking out of flowing hair. The emphasis was on authenticity and comfort rather than overly polished styles.
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Shiny, healthy hair was a recurring theme at SSFW. High-shine serums and lightweight oils help create an almost liquid luminosity without weighing down the hair. Wet-look styling also makes an appearance, but in a gentler version. Stylists apply gloss to roots or select strands to create a freshly misted effect instead of full slick-backs. Even short haircuts incorporate a subtle sheen to highlight their shape and movement.
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Complexion trends at SSFW center around radiance. Makeup artists meticulously prepared the skin, resulting in a hydrated and luminous base. Lightweight foundations, tinted moisturizers, and sheer concealers are used to enhance, rather than cover, natural features. Cream highlighters and subtle liquid illuminators create a lit-from-within glow.
Blush placement evolves to mimic a sun-kissed flush. Instead of staying on the apples of the cheeks, soft washes of color extend across cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of the nose, creating a naturally radiant look that feels playful and fresh.
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While the base makeup remains soft, eyes and lips provide opportunities for self-expression. Pastel eyeshadow washes in sky blue, mint, and lavender complement bold graphic liners in bright orange or pink. Smudgy, watercolor-style eyeshadows offered a soft contrast to clean, glowing skin Lip trends swing between two extremes: barely-there tints and vibrant, glossy statements. Sheer coral or berry balms create casual, summery looks, while vinyl reds and hot pink glosses capture attention. Monochromatic techniques—using the same shade on cheeks and lips—are also a recurring theme.
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Subtle touches make a significant impact this season. Hair accessories like velvet ribbons, pearl pins, and oversized clips added flair to simple hairstyles. Makeup artists incorporate glitter, crystals, and subtle face embellishments, often near the eyes or temples, for a whimsical festival-ready feel.
Liner experimentation stood out, with floating creases, inner-corner flicks, and unexpected negative-space shapes that transform minimal makeup into art. These details gave SSFW looks a “fashion-forward meets wearable” vibe.
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The SSFW beauty message is clear: Embrace your natural features while adding a playful edge. Hair should feel touchable and free, makeup should enhance rather than mask, and a single bold element—whether it’s a pop of neon liner, a glossy lip, or an embellished braid—can define your entire look.
These trends reflect a joyful, individualized approach to beauty for spring and summer. They encourage experimentation without demanding precision, allowing you to step into the season looking both effortless and expressive.
Schedule a summer glow up at akaribeauty.com
