Renaissance skin: Everything you need to know about fashion month’s biggest beauty trend
Move over glass skin – this is set to be this season’s hottest beauty trend
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
It’s not just the clothes that get industry insiders talking during fashion month, but beauty looks too – and one key trend we can’t get enough of is renaissance skin. Spotted at London Fashion Week 2025’s Annie’s Ibiza show, where models sported classical 15th-century-inspired makeup, renaissance skin is characterised by a radiant, natural glow. Symbolising vitality, vigour and female empowerment, it’s set to be this year’s biggest beauty trend – and we can see why.
But how easy is it to incorporate renaissance skin into your current beauty routine? We’ve called on the creative nous of Sarah-Jane Froom (known as SJ), the celebrity makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Naomi Campbell, Alexa Chung, as well as numerous artists at London Fashion Week to help bring the trend to life. With a breakdown of how to get the look, plus tips and favourite products, our comprehensive edit has everything you need to know about renaissance skin. Just thank us later.
Annie’s Ibiza Collection IV at London Fashion Week AW25
What is renaissance skin?
The Renaissance started in Italy in the 14th century and marked the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of modernity – think rebirth and revival. Similarly, renaissance skin embodies this shift, moving towards a more real, vibrant and healthy complexion. As Froom explains, it is about “embracing the real, radiant beauty in you” and “enhancing what you’ve got naturally while showcasing strength, confidence, and beauty”. Therefore, expect plenty of bold lips, soft eyes, and healthy skin – “this trend is all about strength and empowerment”. It is reminiscent of female warriors and heroines coming away from battle alive, flushed and strong, with an ethereal, empowered aesthetic.
How to achieve renaissance skin
A glowing sunkissed base, with flushed cheeks, berry red lips and eyes with a hint of shimmer, renaissance skin brings a post-battle look that is fresh and revived. Below, Froom explains the best way to achieve it.
Skin
Let’s start with the base. This trend embraces the skin’s natural texture and focuses on hydration and protection – Froom recommends “forgetting heavy foundations and going for a radiant finish that enhances what you’ve got naturally”. The result? Healthy, glowing skin. We love Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence as a hydrating base to add moisture and radiance, followed by Dior’s Backstage Glow face palette for a luminous finish. Iconic London’s Radiance Booster – a gel-crème tint – will also add a beautiful dewy glow, and its Illuminator is the perfect final touch for next-level luminosity.
Cheeks
When it comes to the cheeks, blush is meant to be bold and angular to give the face more structure, strength and power, explains Froom. She recommends Dior’s Rouge blush in shade 999 (classic red) – “perfect for creating a strong, empowering flush” – and apply from the apples of the cheeks straight across to the ear for “added drama”. Merit Beauty’s Flush Balm also works wonders to add a romantic rosy blush to the skin.
Brows
Keep brows soft and natural looking – as Froom says, “the emphasis is on fullness and texture, not sharp, harsh lines”. Focus on feathery brows that are “brushed up and out, adding soft definition to frame the face” with Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary Brows to add subtle volume and create a “natural, feathery effect that’s effortlessly chic”. She also suggests using Chanel’s Le Gel Sourcils, a soft gel to set the brows in place.
Lips
Don’t be afraid to go all-out with a red lip; the look is reminiscent of the legendary Joan of Arc so expect “deep, rich berry shades with a satin or matte finish to add power and drama”. Froom recommends Estée Lauder’s Pure Colour Envy lipstick in a rebellious red tone for “a modern, bold lip that adds instant strength to your look”, or Dior’s Addict lipstick in 100 – “a bold berry with a glossy finish that adds strength and intensity”.
Eyes
To finish the makeup look, add some subtle shimmer to your eyes for “an ethereal, almost gilded effect”. Froom likes Yves Saint Laurent’s eye pencil in gold – “this pencil gives a delicate gold shimmer along the lash line, creating a soft but radiant finish that’s perfect for this trend” – while Dior’s Backstage eye palette in warm neutrals also brings a lovely touch of shine to the eyes.
Read more: The best SPF moisturisers for spring, summer and beyond
