Zendaya debuts a curly pixie and pastel makeup, the standout duo of autumn beauty trends
Could a short cut and pastel shades become the defining markers of autumn 2026 beauty trends? That was certainly the strong signal sent by Zendaya during her appearance at the Prada Beauty pop-up in SoHo, New York, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, on the sidelines of New York Fashion Week.
A pastel makeup look that rewrites the rules of the cold season
Lavender and cherry pink are not colours we typically associate with the first chills of autumn. Yet that is precisely the bet that makeup artist Ernesto Casillas placed when composing Zendaya’s beauty look that evening. The result: a cherry blush to warm the complexion and a lavender eyeshadow, two shades drawn directly from the new Prada Beauty collection and the visual identity of the pop-up itself.
This colour choice is far from accidental. It proves that pastels, so often confined to spring, can hold their own as a fully-fledged autumn beauty trend. By leaning into soft yet confident hues, the look demonstrates that wearing colour in the colder months need not feel at odds with the spirit of the season.
The look also sits in perfect harmony with the world of Prada Beauty, of which Zendaya is the global ambassador. The makeup does not simply accompany the outfit, it enters into direct dialogue with the house’s aesthetic.
The curly pixie: a short cut that defies expectations
Even before her Prada appearance, Zendaya had already turned heads by stepping out in a curly pixie cut on the streets of Brooklyn, alongside Hunter Schafer and Alexa Demie. The radical change marks a clear departure from the preceding months, during which the Euphoria actress had alternated between long and mid-length hair for the promotion of L’Odyssée and Spider-Man.
For the Prada event, hairstylist Coree Moreno took things a step further by working the short strands into soft, loose curls. The result is a pixie that moves away from its usual image, typically associated with a structured, androgynous aesthetic. Here, the short cut sacrifices neither volume nor movement.
That is precisely what makes it such a compelling direction for autumn beauty trends. The curly pixie opens up a range of styling possibilities that few would have expected from this type of cut.
What this hair and makeup duo says about the season
- Zendaya’s curly pixie was created by hairstylist Coree Moreno.
- The pastel makeup look was the work of Ernesto Casillas.
- The cherry blush and lavender eyeshadow are inspired by the Prada Beauty collection.
- The appearance took place at the opening of the Prada Beauty pop-up in SoHo.
- Zendaya is the global ambassador for Prada Beauty.
What is striking about this dual choice is the coherence of the message. On one side, a cut that proves short length can go hand in hand with softness and volume. On the other, a colourful makeup look that challenges seasonal reflexes. Together, they form a duo that could well steer autumn beauty trends in an unexpected direction.
Why this appearance matters for the season
Zendaya’s presence at this event was no coincidence. As the global ambassador for Prada Beauty, every look she wears at a house event carries particular weight. This New York pop-up, launched in the heart of Fashion Week, is the ideal stage on which to lay the groundwork for a new aesthetic.
By choosing a cut radically different from anything she had worn in recent months, and by committing to colours few would have anticipated as winter approaches, the actress sends a clear signal. Autumn 2026 beauty trends will not be limited to earthy tones and understated cuts. There is room for colour, for movement, and for choices that genuinely surprise.
Driven by a figure as visible as Zendaya, in a setting as strategically charged as New York Fashion Week, this moment has every chance of spreading quickly and establishing itself as a reference point for the cold-weather season.
