We always want you to be one stylish step ahead of the crowd, so we went backstage at the most major shows to find the hottest beauty trends you’ll want to wear this season.
PINK LADY
We Saw It At: Pink lips were quite literally everywhere this season. At Blumarine they were nude and muted, at Moschino they were the most gorgeous bubblegum you ever did see, and bright and bold was the brief at Carolina Herrera and Antonio Berardi.
The Pro Says: “Think Barbie – but a refreshed version. She’s living, fresh and modern-day, not a drag queen!” said Lucia Pieroni, who created the candy lips seen at Moschino.
Insider Tip: We witnessed Pieroni custom-blend three colours together to create the perfect Barbie pink. She then slicked on clear gloss but recommends going matte in whatever pink you fancy to make it more wearable. We’re opting for paler shades for a subtle daytime look and upping the ante with fluoro tones for a more vibrant night-time vibe.
THE KIT:
L-R: Charlotte Tilbury kissing Lipstick in Kate Dhs125 at net-a-porter.com, Tom Ford Lips & Boys Lipstick in Cherrylush Dhs245 at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai, Topshop Lips in Partition Dhs45
ABSTRACT EYELINER
We Saw It AT: Metallic wings were created at Galliano, Pat McGrath went for curved feline flicks at Givenchy and Val Garland opted for a simple, but unusual, single stroke along the crease line at Marios Schwab.
The Pro Says: The look at Jean-Pierre Braganza was “a British It-girl, heading off to LA to meet a biker and get the wind in her hair,” explained M.A.C’s Terry Barber as he used a cream black liner to create gorgeous, heavy flicks, which he recommends not doing too perfectly.
Insider Tip: If you love the idea of bold eyeliner but question your drawing skills, then try using a cream eyeshadow or cream liner with a fine brush instead. It’s easier to work with than kohl and the creamy consistency is easier to blend than liquid liner, should you go wrong.
THE KIT:
Clockwise: Maybelline New York 24hr Color Tattoo in Immortal Charcoal Dhs145, Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner Dhs120, Givenchy Ombre Couture in Taupe Velour Dhs125 at Sephora, Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush Dhs140
PLAIT POWER
We Saw It AT: Last season was all about the ponytail but, this spring, that’s been knocked off the top hair style spot by the plait. Giorgio Armani went for thick cornrow plaits ending at the nape of the neck, whereas at Donna Karan, Erdem and Vivienne Westwood Red Label they were worn long and straight down the back.
The Pro Says: The inspiration behind the Erdem show was a lovelorn, ghostly girl whose paramour is away to sea. Hair impresario, Anthony Turner wanted hair that reflected the slightly gothic, Victorian theme. “This look is all about romance. The super-long, thick braid has a centre parting and is pulled over the ears for a classical period feel. I wanted it to look like this woman is slightly off the rails and is off to find her lover.”
Insider Tip: Whilst we appreciate the simplicity of creating a three-strand plait, getting it to stay in place can sometimes prove a little trickier, which is where styling products come in. Clean hair needs extra grip put into it with either a salt spritz or a styling powder, and snag-free hairbands are a must. If you haven’t got Rapunzel-esque hair then fake it with a clip-in ponytail piece.
THE KIT:
L-R: Hershesons Invisible Straight Ponytail Dhs450, Bumble and bumble Surf Spray Dhs99, Hershesons Clear Snagless Bands Dhs60, Kerastase V.I.P Volume In Powder Dhs135
KNOTTED UP:
We Saw It At: Buns were slung low and loose at Dolce & Gabbana, sleek and tight at Alexander McQueen and in soft ballet styles at the nape of the neck at Nina Ricci.
The Pro SayS: Hair guru and Redken’s Global Styling Director, Guido Palau was responsible for all of these gorgeous knots, but we saw him furiously working away creating the classic chignon at Dolce.”This look is classic Dolce & Gabbana,” he told us. “It’s very soft, pretty and feminine. I worked with hairspray to create texture through the hair, then pulled it back over the ears into a low, loose, messy bun.”
Insider Tip: It’s time to say sayonara to your top knot and bring your bun down a few notches, which is great news for shorter hair as you will be able to pull it all together without most of it falling out. This is a simple look but needs good hair prep to give it longevity, and don’t forget to douse your hair with a shine spray, for this season’s buns have a high-shine finish.
THE KIT:
L-R: Boots Hair Grips, Dhs9, L’Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil, Dhs67, Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Hairspray Dhs93
SPORTY SKIN
We Saw It At: Where possible this season, clever moisturiser with glow-giving properties and just a hint of tint were favoured for foundation. At Marc Jacobs and Victoria Beckham, models’ faces were lightly buffed with moisturiser to get skin looking plump and healthy.
The Pro Says: “I wanted the models to look like they had just emerged from the sea,” said Val Garland who created the ethereal look at Mary Katrantzou. “There’s a lot going on with the hair and the jewellery so my makeup is very simple. It’s real skin, we don’t need any more embellishments.”
Insider Tip: The ‘no make-up make-up’ look is all very well when you’re a supermodel with million-dollar skin, but us mere mortals need actual make-up and good skincare to get anywhere near it. A good exfoliator, to get skin as smooth as possible, and the combination of a dewy foundation buffed on with a good brush, concealer for stubborn zones and a highlighter does the trick.
THE KIT:
L-R: Creme de la Mer The Refining Facial Dhs555 at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai, Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in Champagne Dhs155 at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai, M.A.C Oval 6 Brush Dhs245, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Dhs219
FAUX FRECKLES
We Saw It At: Freckles appeared first at Oscar de la Renta, Victoria Beckham then followed suit and then at London Fashion Week, Preen took them to another level.
The Pro SayS: Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi, the designer duo behind Preen, requested freckles galore from their beauty team headed up by the wonder that is Val Garland. “I wanted that fresh-from-the-gym, rosy flush,” said Val, so she used a combination of brown-toned MAC pencils and dotted the models’ faces. And that’s not where the freckles ended, the Preen tan team lead by St Tropez’s Nichola Joss, followed suit. “I created a natural dusting of freckles by flicking dark tanning mousse using a large round paintbrush to complement the neon brights of the collection.”
Insider Tip: Drawing freckles may seem a little odd, but trust us (and Gisele, as apparently this is her youth-boosting make-up tip). We’re containing our freckles to around the nose and the apples of our cheeks and softly blasting our eye pencil beforehand with a hairdryer to make it easier to gently dot on.
THE KIT:
L-R: MAC Veluxe Brow Liner in Brunette Dhs97, Tropez Dark Bronzing Mousse Dhs270, Maybelline Brow Satin Eyebrow Pencil Dhs33
NAILING IT
It was free reign when it came to nails this season. Here are some of our favourites:
L-R: Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy in Casino Lights Dhs40, OPI Nail Lacquer in Hula-rious Dhs49, Revlon Nail Enamel in Sheer Blush Dhs30, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in King of Shadows Dhs49
