The Spring 2012 fashion shows were full of two distinct makeup looks: natural, ethereal beauty or hard-edged “glamazons.” No matter which is your preference, each aesthetic can easily be accomplished in a daily look. We bring you the top makeup trends we saw coming down the runway during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Make Me Up!
Vintage-inspired makeup was the all a flutter amongst modern eyes and pouty lips. Easy does it for the spring by keeping the focus on the eyes or mouth.
Red Hot Lips
Many designers, including YSL and Dior, put the classic red lip on their models. Choose a shade that suits you skin tone so that the color does not wash you out.
Fresh Eyes
Twiggy made the cat eye iconic, but we saw fresh takes on this look by everyone from Dolce & Gabanna to Armani. We saw it defined and simple with no outrageous lines extending from the eye socket. We also saw bold, non-tapering cat eyes and cat eyes in color. Liquid liner works best for the precision required.
Strong Brows
Think Brooke Shields. Full eyebrows were all the rage at Jill Sander, Burberry, Derek Lam and more. If you do not have naturally strong eyebrows, then it can be created using a dark eye pencil by drawing a dramatic arch to make them stand out.
Smoky Extreme
Silent film stars seemed to take over the stages like Gucci, Rodarte, Ungaro and Dsquared thanks to the heavy dark eye that was found on models. The darker and stronger the eye, then the more Gothic this look seemed. Try it in navy for a look that will not be as punk.
Sun-Kissed Skin
Michael Kors, Christopher Kane, Isabel Marant and more sent their models down the runway in an all-out glow inspired by outdoorsy athleticism. You can get this look by using a peach shimmer bronzer all over your face for fresh and sunny look.
White Silver Metallics
Chanel and Ralph Lauren washed their models eyelids in shimmering whites, grays and silvers. Go for subtle moonlit glow or dramatic shine – either way you’ll be ahead of a hot trend.
Pop Art
Make a statement like Miu Miu or Richard Chai or Rebecca Taylor and add vibrant color somewhere on an otherwise nude face. Think orange eye shadow or blue mascara for a fun look that will make every day more interesting.
Doll Lashes
We’re all always looking for a mascara that will make our lashes longer and fuller, but why not follow Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs and just go for fabulous fake lashes that make your eyes seem bigger and give you that fantastic, doll-like look?
Glittery Eyes
They’re not just for Halloween anymore. Fashion Week makeup artists for Dsquared and Fendi utilized everything from tin foil to fairy dust to create super-shiny looks. Maybe a bit much for every day, but don’t be afraid of sparkle this spring season.
Rosy Lips
If the vampy, red lip look is not your style, take the approach of Peter Som and Oscar de la Renta and go for barely-there roses and pinks. Use a creamy lipstick or – if you have natural pink pigment in your puckers – just go for a light gloss.
It’s no surprise that the worlds of beauty and art have merged to create beauty products that are true works of art. Take Guerlain’s Jeu D’Ombrelles Eyeshadow Palette – in each little quadrant is a powder eye shadow, rich with gorgeously colorful shades.
