Thank goodness for Paris, I say. Until now I had all but lost my faith in the creativity of hair and make-up. Of course there was the odd beautiful moment in New York, London and Milan, but they simply do not compare to the striking inventiveness of Paris.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga’s spring collection delivered a graffiti-like make-up look that made us swoon and swoon – and so stumble off to recreate it we did. Ah blessed be that feeling again, for the fashion house has not failed us with their latest presentation. Here faces were awash with sheer, golden-toned foundation upon which soft pink blush was applied. Blended across the more expansive plains - as well as the cheeks, the forehead and the chin received a dusting too - the rose-coloured hue gave the skin a lift, as did the generous amount of contouring and highlighting. While the lashes and lids were left relatively bare, and the lips received little more than a touch of clear gloss, the eyebrows on the other hand were treated with dense, opaque paint in delectable shades of mandarin, spearmint and coconut ice.
Note: Try painting your eyelashes with tinted mascara instead.
Jean Paul Gaultier
At Jean Paul Gaultier, deriving inspiration from tribes, nomads and vagabonds – from just about everywhere, really - gave way to make-up that was no less thematic or dramatic. Black ink flanked both eyes, smudges and stripes fell in the creases and socket lines, cheeks and temples were contoured, and lips and lashes were left bare. There was no blush in sight, no brow pencil, no liner or lipstick; just enough warrior-like definition to peak out from under cloth turbans, crocheted cloches and fur–lined hats.
Note: Try applying liquid eyeliner to your upper and lower lashes in a single straight line.
Lanvin
Autumn/winter tends to give stylists licence to play with myriad headwear, in which case hair is not nearly as important as accessories when channelling the collection’s theme. This was all the more evident at Lanvin this season, however it was not hats or scarfs on show but rather thick, dark, bluntly cut wigs. Similarly, Elbaz's strong, sharp take on ready-to-wear for the up-coming season was echoed in the accompanying make-up. Densely-applied smoky eyes, rimmed with black kohl, framed by lashes coated with mascara and featuring just a hint of silver glitter in the corners to catch the light were coupled with lips and cheeks painted a neutral, yet warm and sexy, shade of peach.
Note: Try blending dark grey eye shadow instead of black for a less intense alternative.