Every fall the shows deliver a wave of beauty looks, from glittering eyelids to brows bleached almost into invisibility. Most are designed for the camera, not the commute. This season, though, makeup artists say a surprising number of runway trends are easy to wear in real life, because the overall direction is softer, warmer and more natural.
Skin that looks like skin
The strongest trend backstage was skin that looks healthy rather than perfect. Instead of heavy foundation, artists used light tints, concealer only where needed and a touch of cream blush high on the cheeks.
The idea is that you should still see freckles and texture. We were taking things away, not adding them.
Lucia Ferrante, makeup artist who worked on several fall shows
To get the effect at home, Ferrante recommends mixing a drop of foundation with moisturizer and applying it with the fingers. A warm, peachy cream blush, tapped onto the cheeks and blended up toward the temples, does most of the work.
Warm browns instead of black
Black liquid liner has given way to brown, bronze and soft plum, often smudged along the lash line rather than drawn into a sharp wing. The result defines the eyes without looking dramatic, which makes it ideal for the office.
A soft brown pencil, smudged with a cotton swab or a small brush, is all it takes. For evenings, the same line can be deepened and extended slightly at the outer corner.
Blurred lips and brushed-up brows
On the lips, crisp outlines were out. Many shows featured blurred color: lipstick pressed on with a fingertip so the edges fade into the skin. Terracotta, brick and berry shades dominated.
Brows stayed natural and brushed upward, set with clear gel. Artists avoided heavy filling, which they say makes a face look older.
What to skip
Not everything translates. Metallic lids in silver and gold looked striking under show lights but can appear harsh in daylight. Graphic lower lashes and glued-on decorations are best kept for parties.
“Pick one runway idea at a time,” says Riverton makeup artist Selma Okoro. “A warm cheek and a brown liner is a modern look. Try five trends at once and you will look like you are heading to a costume party.”
The good news for budgets: most of the season’s looks rely on products many people already own. The trick is to use less and blend more.
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