Catwalk Beauty Trends

Make-up artist, Peter Carroll takes us through what’s hot for Spring Summer 2011, with tips on how to achieve the looks and what products to use.

Makeup on the SS11 catwalks had two extremes, minimalism or block colour. There was no in between! Immaculate complexion, flushed cheeks and bright bold colours.

Minimalism means flawless skin and that doesn’t come from makeup alone. Exfoliating and moisturizing is so important. There is only one exfoliator worth mentioning as far as I’m concerned, MAC Mircofine Refinisher. If you try it, you’ll understand! Try to avoid that awful habit of applying foundation with your fingers and use a brush. While designed for use with powder products, I find duo fibre brushes to be an excellent tool for achieving flawless foundation.

(Top) Christian Dior, Bottega Venetta, Prada, Carolina Herrera.
(Bottom) Balmain, Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana.

If bold colours aren’t for you, lightly contour your eye sockets with beige browns like MAC Cork or No7 Truffle. Vanillas like Smashbox Vanilla or Revlon Sunlit Sparkle on the eyelids and don’t forget that makeup staple, mascara. Cheeks are “windblown” this season so a light flush of MAC Pinch O’ Peach or Revlon Soft Spoken Pink will do the trick, less is more. Leave the lipstick at home and opt for a very light coating of clear gloss. MAC Clear Lipglass is a must have and only a tiny amount is required to cover the lip area.

If you prefer to be more adventurous, eyes are all about cooler tones of blue, green, lilac and yellow. More is more with these colours so throw the rule book out and have fun, but remember, block colour is the idea here so just one shade per look. Try MAC Chrome Yellow, MAC Beautiful Iris, Barry M Pretty Pastels Trio, Bourjois No2 Saturé, Rimmel Glam Eyes Urban Green or YSL Ombre Lunar Purple. Cheeks remain the same as the minimal look so don’t over do it. Glossy red lips were a staple this season but intense fuchsia also made an appearance. MAC Ruby Woo, MAC Russian Red, Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain & Balm in Passion and my long time favourite fuchsia, NARS Schiap.

It goes without saying that as SS11 approaches, all of the cosmetics counters will have a collection to showcase their own take on this seasons must haves. A couple of collections worth a look are Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Wild Violet and Wild Coral, MAC’s Stylishly Yours and, even though it isn’t based on the SS11 catwalks, MAC + Mickey Contractor (ahem, it’s ok to giggle, everyone will!).

Peter Carroll for stylesiren.ie

Published:

10.01.11 / 11am

(Article from  http://stylesiren.ie/ss11-catwalk-beauty-trends/)