From pale, pretty nails to bold gold lids, the spring runways were full of Instagram-worthy hair and makeup looks. Bahar Niramwalla picks her Top 5 – and offers tips for getting the trends right IRL:
The look: Glittery eyes
Get it with: MAC Powerpoint eye pencil
All that glittered was gold – and silver – at Ashish, where chunky 3-D glitter and rhinestones were all that adorned the models’ faces, while Anna Sui showed a tamer version of the metallic eye with coarse gold shimmer on upper and lower lids, as well as the inner corners. The best way to work this trend in real life is to opt for shimmer rather than glitter. Using a creamy metallic eyeliner, line your lower lid and smudge the edges slightly for a diffused look, rather than a hard line. If you’re jonesing for all-over glow, use the same pencil and apply also across the lid, blending with your finger as you go to warm the product, and make it more malleable. (This will also eliminate glitter-fallout onto the rest of your face.) Alternatively, lining your lower waterline with gold or silver will reflect light, and will make your eyes appear larger.
The look: Loose braids
Get it with: Kerastase Powder Bluff dry shampoo
Thoroughly covetable – and attainable for those lucky few who have yet to lop off their long locks in favour of the popular “lob” – braids are hands-down the hairstyle of the season. In contrast to the neat and pristine versions of the past, the look at Michael Kors was rough, dishevelled and windblown. Pieces were left strewn around the face, with hair also strategically falling out of place in the back. To perfect your plait you’ll need dry shampoo. Spraying the product throughout the hair (rather than just the scalp) will add texture to your locks, making them easier to rough up. Be sure to keep your sections loose when crossing over, and secure the end with an elastic band. To finish, hold onto the end of the braid with one hand just underneath the band and with the other, push sections up toward the nape of the neck. This will give the hair a pleasing, imperfect look.
The look: Brown eyeshadow
Get it with: Stila Nouveau Natural eyeshadow palette
As proved by faces at Givenchy and BCBG, brown shadow flatters every skin tone and eye colour, and is wearable for both day and night. During the day, use softer shades such as taupe, camel and tan, and apply the colour from the lash line up to just above the crease, making sure to blend well so there are no harsh edges. To amp up the look, opt for richer chocolate, copper and coffee shades and apply using the same technique, but this time, also bring the shadow down onto the lower lid, underneath the lashes. Finish with a generous swipe of black mascara on both top and bottom lashes for added drama.
The look: Imperfect, blotted lips
Get it with: Anna Sui lipstick in 200, 400 and 401
This carefree, unfinished look is a welcome change after many seasons under the tyranny of the statement lip. Rich, saturated, creamy and imperfect all describe the mouth of the season. That’s right: imperfect, which is just as well, as not everyone has time for touch ups every hour to ensure a perfectly defined pout. Shades of bright red, orange and plum all made appearances, but were subdued in their execution. For easy day wear, use your fingers to press the colour from a lipstick tube into the lips. Using fingers rather than a brush will create the effect of a stain. For a bolder look, apply colour straight from the tube, and blot the lips by gently pressing them against a tissue. Reapply the lipstick and blot again to help soften the edges for that lived-in look.
The look: Brush-stroked nails
Get it with: Sephora Pro Lash fan brush
Judging by the manicures at Prabal Gurung, negative space is definitely in for spring. The nails were minimal, muted and ever so chic. Shades of lavender and peach were painted from one edge of the nail toward the middle with visible, yet light, brush strokes. The look is akin to a simple wrap dress with a plunging neckline – simple and classic, but sexy, too. To get the look you’ll need one specific tool: a small fan brush. Start by painting a single vertical stroke of colour on one third of the nail, either right or left. Then drag the fan brush over the still wet polish toward the centre of the nail, very lightly. Be sure not to go too heavy with the initial swipe of colour, as a thin layer will give you the dainty, subdued effect you’re looking for.