I have seen the future of makeup and it is good. Well, as far ahead to next winter at least. New Zealand Fashion Week kicked off yesterday in the Auckland Viaduct Convention Centre and it’s here that you get the big reveal about fashion and makeup.
Three looks stood out for me yesterday all courtesy of MAC.
LOOK ONE: RUBY
The first standout came in the form of a bright blue wing on the eye at Ruby, the show that got Fashion Week under way.
MAC’s Amber D was key makeup artist on this show who responded to the inspiration of an Ënglish Rose who is inspired by grunge and early Amy Winehouse” with a beautiful bare face courtesy of Pearl Cream Colour Base, Something Special Blush Cream and those daring but cute exaggerated blue wings. The MAC crew did this in a highly specialised way with Paintsticks in Pure White, Hi Def Cyan and Primary Yellow, actually creating the blue with their extensive makeup knowledge. The rest of us could try it at home with Electric Eel Eye Shadow. The key to success here is to be messy in your application, which is good news for those amongst us who don’t have overly steady hands or the patience to blend.
LOOK 2: COOP
This label has raised its game significantly from last year and given the cool kids a whole new look with bright and beautiful geometric-print pantsuits with obvious references to Prada, and even the odd sequinned dress for Sunday best. In response, the makeup’s reference was “a beautiful look with an edge”. Come in pretty, polished look with full focus on the mouth. Key makeup artist Louise Rae-Lo created a 3D effect by converting a traditional fuchsia mouth by deepening the corners of the mouth with Nightmoth Lip Pencil. Key products: Nightmoth Lip Pencil, Impassioned Lipstick and Embrace Me Lip Pencil.
LOOK 3: ZAMBESI
Zambesi has never turned away from strong, directional makeup. Let’s face it, that’s how designer Elisabeth Findlay has always liked her clothes. And she didn’t disappoint last night. Nor did key makeup artist Amber D, who was instructed to be “sculptural with bold shapes and strength”. The first thing you noticed was the statement purple mouth, achieved with Violetta Lipstick. Blot it down a bit and you really could wander the streets of Britomart in it. Look closer though and the cheeks were things of beauty, all sculpted and razor sharp. Try a bit of sculpting yourself with Copper Beech Sculpting Cream and finish with Luna Cream Colour Base as a highlighter. The brows went their own way with Lofty Brown Zoom Lash Mascara. You get the colour and the stay-put effect in one. Although Amber D brushed them straight up and spiky for the runway, you’d want to be more conservative at home.
