MSFW Designer Runway Two

by Lana Murphy

Wrap up:

It’s the beauty trend taking the world by storm in 2014 – slick hair, a flawless base and statement lips – and the models of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week wore it effortlessly earlier this month. The second designer runway of MSFW showcased a series of minimalist designs from some of Australia’s favourite labels including Melbourne brands LIFEwithBIRD, Manning Cartel and Kahlo.

Carly Hunter, YB J’aime, Alice McCall, Neo Dia and Lui Hon also graced the runway, each showcasing their own versatile looks. Traditional spring textiles of floral designs, pastel colours and soft fabrics were intertwined with darker metallics and structured compositions for the runway.

Each designer series was perfectly complimented with the universal look created by Mecca Cosmetica make up artists and Kevin Murphy hairstylists. The bold lips, glowing skin and sleek hair were the perfect accessories for the minimalist runway. Statement lip colours are extremely in this season, as the runway took inspiration from the deep purples and bright red at the Oscars this year. The key to rocking the lip without looking like a toddler in Mummy’s make up kit is to keep the rest of the look simple – create a nude smokey eye or challenge yourself with some sleek winged eye liner. Next time you head to an event, be brave and ditch the safety of a nude lip. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to take a look from drab to fab with a touch of colour on the lip.

The look – make up:

Get your hands on MAC’s ‘Dark Side’ or ‘Rebel’ lipsticks and ensure you use a lip liner first to add depth to your lips and keep your product from leaking. A flawless, youthful base never goes out of fashion in the beauty world. It is important to prime and moisturise your skin prior to foundation application in order to achieve a natural-looking, full coverage base. Foundation should actually be used minimally. In fact, it is the preparation before foundation that is most important in creating a flawless look.

BareMinerals’ ‘Prime Time’ primer will help create a blank canvas for you to work on. If you are especially concerned about pores, fine lines or scarring, add some Benefit ‘Porefessional’ to specific areas to ensure they are covered before applying foundation. Using an illuminator like MAC’s ‘Strobe Cream’ or Face of Australia’s ‘HD primer’ will also help brighten the skin prior to foundation.

If there are any remaining red spots, use a colour corrector to conceal. Feel free to use your foundation of choice but Nars ‘Sheer Glow’ foundation will work best for most skin types to achieve this look. When applying, use sparingly and build up coverage in areas needed. Use Nars ‘Creamy Concealer’ in a few shades lighter than your foundation colour under your eye area and on the nose to ensure your face really glows. Set with translucent powder and contour accordingly. The Balm’s ‘Mary-Lou Manizer’ will work as a perfect highlighter for cheekbones, your brow bone and the bride of your nose. Spray with Urban Decay’s ‘Chill Cooling and Hydrating’ makeup setting spray to keep the dewy look lasting the entire day.

The look – hair:
The hairstyle from Kevin Murphy stylists was a blend of messy bubble ponytails and sleek comb overs. Each model wore a slightly different version of the bubble ponytail, which seemed to be an ode to the ‘90s to compliment the Windsor Smith sandals and socks combinations. Slick hair has taken off this season with many celebrities opting for stylishly smooth comb overs instead of big blow waves during awards season. Even Kimye has been donning the ‘sleek chic’ hairstyle this year. Adding a braid or bubble ponytail will make your look even edgier. The sleek comb over compliments most face shapes and is incredibly easy to achieve in a small amount of time.Make sure your hair is clean and the front is slightly damp – there is a difference between shine-inducing hair products and dirty, oily hair. The TangleTeezer brush will help those pesky knots disappear without the pain and be your perfect companion to achieve the MSFW runway look.

Using any comb of your choice, comb your hair from the forehead to the crown consistently and in the same direction. Once you’ve guided your hair in place grab a small amount of Schwarzkopf Taft Wet Look Shine Hair Styling Gel and warm between your palms. Gently and evenly smooth the product over the combed area so the front section is locked in position. Comb through again and seal with hairspray. The rest of your hair will fall naturally into place – you can straighten, curl or braid the rest depending on what style you would like to achieve.

Now make the streets your runway ladies!

Check out the rest of the wrap up in the latest TAT Beauty Mag