Is Fashion Beauty’s Muse?
There seems to be a fine line between the fashionistas and the self-proclaimed beauty junkies in the world. I know that for me, my clothing and daily activities influence my make-up look each day, and the colors, trends and attitudes of fashion regularly serve as the creative forces behind my beauty choices. The two categories are almost interchangeable.
It is not surprising that a strong connection between fashion and make-up trends exists.
Because people tend to use their visual senses first, it is not surprising that a strong connection between fashion and make-up trends exists. It certainly makes sense that design houses and the talented make-up artists whom they employ have crossed over into the beauty industry successfully.
This week BWB turned to Cédric Jolivet, one of the leading make-up artists in New York for a bit of guidance. His work is regularly featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, W and Elle magazines. And as long as we are name-dropping, he has also worked with top designers such as Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. We asked Cédric what his thoughts were on the relationship between fashion and beauty.
Some designers like Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen or Versace, went for a totally natural look with a healthy dewy skin that almost had a sweaty feeling, enhanced by a sun-kissed glow.
BWB: What are the prevalent make-up trends and colors on the runways for spring?
For spring 2016, the main trends in makeup seem to be healthy natural skin, bold lips, with flashy colors and even glitter on the eyes! The timeless red lip dominated the runway, with a beautiful texture of matte and velvet (for example at Céline, Nina Ricci, DKNY, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta).These loud mouths were balanced with a bare skin. Basically, Just a touch of concealer “et voilà!”
Some designers like Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen or Versace, went for a totally natural look with a healthy dewy skin that almost had a sweaty feeling, enhanced by a sun-kissed glow. On another side, the color blue is the king on the lid this spring! It is used in a minimalist way as a liner at Hugo Boss, Philip Lim and Monique Lhuillier, and as a total eyeshadow at Marc Jacobs as well as Diane Von Furstenberg. There was even an artistic stroke of a painting at Missoni, or as far as a full eye mask at Chanel.
Finally, the more eccentric trend that took over the season was the metallic gold lip at Prada.
BB and CC creams might still be the best this summer.
BWB: How are these trends translating to the beauty, retail market, influencing what women will buy this coming season?
I think women’s first concern is perfect skin with a minimum of make-up. This expectation has been pushing beauty brands to innovate their base in new textures that are thinner and almost invisible on the skin, combining the right coverage with a glowy finish. That’s why BB and CC creams might still be the best this summer.
Also, red lips are good on everyone! You just have to find the right tone of red for you and it will wake up your face instantly! More and more brands are going for semi-matte lipstick, which I think gives a very chic look, with a beautiful velvety finish and not drying your lips anymore (to name a few: Lip Maestro by Giorgio Armani, Le Marc Lip Crème by Marc Jacobs or Semi-Matte Lipstick by Nars).
My favorite looks could be glowy skin, strong eyebrows with a bright matte lip.
BWB: What currently inspires you for your work? What are your favorite looks and colors?
I am, of course, inspired by fashion designers, but also by photographers such as Paolo Roversi, Tim Walker, Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh or Guy Bourdin.
I love art, painting and fashion illustration as well. I basically try to keep my eyes and mind open to anything and everything!
My favorite looks could be glowy skin, strong eyebrows with a bright matte lip (red, orange or fuchsia). Also, I love using creamy textures on the eyes for a sensual feeling, from the simple glossy lid to a greasy smoky eye.
BWB: How can the everyday woman incorporate new make-up trends without looking like a fashion victim?
The makeup we see on runway will not literally look good on every woman. At the end, maybe you can use blue on your eyes or red on your lips but I think it is more about finding the right texture (matte, sheer, creamy or glossy) that will make you comfortable and look good. And sometimes, it’s more about being gentle on the application of some products. For example, to talk about the contouring, you have to be very careful and slight at hand to not be too theatrical! You want someone to tell you how beautiful you are rather than how beautiful your makeup is, right?
BWB: Our readers would love to know what some of your all-time best go-to beauty products are.
My favorite products that are always in my kit:
- Embryolisse moisturizer to prepare the skin
- Concealers High Precision Retouch by Giorgio Armani, usually enough to correct the skin and bring some highlight under the eyes
- Fluid Sheer Giorgio Armani to add a glow to the skin but also easy to mix with pencil or eye shadow to give a nice wet effect on the lid
- The Lashblast Volume mascara Covergirl, in waterproof, and better to keep your lashes curled!
- My go-to eye pencils are from MAC: Smolder (black) and Coffee (perfect dark brown)
Following Cedric’s valuable expertise, BWB looked to some of our favorite fashion lines and make-up pioneers for our own beauty inspiration muses.
Inspired by their women’s wear collection for spring/summer 2016, Burberry released their Velvet & Lace beauty collection. Just as their clothes are modern and romantic, so are the make-up choices. Their matte but not drying Lip Velvet lipstick #437 is a flattering shade of red that most of us will be proud to wear. Admittedly, one may feel a tad bit more sophisticated walking down 5th Avenue with these red lips!
With by Terry, one need not look any further to achieve the natural make-up and glowing skin trend.
ByTerry, the cosmetic line founded by Terry de Gunzburg, the make-up artist and former creative director of YSL Beaute is, no pun intended, sheer perfection. One need not look any further to achieve the natural make-up and glowing skin trend. Her Cellularose Moisturizing CC Sheer Tinted Cream is as light as air, made with great ingredients like rose, and has the perfect amount of tint. Layer the Blush Glace over it for a subtle color on your cheeks to achieve an angelic appearance.
Mrs. de Gunzburg has definitely perfected the art of looking effortless and perfectly timeless.
Tory Burch, known for her ready to wear collections, shoes, handbags and accessories, does not disappoint with her beauty line. The packaging is artwork within itself, and it sets you up for the beautiful colors in her lipsticks, eye shadows and blush. I’m particularly attracted to the eye palettes, which showcase six colors and are set in a beautiful box covered in flowers and birds.
Ultimately, I think the best muse for our fashion and our make-up choices is the energy surrounding us everyday. What appears outside our window in the morning? What meeting shall we conquer at work? What intimate, loving moments will we be sharing with those we love? With all of this inspiration, and the inclusion of these amazing beauty lines, we can be certain that both our clothes and makeup will look fabulous come this spring.
