Fresh off the ramp

Couture Weeks around the globe end with a strong statement, defining new makeup trends. We decode the top three looks.

The theatrics and drama of a Haute Couture Fashion Week are incomplete without an equally melodramatic makeup. Makeup adds a distinct dimension to the couture garments. The recently concluded Couture Fashion Week in Delhi, Milan and Paris, have highlighted makeup trends, which will soon form the key to decide the defining looks of the season. From statement lips, highlighted eyes and toned down blush, the runways were full of new looks that are easy to cop. Here’s a low-down on the three most interesting and novel looks that were seen on the couture runways.

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The look: Coral eyes
Spotted at
The colour coral for eyes and lips has been spotted at various shows, such as at Armani Privé at Paris Couture Week 2011 and Manav Gangwani at Delhi Couture Week.

How to get it right
The colour orange and its variant hues, such as coral, is big this season. From eyes, lips to blush, it does justice to any skin tone and outfit. It brings instant freshness when applied as an eye shadow colour or as blush to highlight the cheeks. Khanna says, “Orange is very in for lips and eyes.” To further highlight your eyes, line the corners of your eyes with black kohl or eyeliner (as shown in the picture below) and finish the look with a coat of mascara to the lashes. Coral lip shade suits all skin tones and looks best when it is loaded with extra gloss.

Where to wear
A natural colour shade, coral can be teamed up with both Indian and western attires. You can sport this colour on your eyes, lips or cheeks, anytime of the day or night.

The look: Vixen lips
Spotted at
Vixen lips were spotted at the Varun Bahl show at Delhi Couture Week 2011 and at Atelier Gustavolins show at Paris Couture Fall Week 2011, earlier this month.

How to get it right
To achieve the vixen look right, be extra careful in sporting the right colour. “Dark lips are back. Thus, you can choose form shades of maroons and browns with a hint of black,” says Megha Khanna, makeup artist. Also, keep your skin tone and your outfit in mind before finalising on the lipper shade. While you wear vixen lips, always follow the basic makeup rule and keep the eyes colourless or as nude as possible (as shown in the runway look above). To open up your peepers, you can apply a creamy nude eyeshadow or just keep them bare.

Where to wear
Avoid wearing the vixen look during day time. It’s best to sport such dark lips only during the evening or night, in
accordance with your outfit.

The look: Colour block
Spotted at
The colour block makeup trend was visible at the Christian Dior show at The Paris Fashion Week 2011.

How to get it right
This seems like an after-effect of the colour blocking trend in clothing, where two equally bright colours are combined. Makeup artist Komal Gulati says, “You need to experiment to adorn such a look. It’s best to have one bright colour either on the lips or eyes and alter it with another neutral shade.” You can choose from bright shades such as turquoise, blue, purple, orange and emerald green for the eyes and team it with lip shades such as reds, oranges or pinks. The two colours used on both your features should be from a different colour family.

Where to wear
If you like to stand out from the crowd, this look is perfect for you. This is a unique look and might look OTT during day. Play safe and wear this makeup trend at crazy parties at night. Avoid heavy jewellery along with this makeup and wear it with an understated outfit.