The city of love had some of the highest points on the fashion week calendar. Here are just a few of our favorite makeup moments from the Paris shows.

1. Lanvin. The startling wigs and uniformity were memorable–but didn’t overwhelm the gorgeous makeup, particularly the eyes. Makeup artist Pat McGrath made the makeup “very sexy, sophisticated, really beautiful, and tough,” by applying a superthick line of CoverGirl LiquiLine Blast in Black (launching this summer) all around the eyes and dusting a sparkly antique-gold shadow on top for a “flash of light.”

2. Givenchy. If it’s possible to make red lips any sexier, it’s with Givenchy’s Fall 2010 “very decadent” version. McGrath created a dramatic shape and full mouths by outlining the lips with red lipliner, filling in with a cherry-red lipstick, adding a touch of red glitter in the center of the lips, and then sweeping two glosses (one more gel-like than the other) over the mouths to “maximize the shine.”

3. Yves Saint Laurent. Swoon! This was seriously one of the prettiest looks in Paris. Makeup artist Dick Page focused on the eyes. He lined them thickly with a black cream liner and set it with an indigo blue shadow. To make the eyes “poetic,” Page dusted a the brow bones and upper crease with a grey-fushcia shadow.

4. Balenciaga. We’re not suggesting you try this look at the office, but the jolts of color in some of the models’ eyebrows really was supercool. McGrath took the ultra-clean overall makeup look to a futuristic place by picking up colors in the jewelry and applying them to the brows. First, McGrath bleached a select few girls’ brows and then painted them with greasepaint in bright colors.

Reported by Karen Morrison

RELATED LINKS:
Designer Faces: The Hair and Makeup Look at the Fall 2010 Lanvin Show
Designer Faces: Hair and Makeup From Givenchy’s Fall 2010 Runway Show
Designer Faces: The Hair and Makeup Looks at the Fall 2010 Balenciaga Show

PHOTO: WWD

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What would happen if a ’60s-era Jean Shrimpton woke up after a late night of partying, makeup still on from the night before, and casually twisted up her hair before running out to get a cup of coffee? That was the story—literally—behind the disheveled updo and exaggerated eye makeup at Giambattista Valli.

“Giambattista wanted a little Jean Shrimpton on the eyes, but in a modern way, so we’re pushing it more,” said makeup artist Val Garland backstage. “The look is flirtatious and sexy.” We’d add “wild” to that description. To create the pointy winged liner that stretched out to the temples, Garland painted on the triangular shape using brown cream liner, then outlined it with black cream liner so the edges were sharp. About an inch below the eyes, she drew a thin line of white cream liner that carried out to the temples. Then she stacked two false lash strips on top of one another and glued them to the top lashes for a superfluttery effect. With all this action around the eyes, she took it easy on the rest of the face, sculpting the cheeks with beige and caramel blushes and swiping M.A.C. Lipstick in Siss, a matte beige, on the mouths.

“The hair is meant to look as though it was just pulled together in a minute,” said hairstylist Orlando Pita of the loose chignon. Of course, in reality it took a bit longer than that. Pita curled the hair with an iron, then teased it and parted it on the side. He pinned the hair back into a messy low bun, leaving a number of tendrils falling loose around the face. “At this show, the clothes and makeup are so perfect and impeccable,” he said. “So it’s a nice balance when the hair is a little off and undone.”

Reported by Karen Morrison

PHOTO: WWD

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Photo: Imaxtree
Marc Jacobs: Theatrical Makeup
Clowning around is typically reserved for the circus, but at Jacobs’ show white-painted faces, dramatic eyeliner, and red lips ruled. “I wanted the models to look like characters—like ballerinas who just stepped off the stage,” says makeup maestro François Nars about the look. “It’s ’30s stage makeup with a modern edge. Dancers in theater and opera always had white faces, pointed lips, and an eye that was drawn outward, not upward.”

Photo: Imaxtree
Rue du Mail: Gray Roots
Going prematurely gray is an unwelcome tress transformation for most women. But at Rue du Mail’s show, thanks to a liberal dusting of hair powder, models boldly walked the runway with halfway–down–the–head gray, making silver strands a dramatic do.

Photo: Imaxtree
Tracy Reese: Clumpy Mascara and Penciled-In Brows
TV commercials have drilled the importance of mascara brushes that “separate each lash” into our heads. And Brooke Shields’ lush arches have long been coveted. But at Reese’s spring 2010 show, makeup artist Charlotte Willer was intent on creating stuck-together lashes and superthin brows. “It’s a modernized ’20s look,” says the Maybelline global makeup artist. “We hid the eyebrows with concealer and drew a line over each with pencil. For lashes, we wanted them spiky so that they stood out. After brushing mascara on, I pushed lashes together so they’d appear clumped.”

Photo: Imaxtree
Ohne Titel: Uncovered Wig Wraps
What lies beneath a wig is typically not meant for public display—but at Ohne Titel’s show, stylist Jimmy Paul purposely left models’ wig-ready heads uncovered. Inspired by the age-old hair-wrapping technique, Paul misted strands with a strong-hold spray and circled them around the head. To secure, he wove sections together with thread and applied Bumble and bumble Hair Powder for matte texture.

Photo: Imaxtree
Preen: Matte Hair
Shiny tresses are one of the most sought-after attributes, but to offset spring’s abundance of shimmering fabrics, this season, matte hair is a must. “If clothes are very light-reflective pairing high-gloss hair with them can be too much,” says Guido Palau, who says he uses dry shampoo or baby powder on blow-dried hair to dull it down. “The two–day–old matte look is cooler—it’s not like you’re trying too hard.”

Palau isn’t the only stylist opting for matte: To complement the metallic fabrics in Preen’s spring 2010 collection, Laurent Phillippon used Bumble and bumble Surf Spray. “Normally, you’d spray the product on your hair and let it air-dry. But for Preen, I’m blow-drying with a flat brush using the Surf Spray,” says Phillippon. “This gives the hair really nice hold and a certain amount of matte texture—it’s still light and clean but has an interesting matte effect.”

Photo: Imaxtree
Rodarte: Tat Sleeves
While Chanel went with delicately tattooed necks, wrists, and legs, Rodarte opted for bold tattoo sleeves—a type of tattooing that usually rivals the “tramp stamp” in unpopularity. “It’s Maori–tribe–meets–L.A.–gang,” says makeup artist James Kaliardos about the face and body art. “The look is inspired by East L.A. gang girls; even the lips are meant to appear tattooed.” To fashion the faux tats, artists used sponges to apply M.A.C Chromaline, a water-resistant product, over precut patterns and dusted with translucent powder.

Photo: Imaxtree
Luca Luca: Unruly Curls
If curls can’t be tamed, don’t bother: Cutler stylist Teddy Charles aimed to dishevel models’ tresses at Luca Luca in order to create a “dramatic” effect. Of the look, Charles said he interpreted the season literally, choosing “natural, bouncy curls” as a way to celebrate spring and “springy movement.”

Photo: Imaxtree
Prada: Bleached Brows
Barely there brows may have a bad rep, but on the catwalk they’re good as gold. “We bleached them because lighter brows really open up the face and allow you to wear more color,” says makeup maven Pat McGrath about the arches at Prada. “They make a big impact on the runway and appear otherworldly.”

Photo: Imaxtree
Jonathan Saunders: Wet Hair
Unless you’re racing against time, leaving the house with stringy, damp strands is never recommended. But at Jonathan Saunders’ show, shower-fresh hairstyles were premeditated as a way to offset the feminine pastel clothing. “We didn’t want the hair too glamorous or overdone—we wanted it to make the dresses look edgy,” says hairstylist Palau, who sprayed models’ hair with water, Redken Hardwear 16 Super Strong Gel, and Redken Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk.

Photo: Imaxtree
Givenchy: Brown Lipstick
The heavy matte-brown lipstick of the early ’90s (think Drew Barrymore, Kate Moss, and Courtney Love) hasn’t been lusted-after in ages. But the goth-meets-grunge lip look made a comeback in Givenchy’s spring 2010 show. To make brown wearable off the runway, look for a sheer rose-tinted hue.

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Photo: Imaxtree

Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière went for avant-garde makeup both this season and last, but each had decidedly different vibes. While his spring 2010 models resembled futuristic warriors with their graphic black eye makeup and neon shadow, the fall 2010 Balenciaga girl appeared more classic, save for a dash of unexpected pastel color across the brow.

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This week, a 37-year-old Florida woman caused a car accident…because she was shaving her bikini line while driving, in preparation for meeting up with her boyfriend. (If that’s not weird enough, she did it with her ex-husband in the passenger seat.) I admit that back in my car-driving days, I occasionally applied lipstick at a red light. That’s pretty tame compared to the beauty acts I’ve witnessed from other drivers, from flossing (the grossest) to applying mascara (the most dangerous). My rule on en-route primping is: don’t apply anything while moving, especially nothing on the eyes, because it leads to nightmarish visions of me (or the driver, if I’m sitting shotgun) slamming on the brakes, sending that kohl pencil right into my eyeball. Ack! Now that I ride the subway to work, I see even more public makeup applications; it’s safer, but not less crude. Female commuters stick mostly to eyes and lips, though I have seen a woman painting her nails (the smell in the train car made me lightheaded) and a man clipping his (um, barf).

We all know it’s dangerous to do anything but drive while driving. But admit it—what primping have you done (or witnessed) in planes, trains, or automobiles?

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

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Are you an excited beauty pageant contestant?  Congratulations and best wishes to you for a successful pageant!  Now, about showcasing your beautiful face….
 
Do you know how to apply your own makeup so it looks ‘professionally done’? 
Do you know which lip, eye and cheek colors will flatter you and your dress color?  
Do you know which products and colors will show up on stage and on camera, without looking overdone? 
Do you know where to find an online resource for makeup tips and guidance to help you create your very own ’show-stopping’ makeup look?  
 
One of the most important, on-going skills a pageant contestant can possess is understanding how to apply and adapt her makeup, not only during each segment of pageant competition, but for any occasion.  Looking ‘camera-ready’ for those important personal appearances, impromptu photos or TV interviews is necessary for a successful pageant contestant and winner.   (continued below)     
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Attention Beauty Pageant Contestants:  We are offering a Coupon that can be redeemed for a FREE full-size product with first order.  Please contact us to receive this valuable coupon!   

Attention Pageant Directors:  For all your contestants, please contact us to obtain Coupons that can be redeemed for a FREE full-size product with first order! 

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“Many young women want the self-confidence that learning how to apply their makeup will give them – whether they wish to create a fresh, natural look or all-out red carpet glamour for a big night on stage.  Mastering their makeup abilities can be especially important to contestants preparing for beauty pageants, giving them extra confidence when presenting themselves to the judges,” says Jennifer Kalman, Commercial Makeup Artist.
 
Some beauty pageants do not have access to a professional makeup artist, therefore each contestant is responsible for applying her makeup suitable for her age and outfit.  But how to achieve professional results without professional guidance?   One online makeup resource is especially useful for pageant contestants, showing how to: 
 
- Select lip, eye and cheek colors to coordinate with the colors they are wearing…avoid makeup colors that clash with the dress.  
- Find highly-pigmented makeup color products that are ‘camera ready’ for stage, photos and videos…avoid ‘washed-out’ photos!
- Locate and print online how-to-apply makeup tips, techniques and directions to use as a reference guide during makeup application 
- Skillfully blend eye shadows to enlarge, contour and brighten the eyes
- Apply false eyelashes  
- Define and add fullness to the lips
- Find help from a professional makeup artist if they have a specific makeup question.
 
The solution is an online makeup resource for pageant contestants interested in refining their makeup skills!  This online resource shows specially-selected makeup tones to match their dress, identifying high-pigment lip, eye and cheek color products, all shown in a fresh Natural Look or a glamorous Dramatic Look.  The packages are complete with illustrations showing where to apply the high-pigment makeup colors and how to blend them.  On the site, pageant contestants can also join the “Make Me Dazzle” club to gain special website access to advanced makeup tips, techniques and instruction to help them showcase their beauty!  This online resource is similar to having your own personalized makeup lesson with a professional makeup artist! 
 
Make sure YOU steal the spotlight every time!

Here at Allure, the Oscars are practically our Superbowl. Not so much for the ceremony and the speeches, but for the hair, makeup, and dresses. We’re counting down the hours until kickoff, a.k.a., the red carpet, and dying to see stars like Diane Kruger, Zoe Saldana, and Emily Blunt. These women also had some major beauty moments on screen—check them out here, tune in to the show, and follow us on Twitter for updates all night long.

RELATED LINKS:
· The Top 9 Big-Screen Beauty Moments of the Year
· The Best and Worst Oscar Beauty Moments of the Decade
· The Top 10 Oscar Beauty Trends

PHOTO: UNIVERSAL PICTURES/THE KOBAL COLLECTION

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If Belle de Jour’s Séverine Serizy suddenly found herself living in the mid-1990s, we have a feeling she’d look a lot like the models on the Nina Ricci runway. Makeup artist Pat McGrath and hairstylist Guido lightened up the notion of ’60s French glamour with neutral makeup and a roughed-up version of the teased bouffant.

To create a look that was polished but didn’t scream “makeup,” McGrath used muted tones and focused on making every feature look flawless. “It’s about hyper-perfection—perfect skin, perfect brows, and perfect cheeks,” she said backstage. She blended a soft brown cream shadow all around the eyes for a hint of smokiness, then gave the cheeks a bit of rosy color. Brows were filled in and defined, but there wasn’t any other color on the face.

Guido whipped up a more relaxed version of ’60s big hair. “We’re doing the shape of a sophisticated lady’s hairdo, but making the texture a little grungy, which gives it a cooler feeling that’s not so ‘done.’” Guido worked Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream-Mousse through dry hair at the crown, rustled it around with his fingers while blow-drying to add volume, then teased the hair at the crown and draped the front and sides back over the heightened hair. The ends were left natural and piece-y, and he set everything with Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray. With the understated makeup, the overall look was done-up without being heavy. Which is just how we like it.

RELATED LINKS:
· Designer Faces: The Latest Runway Beauty.

PHOTO: WWD

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The best just got better—both L’Oréal and Nars debut new versions of top-sellers (and ELLE editor favorites) this month: L’Oréal True Match Roller Perfecting Roll On Makeup delivers its perfect formula with a pint-size paint-roller, and Nars—a brand that sells two Orgasm products in the U.S. every minute—gives women a fuller flush with its Orgasm Illuminator, a sheer liquid glow for the face.

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Fresh off a No Doubt reunion tour and the spring show of her fashion line, L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani touched down in New York recently to introduce the latest iteration of her Harajuku Girls fragrance franchise (this time, the fab five are reimagined as tanned, bikiniclad Sunshine Cuties). An inspiring blend of superstar and supermom, Stefani was in full regalia—sharp brows, pink-painted lips, gobs of gold jewelry—while Zuma, her faux-hawked one-year-old (“my bunny,” Gwen cooed), attempted a sweet escape from her lap.

Fans love that your look wasn’t dreamed up by some music exec. It’s authentic.
No Doubt was together for nine years before we even got on the radio, and I’ve looked pretty much the same since the beginning. In one of the first interviews I ever did, I’m sitting on the floor, gluing together this jailbird costume—basically the same one I wore two years ago in the “Sweet Escape” video. I still use the same references: old Hollywood– Marilyn, chola girls, Anaheim girls, English schoolgirls, and Japanese Harajuku.

You seem to have an abiding love affair with Japan.
Whatever trend is happening there, it’s everywhere—like, oh my God, lots of zippers! I look at millions of Japanese magazines, and my design associate goes there on inspiration trips. I’ll be in bed at 11 p.m. and she’s sending me pictures: “Want this $350 fleece motorcycle jacket for [son] Kingston?” I’m like, “Yes, he definitely needs a $350 motorcycle jacket—not.”

Was the makeup at your spring runway show inspired by your own look?
I’ve basically done the same makeup since ninth grade: eyeliner, a strong brow, not much eye shadow, and red lips. For the show, we did the big, thick liner I’ve always done, but in pop colors: red, blue, and
yellow. I thought it was going to look tough, but under the lights, it was soft, pretty.

What’s the secret to doing your own makeup on tour?
Sweatproofing. I don’t know how many calories I must burn every night. I’m dying up there! You can get waterproof stuff at the beauty supply, but it’s mainly about layering. And double lashes: I stick two rows of false lashes together. Luckily on this tour, I had a little break to go backstage and re-spackle.

Do you ever leave the house without makeup?
I’m not in full-on makeup every day, but my husband and I just had our seventh anniversary—he makes an effort for me, I make an effort for him. It doesn’t take me very long. I’m fast!

Well, you have professional experience, right?
When I was 20, I worked in a department store—basically a mature women’s shop with, like, polyester slacks. The clothes were horrible, but I really enjoyed helping women pick outfits. Later, I graduated
to be one of the stuck-up girls at the makeup counter, which was a big deal. I never thought I’d get there [laughs]. I got to smell all the fragrances and be with all the pretty girls and intimidate everybody. Well, I didn’t, but they did.

Where are you headed next?
Back into the studio for a new No Doubt album…I hope. I’ve had writer’s block for a while, maybe because I was too homebound. How was I supposed to be modern when I was sitting there with this postpregnancy body, in the house, banging my head against the wall? On tour, I freed that all up and got inspired.

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