Summer Inspiration: Makeup ideas from RAFW 2011

Mon, 16 May 2011 9:56AM

Not basking in a bath of bronze and Bo-ho as seasons gone by, RAFW 2011 revealed some truly beautiful looks that, luckily, you don’t need a masters in makeup artistry to replicate at home. Like the many of the clothes there was a continuation of last season’s trends that can be put into a few clear ideas. The words “carefree, youth, elegance” is the mantra you must repeat three times before picking up your brushes and sponges.

Desert beauty
Colour was stained onto the eyes and cheeks over glowing skin. Layers of cream and gloss textured products were applied still revealing their individuality. Ochres, soft gold, red earth, shell and sand colours, contradicting in matte, cream and frosted textures, were applied with contoured perfection (that keeps it elegant) and then blended away to almost nothing (that keeps the youthful, carefree spirit). Try layering a highlighter cream over the top of your blush, or applying layers of soft gold tones in varying depths around the whole eye frame. The shape of your eye shadow should be either winged or a squared off halo, blended to infinity.

One thing I did notice, which for those of you who are a little braver, is the tribal inspired body art seen at some of the swimwear shows as well as in the regular collections. For a little ‘wow’ how about stunning your friends at the first pool party of the season with a beautifully applied Bindi or some henna tattooing?

Handsome gorgeous
Minimalist, clean and perfected makeup also revealed a more handsome beauty. Brows were well groomed (upwards) and apparent, skin perfected, well moisturised and fresh. Lips, cheeks and eyes were painted in neutral flesh tones, sometimes with little or no mascara (if you dare) to keep it modern.

Lips like fire
Remember that tomato lip colour we fell in love with last year, well, it’s back (did it ever go!) and the great thing is can be glossed up or matted down whatever your preference. Other variations on the red theme included a terracotta suede while wintery wine reminiscent of those 1990’s plum favourites and for those that like to play with their dark side – magenta, purple or port wine.  Keep the rest of the face as natural and polished as possible or combine with the stained colours of the desert or handsome beauty ideas mentioned.

The great thing about all these ideas, as well as being simple to follow and adhere to, the looks suit all skin types, ages, skin colour and lifestyles. Take this little list with you to your favourite makeup counters or stores to get all you need for the summer to come:

• Red lipstick (which ever shade of red suits you)
• Brow gel
• Cream or liquid highlighters or illuminisers in shell and pale sand/gold colours
• Cream blush in natural or pale cool pink/peach colours
• Tinted moisturiser
• Nude or cool pink tinted lip balm
• Eye shadows in ochre, soft gold, red earth, shell and sand (in cream, matte and frosted textures)
• An eye shadow blending brush

Nicola x

Nicole Burford is a makeup artist and the wonderful PRIMPED Pro starring in our How To: Master Mineral Makeup LIVESTREAM video.

Posted by: Nicola Burford

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Tags: beauty looks, catwalk, dion lee, inspiration, Lover, makeup, nicola burford, RAFW 2011, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, runway, spring, summer, zimmerman