Runway Makeup Trends, Fall 2008

Posted by Molly Hutchins

Posted: August 24, 2008 - 3:31 pm

It seems like just yesterday I was excited for the turn of Spring in it's light, shimmering dewy looks. Here I am already, recapping the runway shows of Paris and Milan boasting the looks that will be interpreted into the trends of Fall 2008. Although it feels like we've been cheated out of some of the sun and fun that we Alaskans look forward to each summer, I am still embracing the turn of the seasons as nothing is quite as comforting as the richness and luxury of the fashion of Fall and Winter. My boots and sweaters have even gotten a sneak peek this year, usually not unpacked until after Labor Day, the bite in weather has called for long sleeves and knits more than once.

The Spring and Summer trends in makeup have been reborn into a richer, more luxurious version of themselves. We see a lot of similar looks with a bold reinvention and a deeper vein in Fall glamor over Spring's delicacy.

Spring's ideal of "Less is More" has been translated into "Nearly Nude." Rather than featuring a highlighted dewy look, fall's runways boasted a perfected matte finish with one strong focus feature. The skin is clean and flawless but not shiny, with contour that is present but not obvious. Bronzer must be away on holiday, as porcelain complexions dominated. This theme ran true through the designers of classic Americana, such as Isaac Mizrahi, Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren. Pair your normal foundation with a silky loose powder, or opt for a foundation that dries to a matte finish on it's own. I prefer Makeup Forever's Matte Velvet foundation which dries to a finish true to it's name, and is never chalky or dry.

One common focus feature paired with the Nearly Nude look was a strong, chocolate brow. Brows were bold and groomed well giving a contrast to last seasons messy, natural appearance. A theme throughout was a warm brown color that was consistent regardless of the model's hair color. We saw structured, warm brown on blondes and brunettes alike. Jill Sander, DSquared2, Alexander McQueen and Prada were among some of the designers to favor this look. Stila Brow Set powder in Warm, or MAC eyeshadow in Espresso paired with their #266 angle brush will achieve this look nicely. To tame it slightly, go for a brow color that is a two shades darker than your own hair color. Ladies with dark brown or black hair- give a warmer color a try for a touch of contrast.

Burgundy and wine dominated, giving a look of romantic luxury to the lips this fall. Stains were favored over full pigments, but in any case were never glossy. Reach for matte colors and blot well to mimic this look, or apply dark colors lightly with your finger and blend to give the stained appearance. This look ran the runway for Rodarte, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Derek Lam. Try Sephora brand lip color in Talented Berry, or Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Rich Plum.

Of course, what would fashion week makeup be without a variation of the smokey eye? This season it was interpreted in shades of matte, gunmetal gray and deep black. Jewel tones were present, but not as prevalent. This was predictably paired with a pale, peach or natural lip, but again- gloss was generally not in the forefront. These eyes were a highlight in designers who celebrated the beauty of the professional woman, giving completion to the look of Gucci, Balenciaga, Karl Lagerfeld and my own personal favorite, Diane Von Furstenberg. To get this look, try the NARS eyeshadow duo in 'Paris,' a silver and matte gray.

Over all the theme appeared to be one of clean richness, so don't be afraid to step into some drama this fall. Key items are flawless matte skin, a deep wine lip color, and structured, well groomed brows. Put your own personal interpretations into play, and enjoy the comfort and luxury of fall fashion as we bring 2008 to a close.

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