Another probable theory? Popular culture. “It seems like there’s such a movement going on in the real world with mad nails (translation: stars and their stiletto tips), and designers are starting to take a step back and keep it simple,” says Marian Newman, an often-called-upon catwalk manicurist in London and Paris. “Obviously you have to remember with a fashion show, it’s all about the show—they don’t necessarily want the hair, makeup, and nails detracting from the collection.”

But don’t fret—apparently what happens on the catwalk isn’t indicative at all of what we’ll see on the sidewalk. “As a makeup artist, yes, it’s really boring, but I don’t think what’s happening on the runway in makeup is relevant to what really happens in the street, at this moment,” says Garland. “Out there in the real world, we still see lots of girls wearing lots of makeup. Obviously a trend will take off, but time to put some makeup on I reckon!”

Graphics: Alaina Hernandez