What We Learned When We Crashed a Runway Makeup Test

Usually we see a runway makeup look incorporated within the context of the entire fashion show--the venue, the hair, and obviously the clothes all make an overall impression. We went behind-the-scenes at a runway makeup test the day before a show to see how the beauty look comes together. Along the way we picked up some valuable tips and tricks.
Author:
Updated:
Original:

Usually we see a runway makeup look incorporated within the context of the entire fashion show--the venue, the hair, and obviously the clothes all make an overall impression. But how do these elements come together? Well, if it's anything like Alexandre Herchcovitch's fall 2013 show, it starts on a dark and cold night in the (poorly lit) basement of a hip hotel in downtown Manhattan.

Yep, we got to sit in on the pre-show pow wow between designer and makeup artist as they consulted on the look for the show, then we watched it come to life--we were kinda in makeup geek heaven.

Click through to see the steps, secret weapons, and tips that we picked up from MAC senior makeup artist Gordon Espinet as he turned a fresh faced model into an edgy Herchcovitch girl.

Photos: Ashley Jahncke

Related Stories

Beauty

Backstage Beauty Brief: Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung and More

Yesterday was pretty exciting, fashion-wise: Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung, and Altuzarra all showed collections, and we were lucky enough to be backstage with the beauty teams, too. Click through to check out the cognac ponytails at Wang, a super dramatic eye at Monique Lhuillier, the coolest teenagers ever at Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony and tons more.

Beauty

Finally! Here's the Gareth Pugh for MAC Makeup Collection

Back in June, news leaked that Gareth Pugh was doing a makeup line with his long-time runway collaborator, MAC. We got to meet and chat with the designer at an event back in July, where we ogled his nail polish and learned that the packaging was like a weapon. Well, now we finally get to see it in real life. "With a collection that goes from strong, deep and mysterious to light, fragile, and ethereal, I think we’ve created a truly versatile collection that hopefully you’ll be inspired by and want to wear." Gareth Pugh said in a release. And based on the individual pieces and the beauty look at left, we definitely want to wear it.

Beauty

Beauty Experts Predict the Biggest Runway Trends for Fall 2013

Fashion month kicks off this week, and while you can sometimes predict what fashion trends will come down the runways based on trends from the pre-fall shows, it's not as easy to guess what kind of beauty looks designers will favor. Luckily we have tons of experts willing to make educated guesses. Click through for makeup, hair, and nail predictions. Will nail art still be big? Will hair be slick and crunchy? Find out!

Beauty

Our New York Fashion Week Runway Beauty Awards

Since everyone loves an awards show, I decided to bestow all the most notable looks with completely made up awards. From "Best Neck Makeup" to "Best Giant Cornrow," no detail was left unrewarded. Click through to see the most original and innovative beauty from the spring 2014 shows.