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.
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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

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