BLENDED Beauté

I’ve been reading about the many spring beauty looks that were featured at New York Fashion Week, and here are a few trends and standout looks that I’m particularly loving for the season. Note: All captions from Harper’s Bazaar Staff.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Estée Lauder

The Row: Luminous Skin

Beautiful skin defined the look that Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux gave the models at The Row. As he says, it’s the way “any woman would want to look like when she wakes up in the morning.” In reality? Makeup and coffee are need to achieve this fresh-faced effect. Pecheux relied on some star products—Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator to even out the complexion and a new, limited-edition Gelée Bronzer to contour the cheekbones. Last but not least, nail pro Deborah Lippmann painted on Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Nude Attitude, a creamy white that we anticipate we’ll be seeing more of this season.

PHOTO CREDIT: Imaxtree

Tracy Reese: Lush Blush

Spring wouldn’t be spring without a peach-y cheek. The look at Tracy Reese was (thankfully) free of any shimmer and instead emphasized a natural, healthy glow. Lead makeup artist Mally Roncal dug into her kit to find her Mally Beauty 24/7 Blush, which she placed high on the cheekbones to create a soft flush with just a hint of dew.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of NARS

Naeem Kahn: Strong Brows With Subtle Lips

The way to wear a bold brow—which is definitely the direction to go in this spring—is with a soft, neutral lip, says James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry. Here, he went with a nude-toned pencil and lipstick finished with a sparkling champagne beige gloss (NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Gold Digger to be exact).

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of NARS

Rodarte: Starry Eyes

This striking, smokey blue eye owes its beauty to Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” which is what lead artist James Kaliardos for NARS Cosmetics had in mind backstage. For a likeness of the original, layer on gradations of rich blue, staring with Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (new for Spring 2012; for now, try Rue Saint Honore Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner) on the upper and lower lash lines, followed by a wash of Night Flight Single Eyeshadow rounded above the creases and topped with Tropic Single Eyeshadow for subtle sparkle.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of M.A.C.

Zac Posen: Defined Lashes

Makeup artist Kabuki had a specific image in mind at Zac Posen. “A late 1960s black and white fashion photo from Harper’s Bazaar by James Moore, featuring extremely long lashes,” she says. The face painter paid homage to the look by applying M.A.C. Blacktrack Fluidline liner through the roots of curled lashes and stacking M.A.C. Lashes in #2 and #7 on the upper lids. A few coats of M.A.C. Optimum Black Opulash Mascara provided a captivating finish.

PHOTO CREDIT:: Imaxtree

Erin Fetherston: Sixties Side Pony

Mod makeup and hair set the clock back to the ‘60s at Erin Fetherston. Models turned up with side ponytails teased at the crown—just enough to make the cheekbones pop—while charcoal-smudged eyes contrasted perfectly with the peachy-pink lip, proving that this Factory Girl has some edge.

PHOTO CREDIT: Imaxtree

Oscar de la Renta: Elegant Frizz

Fancy frizz hair took a glamorous spin down the runway at Oscar de la Renta, where lead hairstylist Orlando Pita worked his magic to create the perfect crinkled texture. He started by wrapping small sections of strands into tight pin curls and letting everything dry. Then he brushed out hair to achieve the desired level of elegant pouf.

Any trends you’re thinking about trying? My fave is definitely Lush Blush from Tracey Reese. I love that it’s shimmer-free and the perfect healthy glow.