The Best of Backstage Beauty: Makeup

Makeup for fall 2014 was very practical; most looks can be easily applied by us non-makeup artists with zero difficulty, which is absolutely thrilling! Key trends to call out include deep, burgundy lips, an overall matte complexion, and neutral tones on the eyelids. See below for some of my favorite looks derived from backstage interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes access!

At Marissa Webb, Alice Lane for Maybelline created gorgeous yet tomboy-like makeup, using all of the shades in the Expert Wear Shadow Natural Smokes Quad, and heavy on the mascara for that ultra-feminine touch by using the new Colossal Pumped Up Mascara in Very Black (will be available in May), and the micro-brush from the Falsies Big Eyes Dual-Ended Mascara on the lower lashes.  My favorite part of the look was the brand new Face Studio Master Glaze Blush Stick in Coral Sheen, applied to the forward and cheeks for a great, natural glow. You’re going to LOVE this stick – it glides right on, and ies super duper fun to play with!

Over at Naeem Khan,  James Boehmer for NARS wanted to provide a certain decadence to the look, without going too literal on the burlesque and cabaret-themed collection. Opting for a dewy skin texture, James stared with the NARSskin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer, followed by the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, then some Radiant Creamy Concealer where needed, topped off with Loose Powder.  The eyes possessed a subtle shimmer with the gold lamè side of Kauai Duo Eyeshadow, with Larger Than Life® Lengthening Mascara applied to both top and bottom lashes.The hero of the look was the lip, that involved three lipstick and 2 liners being mixed together, added by a highlight on the bow of the lip for a extra emphasis on the runway.

With an inspiration of “a girl from Northwest America who comes to New York to shop,” Diane Kendal for NARS used a very minimal amount of makeup at Thakoon, with fresh skin, a pink lip, and a bit of lash, placing the focus of the makeup just under the eyes for a youthful and easy effect.  Sheer Glow Foundation was used, along with highlights from a Anguilla Matte Multiple and Cappadoce Matte Multiple (both new for spring 2014), using an Eyelash Curler, then applying Larger Than Life® Lengthening Mascara,Bali Eyeshadow on the brows, and the Mambo eye pencil to darken underneath. The lips got an application of the Laos Matte Multiple (out for spring 2014), a lovely new matte iteration of a pinkish coral hue (see the Barbarella Lipstick for a similar shade).

At Kate Spade, MAC Cosmetics’ Lyne Desnoyers took inspiration from a globe-trotting gal, with day-to-night appeal. A nude, neutral palette was called for, starting off with the Prep n Prime Natural Radiance in Pink, some Studio Finish Concealer when needed, and Taupe and Dandelion blush, being essential for a naturally flushed, healthy look. Lips included the Nude Lipmix, Half n Half Lipstick, and Myself Lipstick.

How gorgeous is this cat eye? Makeup artist Adrien Pinault used Cynthia Rowley Beauty products (exclusively available on Birchbox.com), in addition to Birchbox brand partners Jouer and Vasanti items for a memorable makeup look that complimented the must-have clothes.  Adrien used varioushues of blue for a racing stripe effect in order to compliment the sportiness found in the clothing,  using Cynthia Rowley Eye Shadow Palette – No.1 Limited Edition, Cynthia Rowley Beauty Pencil Eye Liner in Sky Blue, and Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Navy.  When using a liner and/or creating a cat eye, steady your hand by placing your elbow on a sturdy surface like a  table op or roll of paper towels, and putting on  the mascara first can help to define the lid line that you’ll need to follow.

Craving more fall 2014 beauty news? Check out the fall 2014 trends for nails and hair as well! Forgot what’s hot for spring 2014? No problemo – refresh your memory with our hair, nails, and makeup features for spring 2014.