The Spring 2011 Haute Couture runways in Paris proved that statement makeup doesn't have to mean over-the-top. This year's most anticipated designers showcased their collections with complementary makeup looks that were decidedly soft and pretty. With a noticeable hark back to an era of elegance and grace, designers took a more romantic approach to their aesthetic. Of course, makeup followed suit with utterly delicate washes of pink on eyes, cheeks, and lips. Here's the low-down on our favorite looks.
ValentinoFashion Vibe: The creative stewardship of Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri manifested in an ensemble of lightness and air.
Beauty Vibe: Matte mauve-y pink shadow applied to the upper and lower lids created a fanciful focal point to this eye-catching look. Several coats of black mascara beefed up wispy lashes, while bleached-out brows and barely-there lips gave way to beyond-flawless, subtly highlighted skin. The look can be achieved with Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in Buckle Bunny, L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipcolor in Born With It, and Lancôme Teint Miracle Instant Retouch Pen.
Elie SaabFashion Vibe: Departing from his out-and-out glamour of Hollywood red carpets, the designer ventured into demure femininity with yards of tulle and organza, accented with floral detailing.
Beauty Vibe: Glistening skin kept rosy cheeks and baby-doll pink pouts perfectly balanced — for a girly, not-too-sweet look. Inspired by the effortless beauty of style icon, Grace Kelly, M.A.C. head makeup guru, Gordon Espinet, prepped models' skin with a mixture of Care Blends Essential Oils(love the sweet orange and lavender scent!) and Strobe Liquid Lotion. After a light application of Mineralize Skinfinish Foundation Natural, he blended a variety of Cream Color Bases on cheeks for a super-sheer flush and smoothed M.A.C.'s Lipstick in Hot Tahiti on lips.
ChanelFashion Vibe: Effortlessly luminous in its gossamer creations of flowing fabrics and shimmering beads, Karl Lagerfeld's collection embodied the ultimate in ladylike charm.
Beauty Vibe: Peter Philips, Chanel's brilliant creative director of makeup, put a retro twist on traditional eyeliner by applying Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Pencil in Ébène onto lids in a graphic diagonal line (swooped up dramatically at the outer corners), mimicking the black satin ribbons Lagerfeld tied around the model's necks. A peachy-pink eyeshadow and highlight compact powder — Ombres Tissèes — strategically placed high on the cheekbones and blended towards the temples added a whimsical finishing touch.