The Boldest Beauty Looks of Fashion Week Australia S/S 2012-2013

The clothing itself might have stayed a little close to the safe side, or it might have just seemed that way because it was literally overshadowed by beauty looks that were simply beyond. Brows were stuck on with glue, makeup was either caked on like cupcake icing or not there at all, and runways saw more sets of fabulous nails than a drag show. Click through for five of fashion week’s most eye-catching makeup looks.

Statement Eyebrows

The bleached brow trend that threatened to instigate a global shortage of peroxide is finally on its last legs. At Johanna Johnson eyebrows were gold-tinted and glittery, while at Maticevski dramatic beehive hairstyles were complemented by strong black brows that extended almost into the hairline before finishing with a neat flick. And if you did bleach your eyebrows until they actually started falling out (or if just have naturally thin ones) then look to Romance Was Born, who ignored all the rules in the beauty bible by combining vivid eyes and glossy red lips with stick-on black brows.

Image: Bella Sugar

Luminous Skin

The most hardworking faces in the business were given a break at least four times during fashion week, as makeup artists put away the powder in favour of naturally radiant skin. Watson x Watson and Bec & Bridge’s dewy-cheeked models were carefree and sophisticated, while greasy hair added a harder athletic edge. At Michael Lo Sordo and An Ode to No One luminous skin was employed to futuristic effect on an army of beautiful androids. Lay down your guard and give this look a go.

Image: Bella Sugar

Mime Lips

Lips spoke louder than words at Gail Sorronda, Camilla, and Alice McCall, who all painted up their models to look like mimes. Gail Sorronda’s gang of creepily beautiful dolls sported mouths reminiscent of Glasgow smiles, dense in the middle and flicking outward at the sides. More innocent was the beauty look at Alice McCall. The designer looked to Russian babushka dolls, topping off heart-shaped pouts with traditional braids and jeweled eyes, and Camilla’s travelling gypsies bore wine-stained Cupid’s bows with faded lower lips.

Image: Bella Sugar

Neon

Neon was more prevalent than Lara Bingle at MBFWA 2012, manifesting itself on everything from glowing bracelets to faces. Magdalena Velevska made it sophisticated with a striking yellow lip that would probably make consuming any food or liquid a matter of serious concern, while Romance Was Born painted their modern superheroes with graphic blue eyeshadow. Jenny Kee went well outside the lines with a bright pink hue, smearing a kaleidoscope of colour not just out to the hairline but all the way up over the forehead.

Image: Bella Sugar

Half-Moon Nails

Ellery, Gary Bigeni, and Romance Was Born got their nail did by Nail Rock, but Johanna Johnston, Maticevski and Carl Kapp all showed off some equally cool half-moon extremities. Johanna Johnston’s nails were a mix of barbeque and cotton candy OPI, while Carl Kapp gave classic French tips a Rooney Mara makeover. At Maticevski nails were nude and dramatically long, anchored with OPI’s dark Roadhouse Blues.

Image: Bella Sugar