The recent New Zealand Fashion Festival was a perfect opportunity for MAC to showcase the latest Spring/Summer make-up trends, fresh from the runways of Paris and Milan. Senior make-up artist Amber D led the seminar, an intimate show complete with generous goody bags, gorgeous models and Chambord cocktails. The trends were presented alongside beautiful slides of the backstage beauty shots from high profile designer shows, many of which Amber has recently worked on.

Each trend was broken down, and elements of each were explained and related back to every day "real" make-up. These techniques were then demonstrated on stage by MAC artists. Gorgeous MAC notepaper and pencils were provided for guests to write down tips and key products. The four trends shown are extremely wearable, and easily incorporated into an existing make-up regime.

Terra Copper
Peach, bronze and honey tones take centre stage here, progressing through to deeper red-bronze shades used on the lids for a bolder statement. Balmain and Chloe recently sent models down the runway with variations of this look. These warm golden tones will perk up a tired complexion quickly, and flatter nearly every skin tone. Try a bronze eye with a delicious nude lip, and a flawless complexion (see Rawfined below). Keep an eye out for MAC's next Viva Glam lipstick, Gaga #2, the perfect nude.

Key products: MAC Bronzer, MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl, MAC Mineralise Powder to contour.

Rawfined Skin
Seen on the runway at Max Mara and DSquared, Rawfined skin is all about a glowing, highlighted, flawless complexion. This is achieved using intelligent skincare and make-up which is good for the skin, with minimal coverage. Alexander Wang's latest show sent models down the runway with only moisturiser on! For the rest of us mortals, a little coverage may be more realistic. Priming and preparing the skin are vital steps which MAC encourage every woman to incorporate into her regime.

Key products: MAC Fix Plus Spray, MAC Strobe Cream, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, MAC Face and Body Foundation. MAC Prep and Prime powder is also a great product to take down shine without adding coverage (perfect for this gorgeous natural look). A slight contour with MAC Mineralise powder adds structure to the face and makes cheekbones pop.

 

Pop Classics
Taking a cue from fashions recent obsession with colour blocking, Pop Classics focuses on splashes of bold colour. A simple way to wear this trend is to apply a bright lipstick with glowing skin and a few coats of mascara. Try a loud orange/red lipstick shade like MAC Lady Danger, or a fuchsia pink. Alternatively, try a bright eye colour with a nude lip; MAC lipstick in Shy Girl is a great option. Using a coloured eyeliner softly around the eye is a quick, easy way to achieve this look, or try a wash of colour over the lid using a soft blending brush. Amber D created a gorgeous look on stage with a bright orange on the eyelid, a bright navy liner along the lower lash-line, and a bold hot pink/orange shade on the lips (from the new MAC Pro Longwear Lip range).

Key products: MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger, MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme, MAC eyeshadow and eyeliners in crazy bright shades. Pair with the Rawfined trend for an up to date look.

Ice Dreams
Ice Dreams sees the return of pastels. Now, before you have 80's flashbacks, visualise beautiful washes of mint, lavender, silver and even white. This trend also ties into the colour blocking trend described above. Try a single shade buffed gently over the eye with a MAC# 217 Blending Brush, then place a hint of another colour in the inner corners of the eyes. The MAC artists used a lavender wash with a mint green pop. Finish with two coats of brown mascara for a softer look, and a baby pink lip. MAC Silver Dust powder is a great highlighting product for this look; dust a little on the tops of the cheeks, and on the cupids bow to enhance the lips.

Key products: Soft pastel eye shadows, MAC Zoom Lash in Brown, MAC Eyelash Curler, MAC Lipstick in Snob, MAC Silver Dust Powder.

Article by Stephanie Coulter