If you paid attention to the runway shows for spring 2010, beauty appears to be all over the map this season. We saw everything from the muted looks of peach or lilac lips and loose, tousled locks, to '80s inspired eyeliner and nails that shine with metallic and candy colored hues.
But the overriding theme this season leans more toward a classic, natural aesthetic with touches of color here and there on eyes, lips or fingertips. "The driving forces behind this spring's trends are definitely femininity and elegance," says Tricia E. Campbell, director of education for Jane Iredale. "We see a transition from deeper, richer hues to fresher and brighter shades."
Other mavens of style couldn't agree more. "A major influence for spring 2010 makeup is modern minimalism using less to create more impact," says Rudy Miles, global makeup artist for Aveda. "For this reason, makeup is visible but not overdone. Using eyes or lips as the focal point is elegant and powerful."
With effortless beauty as the name of the game, ethereal catwalk looks inspired the accompanying hair the longer shag, perfectly messy chignon and soft waves. "Most spring hair designs are more fluid, versatile and free flowing," says Catherine Acena, global artistic director for Paul Brown Salons and Paul Brown Hawaii. "Whether you're working with short or long hair, you can achieve the same style by keeping layers less structured, looser and more textured."
Sure, pops of bright color for the eyes scream '80s, and long, sexy waves signal the '70s. But according to our spa and salon experts, one decade came up more than ever when talking about this season's driving theme: the '40s. "Classic looks from this era were the inspiration now they've been given a modern twist," says Elizabeth Linares, product development coordinator at Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.
That's definitely true in the nail arena as well, according to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. Transcending space and time, lacquers reminiscent of the '80s stand out this season with new texture, more refined shimmer and richer depth. "While the traditional French-style manicure isn't new, more colorful French or moon manicures using nontraditional shade combinations will look fresh," says the executive vice president and artistic director of OPI Products.
With the same narrative threads characterizing all of the spring trends, it seems as though you can't go wrong. Just make sure to keep everything in balance and let your client's true colors shine through.
