The way you use your eyeshadow pallet says as much about you as your wardrobe. If you notice you are running low on three slightly different shades of bronze, you essentially have a fashion forward closet but choose to wear the same three dresses all week. Comfort assists with confidence, but too much of it will hinder the potential of your self-expression.
Drawing inspiration from the runway offers a fresh perspective on the potential hiding in your face and hair. Modern beauty looks amplify a well-curated ensemble and require a much smaller seasonal investment than a regular fashion revamp. Consulting industry greats from MEDIAMAKEUP, evo hair and Cloud Nine, FATR unveils the trends and tools our race-going ladies and gentlemen need to manifest catwalk clout.
MEDIAMAKEUP Program Developer and Trainer Kat Lean says the most popular beauty looks on the runway for women of the moment are natural skin, brushed up brows and natural, glossy lips. The second phase is achieved by adding glimmers of the sixties and eighties to the eyes.
The combination of freshness and depth is what makes this runway look racing-friendly, allowing your statement to shine both day and night. “Fresh, glowy skin is suitable for every client, and pops of colour tie it into their whole outfit,” Kat said. “Create this perfect glow by adding a cream highlighter to your base,” she said.
Locking down this look requires three key products. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Soft Light provides a luminous glow without any sparkles or sticky feeling thanks to a touch of mother of pearl, which blurs soft light and creates a silken aura. MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Gel fills in and strengthens eyebrow hairs with textured fibres rich in aloe vera, allowing you to style them as sculpted or as bushy as you like. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Lip Booster is the hydrating serum you need plump your pout, with a little nourishing and repairing power from loofah oil and hyaluronic acid.
“Apply the Ultra HD Soft Light to the high points of the face to emphasise features, e.g. top of cheekbones, above the peak of brow, cupids bow and bridge of nose using fingers or a brush,” Kat said. “Apply the Brow Gel and Ultra HD Lip Booster with the in-built applicators for pristine application.”
Now you are looking fresh and fine, select a colour from your outfit for your eyeshadow, or introduce a contrasting hue to add impact. You can easily add a balmy finish to powdered eyeshadow with an eye sheen.
Kevyn Aucoin Diamond Eye Gloss is available in three monochrome shades; the non-tacky gel formula can be applied on top of any shadow shade. You can also dab it on your highpoints for an extra illuminating kick. Finish the look with a subtle lick of mascara and you are ready to race.
For men looking to take on the latest trends at the track, Kat suggests hydrated, fresh skin and textured hair. “We recommend the Embryolisse Lait Creme for a perfectly hydrated complexion and evo's Cassius Styling Clay to achieve a raw textured, malleable hairstyle,” Kat said.
“Apply the Lait-Creme daily for a supple hydrated look,” she said. “Apply a small amount of the Cassius Styling Clay to the palm of the hand, massage into hair and style.”
evo Creative Director Lauren McCowan says there is currently a big focus on expressing individuality through men’s grooming. “‘Individuality’ is all about working with your hair’s natural texture and using products to enhance your hair’s natural curl or wave, rather than working against it,” Lauren said. “evo’s casual act moulding whip works to enhance natural texture and style, by providing a light hold and matte finish.”
To style at home, Lauren recommends a selection of styling products and tools. “For the men with longer hair, the Cloud Nine Airshot isn’t just for the females, it can create a range of styles while diminishing frizz and fly-a-ways to keep hair looking sleek and neat,” Lauren said. “For men with shorter hair, Evo’s salty dog salt spray is one of the easiest ways to create texture and body with a few simple sprays.”
When it comes to styling a beauty look on a race day, Lauren advises men to proceed fashion first. “I’d recommend letting your outfit do the talking, then compliment the outfit with a hairstyle to match,” Lauren said. “Keep it simple and don’t use too much product – otherwise it will weigh hair down or appear greasy,” she said.
“Key products men should invest in for a day at the races include a nourishing leave in product that protects against frizz and UV damage (evo’s happy campers wearable treatment) or, alternatively, if you prefer a more structured style, a dry spray wax will be your best friend (Evo’s shebang-a-bang dry spray wax).”
With over 20 FATR Qualifying Events left to enter this season, flaunt your newfound grooming skills for the chance to take home Best Dressed Womenswear or Best Dressed Menswear, and the opportunity to compete in the State Final. Discover more about entering Fashion At The Races here.
