Once upon a time (aka earlier this year), beauty editors huddled backstage at Fashion Week, recorder in hand, and asked the world's most famous makeup artists like Pat McGrath questions like,
"What was your inspiration for this beauty look?"
Times are different. We're no longer entering the New York Public Library's back door to check out the M.A.C beauty look at Oscar de la Renta (Tess McMillan looked so good). Instead, Fashion Week Spring 2021 is completely digital due to COVID-19, and this beauty editor is checking out next season's makeup trends from... well, her couch. In her tie dye pajamas.
For now, here are the greatest beauty looks the ELLE editors loved for Spring 2021. Here's to hoping that when it's time for Fall 2021 Fashion Week we'll be back to running between shows in heels.
Jason Wu
A playful sprinkle of faux freckles across the cheeks at Jason Wu had us craving the vacation that never was. "The models had to wear masks following application, and we knew that the makeup would not move,” said makeup artist Erin Parsons, who created the look using all Maybelline New York products. Parsons fake freckles tip? Use a stiff flat-bristled brush dipped in product (she used Super Stay liquid lip) and fleck it across the face.
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Rodarte
"The Mulleavy sisters wanted the skin to look soft and fresh with dewy highlights that would capture the natural beauty of the California landscape," said NARS Global Artistry Director Uzo via email. Wispy lashes (a nod to the '60s) were created with the brand's new Climax Extreme Mascara, and the striking bold oxblood lip reminded us of last year's vampy look—but felt completely fresh in this new spring lens.
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Chromat
All of the models at Chromat's Spring/Summer presentation realistically sported masks—which meant the makeup look was all about the eyes. "The ombre shades and liners were inspired by color spectrums and the beauty and possibility of abolishing the two-system gender binary and really embracing spectrums," said M.A.C senior national artist Fatima Thomas via press release. The negative space of this ombre look, which highlights the inner and outer corners of the eyes with shades of green and blue, is especially doable at home.
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Anna Sui
Florals? For spring? Kind of ground breaking when they are painted on your face. Pat McGrath's first show of the season was Anna Sui, where she adorned the faces of models Soo Joo Park (pictured above) with hand-painted daises. "We celebrated craft and creativity by contrasting the whimsical with the minimal," McGrath said. "Eyes are embellished with ethereal, eccentric flowers—divine daisies and delicate pink blooms—with some petals sheered out to create a watercolor effect. Skin is sublimely perfected, the ultimate in 'no makeup' makeup."
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Christian Cowan
May I present to you Lil Nas X, two ways. Above, a new wave punk kid. Below, gilded in M.A.C. glitter in Pink (I must know, how many tubes did it take?). We love him both ways. “Perfect skin," John Stapleton, senior national artist for M.A.C Cosmetics says of the makeup look. "Colored blushes. Glossy bitten lips, and early punk glitter rock eyes set against cut creases and giant eyeliners.”
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Sandy Liang
Clothing was the focus of New York-line Sandy Liang's presentation. Makeup artist Sena Murakashi purposefully created an imperceptible beauty look, and we loved the fresh faces. Totally relatable.