Fashion week close-up (From Dudley News)

Fashion week close-up

7:00am Saturday 13th March 2010

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Take a front row seat for the hottest beauty looks at London Fashion Week.

There's no resting on your laurels in planet beauty... Just as we're getting to grips with spring's fresh new launches, the industry is premiering products of the future at Fashion Week.

It's not only clothes making their debut on the runways. As well as creating potential copycat trends in hair and make-up, fashion shows become a launchpad for trying out the new beauty products that we'll eventually be snapping up in seasons to come.

"Artists use this unique opportunity to test-drive product prototypes, sometimes years before they reach consumers," explains Gordon Espinet, MAC's vice president of global make-up artistry.

"We put these formulas through the paces at shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris then feedback on texture, colour and ease of application."

Forget the blink-and-you'll-miss-it catwalks, backstage is where the beauty action really unfolds with hours of preparation and last-minute styling before the first model parades past the front rows.

We go behind the scenes at London Fashion Week to take a fast-forward peek into beauty's upcoming looks.

Make-up looks :: Issa London Model look: A high-maintenance woman with super-slick, sophisticated make-up punctuated by velvety matte dark red lips.

Inspiration: The jet-set New York/London woman. The head scarves in the collection put Max Factor creative design director Pat McGrath in mind of Jackie Onassis, an "icon of modern sophistication".

Key products: Max Factor Second Skin Foundation, Max Factor Colour Collection Lipstick in Chilli (available nationwide).

:: Paul Costelloe Model look: A focus on elongated dark smoky eyes, combined with a flawless base and 'romance kissed' nude lips.

Inspiration: "A feminine look with a futuristic edge for a woman passionate about beauty but prepared to break the rules," says make-up artist Attracta Courtney using Guerlain. "The result is both strong and fragile at the same time."

Key products: Guerlain Ombre Eclat Duo & Liner in L'Heure de Nuit, Guerlain Rouge G lipstick compact in Gardenia (01932 233 887).

:: Vivienne Westwood Red Label Model look: A dramatic dark look achieved by playing with the shadows and contours of the face. Half of the 28 model line-up - which included Pixie Geldof - had shading on both sides of their face, seven of them featured shading solely on the left, and seven just on the right, for a Westwood catwalk twist.

Inspiration: "Vivienne's brief was for slightly boyish make-up that embraced the idea of shadows from light," says MAC's Gordon Espinet.

Key products: MAC Powder Blush in Taupe, MAC Eye Shadow in Copperplate (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

:: Amanda Wakeley Model look: Soft-focus look skin with a luminous dewy appearance and strong, curled eyelashes.

Inspiration: "She's French, effortless, but not low maintenance," says make-up artist Sharon Dowsett for Barbara Daly, who wanted to create a "beautiful glowing luxe nude look" to reference the super-chic Amanda Wakeley woman.

Key products: Barbara Daly Face Lift Foundation and Concealer, Barbara Daly High Impact Mascara in black (larger Tesco stores nationwide).

Hair looks :: Christopher Kane Model look: A messy chignon-come-French pleat with a subtle 'teddy boy' shape from the side.

Inspiration: "The reference for the look was Priscilla Presley, before Elvis - the embodiment of naivety and innocence," says Paul Hanlon for the TIGI Creative Team. "We wanted a really natural, boyish look with exaggerated cows lick lifts that had movement."

Key products: TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost, TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Firm Hold Hair Spray (www.tigihaircare.com).

:: Erdem Model look: Hair swept into a ponytail crown, weaved into a fishtail braid, and wrapped into a chic but dishevelled bun.

Inspiration: "It's something that was perfect but is now destroyed," explains Marc Trinder, master stylist at Charles Worthington. "After styling we pulled out bits of hair from the back to make it gutsier and dishevelled."

Key products: Charles Worthington Front Row Blow Dry Spray, Charles Worthington Front Row Hairspray (available nationwide).

:: PPQ Model look: Tousled hair for a rock chick 'slept-in look'. The exaggerated volume was achieved by 'under-crimping' at the roots and neck followed by large and medium sized curling tongs to create an erratic texture.

Inspiration: It's a "yesterday's today do," says Ben Cooke, ambassador for Herbal Essences. "It has a slightly gothic feel and the big textured hair adds an Eighties vibe."

Key products: Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends collection (available nationwide).

:: Jaeger Model look: A casual groomed look with beautiful blow dries, either worked loose or tucked into scarves and jackets. Sleek hair was left flowing at the front.

Inspiration: "There's an element of early Nineties simplicity in this look - just the right amount of shine and volume," says Sam McKnight Pantene Pro-V global style ambassador who wanted to create a "busy city girl" style.

Key products: Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Classic Care Mousse (available nationwide).

:: Tried & tested Brushes don't have to be boring. Liven up your hair maintenance with one of these eye-catching detanglers.

:: Tangle Teezer in Purple Glitter, £9.99 (www.tangleteezer.com) The no-knots wonder. This handheld glittery number is ideal for long hair that tangles easily - especially when you're in a hurry to wash and go in the morning.

4/5 :: Denman Gold Diamante Hairbrush, from £11.95 for handbag size (0800 262509/www.denmanbrush.com) I loved the classic shape of this brush. It detangled without pulling at my locks and the disco metallic and sparkles really got me into night-time glam mode!

5/5 :: Mason Pearson Personalised Hairbrush, £49.50 (www.notonthehighstreet.com) If people 'borrowing' (and not returning) your brush is a problem this name brandishing tool is the answer. The actual hairbrush is amazing for promoting shine and if you're prepared to shell out for the handpainted personalisation it's a lovely present idea too.

4/5 :: Buy it now Catwalk label Dsquared2 have teamed up with MAC to produce a limited edition gift set containing She Wood 50ml EDP and MAC Dsquared2 Lipglass in 'Double The Fun!' pink shade. Available for £50 nationwide now (01273 408800).

:: Recessionista alert Dabble with mineral make-up using Natio's new Mineral Make-Up Essentials Kit, priced £39, saving £30 on buying the products individually. Available from Debenhams nationwide while stocks last (08445 616161/www.debenhams.com).

Beauty bulletin :: Long live the quiff Elvis would be 'All Shook Up' to hear he's topped the poll for the most iconic mens' haircut of all time. More than 50% of men agreed 'the King' of rock 'n' roll's famous quiff was a cut above the rest pipping David Beckham's curtains (17%) and Pat Sharp's 80s-style mullet (15%) in the poll by head&shoulders.

:: Holding back the years Bid happy 20th birthday to Elemis. Forget the cake and candles and celebrate with the skincare brand's anti-ageing 20th Anniversary Pro-Collagen Collection. The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Eye Renewal and Quartz Lift Serum included in the futuristic silver vanity case will set you back £57, saving 50%. Available exclusively from March 1-28. For stockists call 01278 727830.

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