The couture shows in Paris have been quite spectacular. Giambattista Valli showed his very first couture collection, and it was everything we expected – beautiful. Dior on the other hand, had it’s fair share of naysayers. One thing is for sure, while the clothes may have left alot to be desired, Pat McGrath did not disappoint with her makeup direction. I loved the eye makeup at Armani Prive, the lace face at Chanel, and the flawless complexion at Valentino. All in all I have to say a nice round up of shows for couture week.

This runway look seen at Armani Prive, Christian Dior, and Oscar De La Renta translates easily to a real way make up look. For eyes first apply an eyeshadow base, and then sweep metallic shadow over the lids using a soft brush. I like using glitter for a more dramatic look, and of course a black eye kohl to intensify is always good. Swap a nude lip for a sheer gold gloss that lets the natural lip colour show through.

1. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Gold Glitter 2. T.LeClerc Lip Gloss in Caramel 3. Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios 4. Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Superstar 5. Cle de Peau Lipstick N28 6. Urban Decay Loose Pigment in Baked 7. Make Up Forever Glitter in Copper 8. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze

Emmy’s last night were quite entertaining thanks to the hosting skills of Jimmy Fallon. The looks from the red carpet were pretty standard with the exception of a couple of unusual choices. January Jones got mixed reviews on her blue Atelier Versace and seemingly undone hair. I actually liked her hair and makeup for that reason. Her eyeliner was good, her skin looked glowy and the pink lips were pretty. The dress was perhaps not the best choice, but at least she didn’t look like anyone else. I liked Lea Michele’s pale grey shadow, and statement necklace. Jewel has never been on my radar but she looked beautiful last night in red lips and chignon. The song she sang was equally beautiful. Kim looked quite ethereal in white Marchesa. Her hair and makeup was really pretty and quite soft which suited the dress perfectly. Claire Danes I thought, was one of the best dressed overall of the night. Her dress was gorgeous Armani Prive. The colour and texture looked amazing against her tan skin, and blonde hair, and metallic eyeshadow pulled the whole together.

Images from justjared.com

The most recent couture shows happened in Paris in July. Although the ready to wear shows are always at the forefront of our minds, couture this season had some very noteworthy looks. The mask look showed up at both Elie Saab and Givenchy. But the blending on the eyes at Givenchy is the real show stopper. Chanel was all about the strong liner, and when compared to their ready to wear show, this look was quite understated. Dior looked fresh and girly with brights on the eyes and lips. Armani Prive gave us a flash back to the 80′s with the strong brow, and Gaultier’s thin brows and dark skinny lips were a modern day version of the 20′s.

Images from style.com

On Sunday night at the American Music Awards, both Alicia Keys and Fergie had some major red carpet style. They shared a designer in common, both wearing Armani Prive gowns but their makeup looks were completely different. Alicia, who often wears colourful make up matched her eyeshadow to her dress. This is not usually my favourite way to do make up. I think it worked this time because the blue didn’t over take her entire eye, and the black eyeliner and lashes kept it looking modern. Fergie’s voluminous hair made a bigger statement than her make up. She’s really low key with her make up these days often wearing neutral eyeshadow, and pale peach lips. I actually really liked the contrast between her understated make up, and the hard rock dress, anything else would have been just too much.

Images from justjared.com