The couture shows in Paris this week were stunning. Most of the drama was in the design, while the makeup was for the most part pretty understated. For me it was all about Versace. Fierce ponytails, bronze smoky eyes, and pale pouts. Head to toe glamour like only Donatella can do.

Images from fashionising.com & style.com

Talk about saving the best for last. The Paris shows were spectacular. The clothes of course are always the main event but the hair makeup just really pulled it all together. Stand outs would have to be the underwater themes at both Chanel and McQueen. The makeup looked beautiful. Louis Vuitton’s adorable carousel runway, and equally lovely fluttery lashes. What a way to end the season.

Images from vogue.com & style.com

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.

The new Dior Addict lipsticks launched this week. After seeing the movie/commercial in the weeks leading up to the launch featuring Kate Moss, I knew I had to try them. The texture is ultra light and sheer with lots of sheen. It feels weightless on the lips because it has 25% less wax than a ordinary lipstick, and contains a reflecting gel. There are tons of colours–44. I have Nude 333 and New Look 745. The nude one is really light but perfect for just throwing on in the day, or to wear with dark or bright eyes. New Look is an orangey red its a good bright for Spring. If you’re looking for a lipstick that’s shiny, and not sticky like a gloss but feels like a lip balm, and you feel like spending $31, then this is the product for you!

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

The make up for Fall is anything but simple this season. We’re gearing up for glamorous looks that aren’t over done. Fall’s old faithful standbys like the smoky eye and the red lip have a fresh feel to them-it’s a modern type of glamour for Fall 2010.

1. Graphic Eyes

If you don’t own black eye kohl or liquid liner now is the time to get it. This trend is harder edged than we saw last season. The shapes are defined and deliberate, but at the same time can be toned down for real life without losing the feel.

2. All Shades of Red

Of course there are red lips this season! What we noticed is that there are a variety of shades from brights to deep darks. A lipliner and lip brush are a must to replicate these perfect pouts.

3. Luxurious Skin

As far as I’m concerned it’s always all about the skin. To create the perfect canvas prep is the key. Don’t skimp on skincare. The end result should be like cashmere, soft, smooth. Not overly matte or dewy the perfect in-between.

4. Wrap Around Shadow

You have to wrap your shadow around your eyes. Apply all over the eyelid and continue underneath. You don’t have to use a dark colour to recreate this more up to date way of shading the eyes.

Stay tuned for more in depth “how to’s” on how to take these runway looks to real way…

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

It’s all about the skin, and not just your face. To recreate Charlize’s all over golden, glowing look we suggest:

1. Start by using a body scrub or exfoliator

2. Apply a rich moisturizer or try Neutrogena Body Oil and let dry

3. With a soft powder brush, dust MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Gold Deposit down the arms, across the chest and collar bone, and down the shin bone. For more intense shine, you can mist the brush with water and then dip into the Skin Finish.

For a fabulous bronzed face, all you really need is a bronzing powder preferably with some luminosity. The Dior Face and Lip Palette above contains a bronzer and shimmer powder as well as a gold lip gloss to complete your sun-kissed look.

Image from dior.com