fashion week beauty

Last week at POPSUGAR Beauty, we watched hundreds of models get primped and primed for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia runways. We spoke to countless hair and makeup artists and watched everything from intricate braiding to lip gloss being applied to eyelids! But a week on, it's time to dissect the beauty trends. Skin was a major player in the backstage beauty stakes, with many designers opting for a more natural makeup look, instead playing up bone structure and shape with contouring. Dewy is out and matte skin is in, but makeup artists still used highlighters to get that "pop" on the runway. There's also some interesting part lines, sexy hair and ethereal eyes. Let's go!

Every Fashion Week has a unique personality, and ours can only be categorised as fearless. It is not rare to see full-on costume makeup on the MBFWA catwalks, but on the other hand, there are also edgy looks that push the envelope without being impossible to re-create at home. While the looks coming down the runway ranged from sweet to somewhat scary, we selected the top 22 anyone can try right now.

During Fashion Month, celebrities bring their A-games when it comes to sitting front row. But it's not just their dressed-to-the-nines ensembles that capture attention; their hair and makeup looks are equally as posh. Over the past few weeks, we've seen stars such as Jessica Chastain, Zoe Saldana, and Drew Barrymore lining the front rows at fashion shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. And now, we're taking a look back at the top 50 celebrity beauty styles.

Paris fashion week is where it's at when it comes to the chicest of hair and makeup looks. Considered by many to be the fashion capital of the world, we love ending Fashion Month with the most luxurious fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Brush up on your Parisian style with the ultimate in French hair and makeup trends that came straight from the runways.

If Princess Leia was looking for a way to update her signature style, the Miu Miu Autumn Winter 2013 runway would be the obvious choice. Models wore a severe side part with sleek, side-swept bangs that led to two braided chignons at the nape. The makeup was centred around a bold ombré lip; the oxblood colour was strongest around the edges and faded in the centre of the mouth.

The look: Double-braided chignons paired with a vampy lip colour.
Who would wear it: Princess Leia or Heidi.
Ambience: The front row was packed with big names, including Renée Zellweger, Zoe Saldana, and January Jones.

The clothing at Louis Vuitton may have been all about the boudoir, but the hair and makeup was reminiscent of New Wave rockers of the '80s. Cropped black wigs with piecey bangs, glossy eye makeup, and ruddy lipstick came together to create a look that stood out against the clothes. All that was missing was a guitar.

The look: Blunt black wigs, greasy smoky eyes, ruddy red lipstick.
Trends: Grungy hair and makeup.
Who would wear it: A girl hanging out in the corner of a smoky rock show.

For Autumn Winter 2013, Chanel has mastered the dramatic eye yet again. Designer Karl Lagerfeld played with the fashion house's signature motifs, while the beauty team created a sparkling take on Chanel's signature smoky eye. The hair was styled straight and sleek, so it could easily fit under furry, helmet-shaped hats and be tucked into collars. And if the Parisian runway is any indication, classic dark pink polish will be huge for Autumn/Winter.

The look: Glittered lids and vibrantly hued cloche-like hats.
Colour scheme: Eyes dotted in glistening champagne and silver tones; fuzzy caps in shades of pink, mint, royal blue, and oxblood.
The ambiance: Celebrities such as Jessica Chastain and Milla Jovovich sitting in the front row at a grandiose production featuring a gigantic swirling globe.

Nothing is more coveted than a front-row view at the Paris fashion week presentations, and the stylish starlets who occupy the few elusive spots are ones to envy beauty-wise, too. Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior are just a few of the designers that always pull A-list attendees. See the best hair and makeup looks seen alongside the Parisian catwalks, and steal some inspiration for yourself as you click.

The finale at the Valentino Autumn Winter 2013 presentation in Paris was more akin to a line of schoolgirls walking to class than a high-fashion runway. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) The models wore a single side plait that hovered near waist-length, and their styles were topped off with basic black headbands. To add to the girlish charm, the makeup palette was soft and subtle with skintone eyeshadow, groomed brows, and nude lips.

The look: Casual schoolgirl plaits and natural makeup.
Who would wear it: A woman out for a weekend bike ride by the beach.
Trends: Braids never go out of style — whether you're 40 or 14.

Viewing Saint Laurent's Autumn Winter 2013 runway can be likened to taking a time-travelling trip to the '90s grunge era. Hair was purposefully mussed for that second-day hair feeling, and the makeup was focused on the eyes. Each model wore well-rimmed eyes that were smudged for a tear-stained effect. The good thing is that this is one runway look you'll be able to re-create by just rolling out of bed.

The look: Smeared eyeliner and just-out-of-bed hairstyles.
Who would wear it: A woman who works hard but plays harder.
Trends: Punk and grunge are having a revival on the international runways; Saint Laurent channelled the angst of the decade with the undone hair texture and dark eye makeup.