Why Finish Is Your New Focus
For years, the conversation around makeup has been dominated by color. Is it a vibrant cobalt, a soft lilac, or a classic red? This season, however, designers and makeup artists shifted the focus to texture. A specific shade can be transformed entirely
by its finish, taking it from edgy to elegant, or from daytime-appropriate to dramatically bold. At recent London shows, a key takeaway was that the same color can tell two completely different stories. A glossy red lip feels modern and audacious, while a matte red lip can appear timeless and sophisticated. This interplay between color and texture is the secret to making runway trends feel personal and wearable. Thinking about finish first allows you to control the intensity and mood of a color, making even the most intimidating shades approachable.
The High-Gloss, Lacquered Look
One of the most eye-catching trends to emerge was the high-shine, almost 'wet' look. At shows like Roksanda, models sported red, lacquered mouths that looked like polished vinyl. This wasn't just a hint of gloss; it was an opaque, reflective statement. The same principle was applied to eyes, with glassy lids offering a futuristic feel. A super-glossy finish, often achieved with specialized topcoats or liquid vinyl products, catches the light and instantly adds a dose of drama. This finish is perfect for turning a simple color into a major moment. To make it wearable, try a glassy, berry-toned lip for an evening out. The high-shine texture makes the color pop and feels incredibly modern, proving that a bold lip doesn't always have to be matte.
The Soft Power of Matte and Suede
On the opposite end of the spectrum, soft-focus matte and suede textures provided a quieter, more refined take on color. Instead of shimmer, the emphasis was on rich, velvety pigment. At Harris Reed, makeup artists used muted, grungy tones in a matte finish to create fiercely defined eyes without overwhelming the face. This approach was also seen with pops of blue shadow at other shows, where a matte finish made the otherwise electric color feel more grounded and sophisticated. A suede-like eyeshadow, as seen in some new fall collections, melts into the skin and provides intensity without hard lines. This finish is your best bet for experimenting with darker or brighter colors for daytime, as the lack of shine absorbs light and gives the color a chic, understated power.
Luminous Skin as the Perfect Canvas
Beyond lips and eyes, finish was front and center when it came to skin. The trend for luminous, 'lit-from-within' skin continues to reign supreme, acting as the perfect canvas for pops of color. At shows like Ahluwalia, the focus was on 'mannequin skin'—a perfected, glowing complexion with a high-shine finish on the high points of the face. Makeup artists achieved this not with heavy foundation, but with strategic highlighting and an emphasis on skincare. This radiant, dewy base provides a crucial balance to other textures. A matte eye or lip looks even more intentional against glowing skin, while a glossy feature is enhanced by it. This skin-first approach, focusing on a healthy and reflective finish, is perhaps the most wearable trend of all, creating a fresh and modern starting point for any makeup look.
