From The Runway to Your Vanity

How to Use Runway Fashion Inspiration to Pick Coloured Makeup Products


Runway shows are known for pushing boundaries in fashion and beauty. Designers showcase bold patterns, unexpected color combinations, and innovative makeup looks. While some of these may seem too avant-garde for everyday wear, runway trends can actually serve as a valuable source of inspiration for your makeup choices, especially when it comes to selecting the perfect colored products for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Here’s how to translate those bold runway moments into wearable, everyday beauty looks.

1. Analyze the Colour Palette of the Collection
Runway fashion often follows specific color stories, whether it’s pastel tones in spring collections, jewel tones for fall, or bright neons in edgy streetwear shows. When watching a show or browsing photos, pay attention to the dominant colors and how they are paired. Is there a trend of monochromatic looks, or are contrasting colors more prominent?

- Translation to makeup: If you notice a designer using soft pinks, peaches, or lavender, consider incorporating those tones into your blush, lipstick, or eyeshadow. If a show is heavy on jewel tones like emerald, ruby, or sapphire, try experimenting with bold eyeliners or rich lipsticks in those hues.

 2. Focus on Key Details
Many runway shows highlight a particular feature, such as a bold lip or a graphic eye. Often, makeup artists will balance these with more neutral tones on other parts of the face. Identify which part of the look is the statement and which is the complement.

- Translation to makeup:If the focus is on a dramatic winged eyeliner in a vibrant colour like cobalt blue or emerald green, consider recreating that with a similar liner or shadow. Pair it with neutral lipstick and blush to let the eyes stand out. If the collection showcases a bold red or berry lip, choose a matching lipstick and keep the rest of the makeup minimal with soft, neutral eyeshadow and natural brows.

3. Adapt the Boldness to Your Comfort Level
Runway makeup often pushes the limits with intense pigments, high-shine textures, or unusual placements. While this looks fantastic in a high-fashion context, you may want to tone it down for your day-to-day look.

- Translation to makeup: Take inspiration from the colours and tones but adjust their intensity to suit your comfort level. For example, if you’re drawn to the electric blue eye makeup seen on the runway, try using a lighter wash of the same color or just a pop of blue in your eyeliner. If neon lips are a runway hit, consider trying a sheer gloss version of the same shade for a more subtle effect.

 4. Use Fabric and Texture as Inspiration
Makeup, like fashion, is all about texture. If a collection features glossy satin fabrics, metallics, or matte finishes, you can use these cues to guide your makeup texture choices.

- Translation to makeup: If the runway outfits feature shiny metallics or sequins, opt for a metallic eyeshadow or high-shimmer highlighter to reflect that vibe. For matte-heavy collections, matte lipsticks and velvety eyeshadows will complement the look beautifully. If the clothes are flowing and ethereal, a dewy foundation and light-reflecting highlighter can create that same ethereal glow on your face.

 5. Embrace the Seasonal Trends
Runway shows often dictate the upcoming season's trends. Each season has its own feel, and this is reflected in both the clothing and makeup looks.

- Translation to makeup: For spring/summer collections, you’ll likely see a lot of fresh, dewy looks with soft pinks, peaches, and corals—perfect for a glowing, sun-kissed vibe. For fall/winter collections, darker shades like plum, burgundy, and charcoal emerge, which you can incorporate into your eyeshadow and lip colors. Following these trends allows you to align your makeup with the current fashion season.

 6. Experiment with Colour Combinations
One of the most exciting aspects of runway shows is how designers pair unexpected colors together. Bright oranges with cool blues, bold greens with soft pinks, or even clashing patterns that somehow work together. The same can be applied to your makeup routine.

- Translation to makeup: Don’t be afraid to mix and match colours. If you see a striking combination of yellow and violet on the runway, consider using a violet eyeshadow paired with a yellow-toned blush or highlighter. This helps bring an element of runway fashion into your look without directly copying the outfits.

7. Customize the Trend to Your Skin Tone
One of the challenges with runway makeup is that it’s not always designed with diverse skin tones in mind. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt the colors for your own complexion.

- Translation to makeup: If a particular colour doesn’t suit your undertone, find an alternative shade within the same colour family. For instance, if a bright coral lipstick feels too overpowering, opt for a softer peach or a coral with more pink undertones that will suit your complexion better. Similarly, jewel-toned eyeshadows can be swapped out for warmer or cooler versions depending on your skin tone.


 Final Thoughts
Runway fashion is a playground of creativity, and using it to inspire your makeup can be a fun way to step outside your comfort zone. By adapting the colors, textures, and key trends to your own style and preferences, you can create makeup looks that feel fresh and fashion-forward. The runway is all about breaking the rules—so don’t be afraid to try something new and bold. Whether you go for a full statement look or just a pop of runway-inspired color, the key is to have fun and make it your own!

*Products Shown:

Sparkling Mulch Eyeshadow

Ballet Eyeshadow

Belize Eyeshadow

Black Eyeliner Pencil

Sunset Blush

Creamy Amber Lip Stain

Venus Holographic Lipgloss