How to recreate five spring/summer make-up trends from the catwalk

Bow core, glitter, opalescent, glazed skin - Beauty columnist Kate Demolder breaks down this season's make-up trends, and how to recreate them at home

Skinny brows are back. And according to fashion, they’re super arched.

It all starts in Manhattan. This Fashion Month’s FW24 season, which officially kicked off on February 9, has come in with a bang. Bow core, glitter, opalescent, glazed skin — a more assertive kind of femininity is shining through in this most recent iteration of runway shows. Here’s how to replicate it.

1. Glossy, otherwordly skin

High-shine gloss is going nowhere. In fact, it’s going everywhere — from a radiant sheen on cheekbones to glossy accents across eyelids. Nowhere was this more prevalent than at Maison Margiela, where models and actress Gwendoline Christie were glazed to give the face an overall porcelain glass effect. The makeup was done by none other than Pat McGrath, who made use of a diluted, blue-hued slime, sprayed at a distance to create a thin film on the skin. This for everyday wear might prove difficult, but creating an all-over dewy base is simple by way of some great products on the market right now.

Bioderma's Hydrabio Hyalu+ serum

First up, BIODERMA’s Hydrabio Hyalu+ Serum (€34, pharmacies nationwide) forms a film on the skin’s surface to limit evaporation and keeps hydration where it’s supposed to be: inside. For everyday wear, POCO Beauty’s Universal Glow (RRP €30) is hard to beat. 

POCO Beauty's Universal Glow 

For a more advanced glowy base, I couldn’t recommend anything but Isamaya Beauty’s Skinlacq (RRP €72) for a high-power, non-sticky, beautiful wash of sheen.

Isamaya Beauty’s Skinlacq

2. Glitter eyes

Maximalist beauty took place at a number of shows this season — from feathers to foil to crystal lips at Simone Rocha x Jean-Paul Gautier. This doesn’t look out of place at a couture show, but might in an office. The easiest way to recreate it is to lean into wearable glitter. And, as anyone who has ever attempted this before will tell you: not all glitters are created equal. 

Urban Decay Moondust Quads

The best everyday hues at the minute belong to Urban Decay, and hail from their Moondust range. The Moondust quads (RRP €46.50) come with four shades that would work on any skin tone and are essentially idiotproof. Swipe on with a finger or blend with a brush. Use a lightly damp brush to create a foiled, almost wet effect.

3. Noughties grunge

More and more we are seeing a lean into grunge, with imperfect, lived-in liner making its way to the top of every show’s agenda. 

Lash Star Beauty’s Pure Pigment Kohl Liner 

Get your favourite liner — Lash Star Beauty’s Pure Pigment Kohl Liner (€18.65, Cloud10 Beauty) is an excellent product I’m currently working with — close your eyes, and then rub. To really lean into what Victoria Beckham, described as “feminine with an edge,” curl your lashes and zig-zag two coats of YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara (€30.60, Boots) on top and bottom lashes.

4. Skinny brows

It’s a traumatising thought, so I’ll keep this brief. Skinny brows are back. And according to fashion, they’re super arched. Do with this information what you will, just don’t come back to me crying when you look like an egg.

5. Effortless hair

Laissez-faire, just-got-out-bed beauty is back in fashion. And, interestingly, this can be the hardest to recreate. However, the right products go a long way. 

COLOR WOW's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 

For nonchalant styling at its best (and easiest) smooth your hairline and partings with some light anti-frizz to keep them in place — COLOR WOW’s Dream Coat Supernational Spray (RRP €30) is a ride-or-die product — while leaving the natural curls, kinks and waves in your lengths free except for a slick of oil or serum, to do their own thing. Low-braided plaits are great for giving stubbornly straight hair a kink. Once again, hydration is key for this one. 

K18's DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Conditioner 

K18’s latest product Damage Shield protective conditioner (RRP €45.00) works to optimise the hair’s pH which will, in turn, prevent damage, reduce frizz, preserve colour, and maintain health and shine.