For fans of polished hair, the tight, structured bun was a huge fixture on the catwalk for spring/summer 2013. The good news is it’s easy to achieve. 'The style is simple, not contrived. Apply a thickening hair spray with your fingers. Leave some hair out to frame the face. Then gently gather the hair back into a low ponytail, backcombing it so the pins have something to hold on to. Then with desert oil spray, twist it up with a few more pins,' says James Pecis, head hairdresser at Bumble and Bumble for Yigal Azrouel’s show Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP
No one wanted makeup dripping down faces as the temperatures rose in New York, so it was all about the minimal look with scattered bold details. At Peter Som (above), MAC Cosmetic’s Tom Pecheux used face and body foundation as a base, a nude lipstick and eyebrows that were gently brushed up (no mascara). Gentle pastel colours on the eyelids were finger painted on to finish off the low-key, minimal look with a pop of colour. It was the same minimal trend over at Joseph Altuzarra, where the makeup inspiration was 'Catherine Deneuve in 1975 meeting Mr Yves Saint Laurent' Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP
Metallic and minerals were another huge beauty trend. At Yigal the inspiration was the four elements- Air, Water, Fire and Earth. Francellle Daly for MAC Cosmetics started with face and body foundation and then a highlighter called Luna on areas of the face where the sun would naturally hit. On the eyes, a kohl liner called Powersurge, shimmering like antique gold, finished the look Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP
Let’s face it, come summer we all want long, loose waves that are simple and low maintenance; and for spring/summer the catwalk offered just that. 90s style feminine, light and loosely waved hair was spotted at See by Chloé, while loose braids framed the face at Emerson, where the inspiration was rock chick meets romance. Peter Som’s Valley of the Dolls inspired show (pictured) added an extra 90s vibe, thanks to Wella’s hairpieces. The inspiration? French impressionist paintings from Cézanne to Renoir- think dark teal blues, spring greens, soft pinks, and lavender meshed into one. 'The allure of the strong 90s reference we’re seeing this season is that it’s relatable for the woman on the street. She can look at the model’s hair and believe she can be that woman.' says TIGI’s Paul Hanlon Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP
For most, the idea of the French manicure stills screams TOWIE, but backstage at New York fashion week the classic style has been brilliantly reworked for spring/summer. At the Peter Som show (above), Rebecca Isa, colour designer for Zoya Nails created a colour assorted French manicure. 'We used limited edition colours, a mint green called Neely that offers full coverage with two coats and then the curved tip of the manicure was an orange called Sharon.' The key to a great manicure- 'follow the shape of the cuticle', says Katie Hughes Butter London’s global colour ambassador. Photograph: Peter Som
