S/S '09 Make-up Trends: Manish Arora

Different face charts used by Vimi Joshi and M.A.C PRO Team

The unlikely inspiration behind Manish Arora's Spring Summer '09 collection—clowns, which he illustrated via a line-up of pieces largely inspired from circus costumes like voluminous jackets, clown pants, bra tops and bat-wing sleeves. M.A.C Senior Artist Vimi Joshi complimented the designer's creations with white skin offset by bold make-up.

"We wanted a very powerful look," said Arora backstage. "Something beautiful and glamorous, but with a twist!" Crystal masks were used to create a modern twist on the classic clown. "Edgy and trendy" is how Joshi described the look Arora desired. "The skin was kept white, using M.A.C Chromacake in Pure White and the focus was the center of the face."

Joshi painted the models' lids with neon pink (M.A.C Bright Fuchsia Pigment) or yellow pigment (M.A.C Primary Yellow Pigment) and extended it upward to the brow. She then concealed the eyebrows with foundation and pasted crystal or vinyl eyebrows for a theatrical effect. "The cheeks were rosy (M.A.C Posey Blushcreme) and the lips were magenta-red (M.A.C Mystic Lipstick)," explained Joshi. The lip color's satin formula was made darker and more matte with a layer of translucent powder between coats—and it was show time!