Kate Lanphear-inspired looks at Greta Constantine Spring 2012

Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani

“I was sent a picture of Kate Lanphear for inspiration,” says M.A.C Cosmetics senior artist Melissa Gibson of Greta Constantine’s no-makeup makeup for their Spring 2012 show. She describes the look as “worn-in wholesome”—the effect of sun-blanched skin after a day of walking the streets of New York City. “It’s blown out; you want to see the natural contours of the face.” This means monochromatic with a velvety texture, and no mascara or nail lacquer. On top of a base of M.A.C. Studio Sculpt concealer Gibson used just two shades of M.A.C. cream colour base: “Root” and “Shell.” For the eye, “Root” was applied all over, with “Shell” providing frosted highlights. Gibson also applied “Shell” to the lips—but after she used concealer to leave only a hint of the lip line visible.

The hair at Greta Constantine echoed this relaxed approach—though Colin Ford, national director for Education and Events, L’Oreal Professionnel, said the inspiration was more resort than city streets: “The concept is the effortless look of when you’re swimming on vacation and don’t want to redo your hair before going out at night.” Ford kept the natural wave to each model’s hair, sometimes adding a “bend” with the flatiron. A healthy application of Lumicontrôle Nutri-Wax on the top of the head provided a slick, out-of-the-pool style and contrasted the loose feel of the rest of the hair.