After years of working backstage during the fashion week grind, I can say with confidence that fashion trends are definitely supported and enhanced by makeup and hair to complement the look.

I have a new baby so I took this season off, but as I watch from afar and get the blow-by-blow report from my makeup artist friends in the trenches, I thought it’d be fun to pick my top three favorite spring 2014 fashion trends from the most recent New York shows and then share my suggestions on how to adjust your makeup to go with the trend.

Getty Images (runway), Courtesy of Stila, Carly Martin (watercolor)
Prabal Gurung

Let’s start with pastels at Prabal Gurung:
I love the idea of a matte neon lip with a soft pastel wardrobe, and pastels are huge for fall right now. You can also bump up your cheek color ever so slightly to bridge the light with the bright. Keep lashes clean and separated. I love Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Exhilarating—I can’t get enough of it!

Carly Martin, Getty Images, Courtesy of Laura Mercier
Reem Acra

Moving on to black and white at Reem Acra:
Black and white is often paired with a primary red and/or a thick top liner—classic but very expected. Pairing those neutrals with a set of warm browns and bronzes is a lovely plan. It gives your face a little definition without overpowering the simplicity of the black and white worn on your body. Try my all-time favorite cream shadow—Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour—rubbed softly in a haze around your lashlines. A soft bronzer all over and your pick of a nude lip finish it off.

Carly Martin, Courtesy of YSL, Courtesy of LAMB
LAMB

And finally, sporty at LAMB:
May I just say, I love this jumpsuit more than anything I’ve seen so far—but then again, I’m a romper kind of gal! Save for the part about having a bit of a hassle when going to the loo, you only have one piece of clothing to plan/worry about/keep clean. But when I wear cute-but-boyish things like this, I always try to make my makeup a little more romantic. A wide, dewy flush using a soft pink cheek color achieves that goal in just one or two swirly swipes. Yves St. Laurent Creme de Blush in Powdery Rose is so classically girly, but sophisticated enough for a woman to wear.

What are your favorite fashion/beauty trend combos?

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