M.A.C gets Athletic

Of M.A.C’s four key trends this season, including Ore-Inspired, Nouv-eau, and Neo-n, the main trend, Ath-elite is brought on perhaps by the London Olympics. This ‘Olympian skin’ is described as being "sexy-sweaty, glowy skin"…

M.A.C has four key looks each new season from which its international runway faces – and what you buy as a customer – will draw.

This season, trends are Ore-Inspired, Nouv-eau, and Neo-n, and the key trend Ath-elite, brought on by the London Olympics. This ‘Olympian skin’ was described by M.A.C Trainer and Make-up Artist Amber D at the media trends workshop as being "sexy-sweaty, textureless highlights, glowy skin."

She adds we are seeing "less sparkle, and more illuminated – but textureless – skin."

BIG news is the Boy Brow; a strong, almost severe and thickly structured eyebrow shape. This goes with the Ath-elite trend and an overall ‘boyish make-up’ trend that we’ll be seeing more and more. Amber D also rated the graphic eye liner seen on designer Mario Schwab’s catwalk (below). "Put on your graphic eye and then go for a run!" joked Amber.

A HUGE trend is metallics. "It’s on eyes, lips, cheeks…everywhere" says Amber. Colour shots in bright hues continue to be strong, as seen in the SS12 trend, Neo-n. "We’ve embraced coloour for the past few seasons now and we’re good at it now" states Amber. Below: seen at Vivienne Westwood.

M.A.C four key looks for Spring Summer 2012 as as follows:

Ore-Inspired brings burnished metallics on lips, cheeks and eyes, referencing the idea of a summer tan. Below: At Maxmara.

Nouv-eau brings subtle washes of colour from delicate peaches to expresso shades. Below: At Margaret Howell.

Neo-n brings urban, graffiti-inspired and dynamic pure-pigment worn in an edgy manner with a new easy, effortless application. Below: Neo-n seen at Manish Arora.