Playing with the idea of mythological nymphs who inhabit the art world, the Antonio Grimaldi SS20 show at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week was like stepping into an enchanted wonderland. Models that looked more like modern-day fairies took to the runway in elegant pastel-coloured gowns detailed with asymmetrical necklines, wavy slits and intricate crystal embellishments. 

Dressed like fairy tale protectors of an enchanted forest, the many models in trompe l'oeil looks only added to the magical spirit of the show. While fabrics like taffeta and mikado are usually reserved for demure bridal gowns, this season Antonio Grimaldi took them to a more powerful place by combining them with his signature architectural lines and clean cuts. This contrast of strong and soft was mirrored in the show’s make-up looks, which combined severe, slicked-back hair and dark eyes with the mystical dresses.

If you thought the smokey eye trend had come to an end last decade, think again. The Paris Haute Couture show’s beauty looks proved that once again smudgy, kohl-rimmed eyes are here to stay. This year, however, it’s all about giving them a glossy finish for a lived-in look that’s imperfect but effortlessly cool. 

Legendary make-up artist Natasha Lakic created the dramatic eyes at Antonio Grimaldi by taking the Contour Eye Pencil in classic black and smudging it out at both the bottom and top lash line. It’s so soft that it glides easily and leave an intense, long-lasting colour. She followed it up with a custom made black lipstick, produced exclusively at our Colour ID Lab. The glossy black shade was then dabbed onto the eyelids, giving them a high shine, wet look. Think part grunge rock, part dark princess. The eye makeup look was finished with applying Lash Sophisticate High Definition Mascara in upper and lower lashline. 

To give the models their almost angelic glow, Natasha applied our Radiate Beauty Balm all over the face. Full of nourishing Pectin and Argan Seed Oil, the moisturising formula not only smooths the skin but also helps to give it a natural glow. Next, our Seamless Cover Concealer was used to hide any blemishes and imperfections and our Matte Velour Powder was dusted all over the face so the make-up would set and stay flawless under the catwalk lights.

To finish the look, Natasha popped a dab of our Colour Brilliance Lipstick in La Piscine all over the lips. A nude beige colour that melts easily into your skin, it’s the perfect way to add a natural touch of warmth and shine to your pout. Understated yet still inherently feminine, it was the only way to end a make-up look, which- like the collection- celebrated mysterious yet powerful women at their very best. For more catwalk worthy makeup looks, view Code8’s Fashion Week collaborations