The new collection that’s perfect for mastering bold make-up
New York style paired with French beauty makes for bold and beautiful make-up. Here’s how to wear the different looks from the new Lancôme x Proenza Schouler collection
‘It’s playful, fun and not so serious’, says Lazaro Hernandez, one half of Proenza Schouler, the New York-based fashion house, on their new limited edition make-up collection for Lancôme.
‘We’re living in a world of individuality and whatever makes you feel most like yourself is what is right, so we want people to experiment with this collection’, continues Jack McCollough, Proenza Schouler’s other creative director. ‘You can’t treat every woman the same and the beauty of these products is they’re quite versatile. There’s lots to choose from and play around with. You can mix colours, make your own colours and choose what’s right for you. We want you to dive straight in, play around and have fun with the collection’.
It’s this sentiment – focusing on the individual – that has made Proenza Schouler so in demand since their launch in 2002, when the design school duo turned their senior thesis into their first collection, selling it in its entirety to Barneys New York. It’s also this ethos that the luxury label from New York is bringing to the classic French beauty house Lancôme, with an exciting new collaboration launching exclusively at John Lewis & Partners.
The limited edition collection is bold and radical and, as the designers say, gives them the opportunity to ‘reach a broader audience... people who may not have known about the brand before’.
Taking inspiration from the work of painters with a unique approach to colour, such as Ellsworth Kelly and Carmen Herrera, the duo have developed stronger, graphic colours for this collection. ‘The look felt graphic and bold, minimal and colourful. Those were all words we were playing with when creating the beauty look for the campaign,’ says Jack. ‘We did this navy eye and a stronger pinkish red, almost tomato lip. I think you can experiment with that.’ We caught up with Charlotte Wood, one of Lancôme UK’s make-up artists, who has revealed her clever application tips…
The Proenza Schouler complexion
‘We kept skin very light and fresh, to reflect the radiant complexions seen on the Proenza Schouler runway’, says Charlotte. ‘Use the Cushion Highlighter Chroma to create a dewy finish, without glitter. Less is more, so tap lightly with your ring finger or the applicator on the high points of the face (cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone). The result is effortless, healthy looking skin.’
The graphic cat eye flick
‘This make-up a little more playful. It should just be fun, the approach should be loose and joyful’ says Larazo.
‘This bold and graphic look is created using the Ombre Hypnôse Kajal Chroma’, says Charlotte. ‘Warm up the Eye Kajal on the back of the hand before applying it to the waterline for a smoother application, and layer twice for intensity and longevity. Hold the pencil horizontally to keep the nib sharp and lightly colour all over the lid and buff out with a fluffy brush to soften and blend. The Eye Kajal can also be used as a base, or used alone as a shadow.’
The bold and beautiful lip
‘It’s about individuality these days, you can’t treat every woman the same, they don’t want to treat themselves the same. the beauty of these products is that they’re versatile’ says Jack.
Charlotte agrees: ‘There are many ways to make your lips the focus of your look, from bold reds to satin-finish nudes. Use the sharp point of the Lip Kajal Duo Chroma as your lip pencil to line and define lips. Then colour in the rest of the lip using the Kajal horizontally, to keep the point sharp. The Lip Kajal can be used alone for a matte finish, or add the gloss in the other side of the applicator for a high shine lacquered effect.’
The versatile eye colour
‘Play around with the Chroma Eye Palette’ says Jack. ‘You can mix colours together, you can make your own colours – there’s a looseness and a freedom to this product that means you can tailor it to whatever feels right for you.’
‘The selection of cream and powder shadows offers a mix of intensity and finishes’, says Charlotte. ‘Use your fingers to apply the cream shades, as the heat of the skin helps to apply and blend the colour. You can also use the cream shades as a base and apply the powder colours on top. This creates a long lasting base and builds the intensity for a high impact look. Cream colours can also be used on the cheeks for blush and lips. Apply with the fingers in a patting motion to warm and blend the product for the most natural and smooth finish.’
