Series: Michiko Fujiwara, November 2017 | Spring/Summer Trends Condensed in Chanel's Lip Powder!?
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, November 2017 | Minimalist Makeup: The Trend for Spring/Summer 2018
Were Spring/Summer 2018 Trends Condensed in Chanel's Lip Powder!?
For the Spring/Summer 2018 trends, I was drawn to looks featuring smoky peach pinks, pastel blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. I found myself captivated by fashion in colors that were neither overly playful nor aggressive, but rather light and uplifting. What kind of makeup would suit such fashion? The moment I considered this, I thought of Chanel's "Poudre à Lèvres" (limited edition), launching January 5, 2018. This lip product, which creates a softly stained finish, perfectly captured the essence of next spring and summer's fashion. This was the image that came to mind.
Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko
The Key Is to Look Un-Made Up
If I had to describe the makeup trend for next spring and summer in one word, it would be "minimalist makeup." A base that looks like bare skin. Minimal color on the eyes and cheeks, and lips that appear almost bare. The only focal point is a slightly stronger brow, with hairs brushed upwards or naturally full.
The trend seems to favor makeup with a fresh, realistic beauty impression. While this is an exciting trend for a hair and makeup artist, it's dangerous for mature women (except perhaps those in their early twenties) to blindly follow it. Most women have areas they wish to conceal on their skin, and neglecting eye makeup might lead to a sleepy appearance. Without adding a touch of color to the cheeks or lips, one might inadvertently reveal signs of a sleepless night!
But there's no need to worry. Even the models on the runway, while appearing natural, are not truly bare-faced—most are in their teens, after all. It's evident from the collection photos that meticulous makeup is applied to achieve that "barely-there" look.
The crucial point is to achieve a look that appears "un-made up." For makeup other than the brows, choose an excellent liquid foundation that offers coverage while looking sheer on the skin, and use powder sparingly. Apply a highlighter to the eyelids to brighten the eye area, or create natural contours with beige (but be cautious, as beige can make Japanese skin look dull; you still want some subtle shading). Draw a hidden eyeliner along the inner rim of the upper lash line, and add a touch of peach to the cheeks for a natural flush.
For the lips, apply lipstick or gloss, then blot with a tissue to create a stained effect, or soften the lip line for a diffused look. This finish minimizes the appearance of makeup and lends a natural impression to the entire face.
A Stained Lip Is the Epitome of Trendiness!
Chanel's newly released lip powder achieves precisely this kind of lip finish. Apply the white balm on the left to your lips, then lightly sweep the lip powder on the right with the included applicator or a brush. The result is a stained effect that looks as if it's your natural lip color. The balm's subtle sheen follows the natural curve of the lips, making them appear fuller—a welcome bonus.
I believe this lip finish truly encapsulates the makeup trends for next spring. In other words, it's realistic makeup that looks "un-made up" even though it is applied. This type of makeup also imparts a fresh aura. Please consider this as inspiration for your spring makeup routine!
CHANEL | Poudre à Lèvres (Limited Edition)
Release Date | Friday, January 5, 2018
Price | ¥4,400 (excluding tax)