Fashion: ...and get that look; Fashion week doesn't just predict next season's clothes trends, beauty is an increasingly important part of the shows. Hannah Davies finds out more.

Byline: Hannah Davies

MAKE the most of this season's dark, gothic trend while you can.

Next year's spring/summer looks are all about natural beauty.

Fresh from the catwalks of spring/summer 09, models have been pairing designer fashions with a pared-down girly glamour.

"It's that no make-up look for the woman who wants to look natural," explains Terry Barber, director of make-up at MAC, "Make-up is feminine and perfect looking.

"We're seeing an 80s way of using colour that pops but with a 'now' sensibility - pinks, peaches and apricots on lips and cheeks, and juicy looking metallics on eyes."

PAUL COSTELLOE HAIR The opening show on the London Fashion Week calendar where super-sleek hair was described as "expensive, high-gloss and feminine" by Toni & Guy stylists.

Polished, Parisian and grown-up, models' hair was given an asymmetric twist with an off-centre, low-slung ponytail, finished with a wrap fringe tucked over the ear for a feminine edge.

KEY PRODUCTS: TONI & GUY Cushion Brush, label.m Volume Mouse, Shine Mist, Hairspray.

JULIEN MACDONALD MAKE-UP "The look is a perfected idea of who these girls are - very honest as opposed to super-glam," said make-up artist James Kaliardos, using L'Oreal Paris products.

His team enhanced the natural beauty of Macdonald's models with a fresh-faced, pure look using mineral make-up.

KEY PRODUCTS: L'OREAL PARIS True Match Minerals Foundation, Concealer Minerals, Glow Minerals in Rose Eclat, Color Appeal eyes in Desert Shimmer, Beige Crystal, or Pearly White.

NICOLE FARHI MAKE-UP Bee-stung lips and outdoorsy flushed cheeks were key to Nicole Farhi's healthy summer glow look.

"It's all about the blush," said MAC make-up artist Val Garland.

"It's quite American, healthy and Ralph Lauren-inspired."

Lips were dubbed "bruised geranium" using a mix of purple and red.

KEY PRODUCTS: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, combined Skin Correctors in Deep Coral, Terracotta and Caramel, Chromoline Rich Purple and Basic Red (all MAC Pro products, order via 0870 034 2676).

PPQ MAKE-UP "The look is inspired by a vintage look with a modern feel," said Athena Skouvakis, lead make-up artist for the show. "Skin is youthful, radiant and pretty but the graphic, darker eyebrows add a tough edge."

A red stain was used to give a sexy natural 'just bitten' look to models' lips.

KEY PRODUCTS: COLLECTION 2000 Perfecting Minerals, Shimmer & Shade in Just Peachy, Eyebrow Definer, Magi-Length Mascara, The Cheek Of It stain.

BASSO & BROOKE HAIR Not a look you'd be happy popping to the shops in but Basso & Brooke's square hairstyle is one to behold. The Grace Jones-style hair was designed to work with the collection's geometric lines.

Worked up with a cardboard template and vats of hairspray, creative stylist Alain Pichon described the look as "edgy, strong hair. Very sharp, very square and very harsh."

KEY PRODUCTS: L'OREAL Studio Line Hot Straight Thermo Straightening Spray, Elnett Diamond Hold & Shine, grips.

CAPTION(S):

FASHION WEEK Clockwise from above, backstage at the Basso and Brooke show; a model at Julien MacDonald's show; sleek hair at Paul Costellow; a model at the Nicole Farhi show.