Editorial makeup seen on runways and in fashion magazines often features bold, artistic looks that may seem unwearable in everyday life. As a professional makeup artist specializing in editorial looks, I'm often asked how these high-fashion concepts can be translated into wearable makeup for daily life.
The good news is that runway-inspired makeup can absolutely be adapted for real life, bringing a touch of editorial edge to your everyday style. In this guide, I'll show you how to take inspiration from high-fashion makeup and translate it into looks that make a statement while remaining appropriate for work, social events, or special occasions.
Understanding Editorial vs. Everyday Makeup
Before we dive into specific techniques, let's understand the key differences between editorial and everyday makeup:
Editorial Makeup:
- Created for photography, runway, or artistic expression
- Often features exaggerated elements and unusual color combinations
- Prioritizes visual impact over practicality
- May use techniques and products not designed for long wear
- Focuses on creating a concept or telling a story
Everyday Makeup:
- Designed for real-life situations and lighting
- Prioritizes wearability, comfort, and longevity
- Needs to transition well between different environments
- Generally aims to enhance rather than dramatically transform
- Must work with your lifestyle and daily activities
The key to adapting editorial looks is finding the balance between artistic expression and practical application. Let's explore how to transform some popular runway trends into wearable everyday looks.
Trend 1: Bold Graphic Liner
The Runway Version:
Thick, geometric liner in unusual shapes and colors, often extending far beyond the natural eye shape. Think sharp wings, negative space designs, or double-winged liner in vivid colors.
The Wearable Adaptation:
- Start with a thin black liner along your lash line for definition
- Add a small colored accent at the outer corner or along the lower lash line
- Try a subtle double wing by adding a thin line slightly above your regular wing
- For more subtlety, use a colored liner just at the inner corner
- Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let the liner be the focal point
This approach gives you the creative edge of graphic liner while maintaining a look that's appropriate for most settings.
Trend 2: Artistic Color Blocking
The Runway Version:
Bold, geometric blocks of contrasting eyeshadow colors placed unconventionally across the lid, brow bone, or even extending onto the temples and cheeks.
The Wearable Adaptation:
- Choose one vibrant shade as your main color
- Apply it in a diffused wash across the lid, blending well at the edges
- Add a complementary color to the inner corner or lower lash line
- Keep the placement more traditional (lid, crease, lash line)
- Use transition shades to soften harsh lines between colors
This approach captures the artistic use of color while maintaining a shape that flatters your eye.
Trend 3: Glitter and Embellishments
The Runway Version:
Face covered in glitter, rhinestones placed across cheekbones, or metallic elements adhered around the eyes and brows.
The Wearable Adaptation:
- Use finely-milled glitter or shimmer shadow on the center of the lid
- Try a subtle glitter liner just at the upper lash line
- Add a touch of highlighter with visible shimmer particles on the high points of your face
- For special occasions, place one or two small rhinestones at the outer corner of the eye
- Use adhesive designed specifically for skin to prevent irritation
This gives you the festive, light-catching effect without the full avant-garde look.
Trend 4: Dramatic Blush Placement
The Runway Version:
Blush applied in theatrical sweeps across temples, under eyes, or across the bridge of the nose in vibrant, unnatural shades.
The Wearable Adaptation:
- Extend your blush slightly higher onto the cheekbones than usual
- Try a subtle draping technique, blending blush from cheeks toward temples
- For a fresh look, add a touch of the same blush across the bridge of your nose
- Choose a color that's within your natural flush range but perhaps more vibrant
- Build intensity gradually, as blush can quickly become overwhelming
This modern approach to blush creates dimension and youthfulness without looking theatrical.
Trend 5: Unconventional Lip Colors
The Runway Version:
Black, blue, green, or metallic lips, often with unusual finishes or ombré effects.
The Wearable Adaptation:
- Try a sheer wash of an unusual color as a tint rather than full opacity
- Use a dark berry instead of black for a deep, dramatic look
- Add a touch of metallic gloss just at the center of your lip
- Try a subtle ombré effect with related shades (like pink to raspberry)
- Balance bold lips with more neutral eye makeup
This approach lets you experiment with unconventional colors while maintaining sophistication.
General Tips for Adapting Editorial Looks
- Focus on one element: Choose just one editorial feature to incorporate, keeping the rest of your makeup more conventional.
- Blend, blend, blend: Editorial makeup often features sharp lines and contrasts; soften these with thorough blending for daily wear.
- Scale down intensity: Use the same colors and placement but with sheerer application or more neutral shades mixed in.
- Consider your environment: A touch of runway inspiration might work for evening events but may need to be further toned down for office settings.
- Practice techniques: Some editorial looks require specific application methods; practice these with more wearable colors before attempting the full look.
Products That Help Bridge the Gap
- Sheer, buildable formulations allow you to control intensity
- Multi-use products (like cream color for eyes, lips, and cheeks) help create cohesive looks
- Colored mascara is an easy way to add editorial color in a familiar format
- Tinted balms let you experiment with unusual lip colors in a subtle way
- Clear mixing mediums can transform any powder eyeshadow into liner, allowing endless color options
Remember that makeup should be fun and expressive. The beauty of taking inspiration from editorial looks is that you can customize the adaptation to your comfort level, gradually incorporating more daring elements as you become confident with techniques.
Whether you're adding just a hint of runway influence with a colored eyeliner or embracing a more dramatic interpretation for a special night out, bringing elements of editorial makeup into your routine is a wonderful way to explore your creativity and personal style.
