Backstage Beauty SP09: Vena Cava

Posted by Kathleen

on September 8, 2008

Vena Cava, hands down, had the most interesting hair and makeup out of all my Backstage visits. Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, the designers, conceived an “Egyptomania” theme for their collection, and once I heard this, I knew it was going to be good!

Lead makeup artist for Tina Turnbow, from Beauty.com for Stila, created the “Gothic Egyptian” look for the models. Skin was kept fresh with Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer, Perfecting Concealer, Pressed Powder, and a little bit of bronzer along the cheekbones using Stila Sun #1.

Focus again was on the eyes (noticing a trend here?), and the eyes were a mix of “warm and cool” and “metallic and matte.” A goth look was achieved with smoky dark gray shadow (name: Sajama) and shimmering soft silver (name: Twilight) dusted all over the eyelid, giving the eye some depth. Normally when you think of “Egyptian,” you might be thinking of elongated kohl eyeliner, like I did. But Tina kept in line with the gothic theme and made it modern by instead applying a metallic gray eyeliner (Smokey Quartz Kajal Eyeliner) directly to the middle of the bottom of the eye and upper eyelids – the effect was mesmerizing and spooky. Lashes were finished off with Major Mascara and left uncurled.

Hair was done by Oscar Blandi and was my favorite hair concept of the day! He described it as “modern mermaid,” and the look was romantic, cascading curls that were wetly slicked back from the head. I’ve lusted after Ariel’s hair from The Little Mermaid since I was a child (I know, how can you lust after the hair of a cartoon character? But I just did…her hair used to flow so beautifully even under water), and so, it’s not surprising that I coveted this look.

To get the look, hair was first curled with a 2 inch curling iron and finished off with Oscar Blandi Onde Wave Enhancing Spray, giving it the perfect loose romantic wave. The front section of the hair was then slicked back using Oscar Blandi Acqua Marina gel (very appropriately named) and held back with clips to secure them close to the head till showtime.

Photos © The Daily Obsession.

Share/Save