In hair and makeup, it?s a season of extremes
IN A SEASON WHERE DARK CLOTHES dominated the runways and practicality dictated the color palette (whites, grays and blacks), the latest hair and makeup trends offer a full color spectrum with headstrong looks that bare optimism and positive energy.

?It?s a season of extremes,? said makeup artist Pat McGrath, who is also the global cosmetics creative design director for P&G Beauty. ?For me, drama and opulence, a return to classics and unabashed glamour are key themes this Autumn/Winter.?

Makeup trends are both natural and dramatic as McGrath defined key looks that play on different features of the face. These are Twilight Decadence, Spectrum of Reds and Return to Beige.

Twilight Decadence is a modern take on smoky eyes. Best described as hardcore and tough, this eye makeup is adorned with glitter, shimmer or gloss to create different flattering effects in black, brown, navy or gunmetal.

Red lips make a bold statement in Spectrum of Reds, as shades of scarlet are worn in many ways. Dark red lips, deep wine shades with matte or glossy texture created a strong and confident look.

Lastly, nudes, grays and pale pink beiges gave way to understated yet elegant makeup.

Return to Beige is a hot trend, where clean, neutral skin is worn with soft eyes and pale lips to produce a sexy, monochromatic effect.

Hair trends perfectly complement the makeup, as it plays with structure and silhouette on one side and fluidity and texture on the other. It has a dressy, grown-up appeal that pulls away from the easy, carefree looks of past seasons.

?Now, more than ever, hair plays a pivotal role as part of the total fashion look,? said Sam McKnight, global hair ambassador for P&G Beauty.

The hairstyle trends: Future Retro, Rock ?n? Romance and Maximum Contrast. These hairstyles have been reinterpreted by the Pantene Council of Stylists for everyday wear or glamorous night-out. Louie Phillip Kee explores Rock ?n? Romance, while Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco redefine Maximum Contrast and Future Retro.

Rock ?n? romance

?Think of those famous rock divas like Marianne Faithful and Linda McCartney from the ?60s and ?70s and you?ll get an idea of what this hair trend is all about,? says International Hair Consultant and Member of Pantene Council of Stylists, Louie Kee.

The hairstyle is tangled, tousled and sexy, with an edgy, rock star nonchalance.

Kee explains that while achieving this look may require a certain hair length, creating texture is all about stages.

?It is important to dry, section, curl and style the hair,? Kee said. ?I used a large size ceramic curling iron to create the curls, starting two to three inches from the entire length of the hair.?

But if you?re pressed for time, Kee suggests applying a dollop of mousse on hair and twisting it several times until it forms a bun.

?When you remove the bun after an hour or so, you?ll see a lovely flow of curls bouncing before you.?

Maximum contrast

Inspired by Givenchy?s runway looks in Paris, Hipolito and Velasco created a look where rough meets smooth hair.

?Maximum Contrast is all about dual textured hair. It?s a combination of hair slicked close to the head, and fanned out through the lengths to give a sense of control and freedom in one hairstyle,? says Hipolito.

To achieve this, Hipolito and Velasco applied leave-in conditioner and heat protectant before blow-drying. Then, section-by-section, they crimped the hair from the nape up, leaving a portion of hair around the ears uncrimped. A wet-finish styling gel was then applied on the model?s head, from the crown, combed down to create sleekness. The two teased the rest of the hair for volume, and misted it with hair spray to hold in place.

To create a more wearable, toned-down look, ?blow-dry hair only until the jaw line, then curl the rest of the hair with a curling iron or finger curl to give it texture,? said Velasco.

Future retro

Both glamorous and modern, Future Retro harks back to the past and fast-forwards to the future.

?Height and control are watchwords for this look,? said Velasco. To recreate the hair, Hipolito and Velasco combed the hair forward, pulling it into a tight ponytail. Then, they teased the hair, rolled it into an open spread bun and polished the ?do with hair spray. Wear this look during the day with a simpler version.

?Comb hair upwards and tie it into a tight ponytail. Next, twist and roll the remainder of the hair into various shapes and clip using hairpins,? explains Hipolito.

When asked what hairstyles we can expect to see in the next season, all three hairstylists see versatility as playing a major influence on hair trends.

?As we?ve grown accustomed to change, and we will want to change our hair on a whim, more cuts that allow styles to be easily maintained yet allow maximum flexibility will be popular,? said Kee.

?The move toward versatile hairstyles suggests there will be a shift toward longer hair. Expect pixie haircuts to grow out and women to let their bobs lengthen.?

Hipolito and Velasco add, ?With the introduction of various new hair products, we have more styling options.?

Win Pantene products! Twenty lucky readers can win Pantene hair products that will allow you to recreate these looks. Visit www.inquirer.net?s Lifestyle section for the mechanics.

Visit Louis Kee at the Louis Phillip Kee Salon, G/F, 1 McKinley Place 4th Ave. cor. 25th Street, The Fort Taguig; tel. 0918-8424888 and 8563388.

Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco at Univers Phyto Salon at the 5/F, Rustan?s, Glorietta Makati, tel. 8935007.