6 Beauty Tricks to Steal from the Mens Runways, From Glitter Bangs to Straight Edge Bobs
Futuristic and fluid were just two descriptors that characterized the Spring 2019 Menswear runways, which resonated with an inclusive ethos that blurred international borders and genders alike, making closets more sharable than ever. Likewise, hair and makeup followed suit, turning up in imaginative incarnations both scene-stealing and infinitely steal-able. From hair crafted from latex or coated in glitter to gazes shrouded in darkness, each look called for a bold new vision of beauty. Here, the 6 of the most striking tricks worth borrowing from the boys.
Latex Lengths
The best hair to pair with Rei Kawabubo's "Crazy Suits" at Comme des Garçons Hommes Plus? Trompe-l'œil latex worthy of superhero, naturally. Hairstylist Julien d'Ys secured an entirely new trend on each model in the guise of immovable wigs that instantly upped the Instagram game, even if they're not exactly practical for an off-the-runway summer street style moment. Corrugated flattops and Elvis-inspired coiffures rose skyward like sculptures. The big picture takeaway? Hair that literally never sees strand out of place—even if it's simply slicked back into place with a high gloss grooming balm—looks infinitely good right now.
Glitter Bangs
Forget pixie-like sprinklings of sparkles—Maison Margiela's light-catching hair is coated, molded, and reminiscent of otherworldly glitter glue. Backstage whiz Eugene Souleiman supplemented John Galliano's collection of textural, "new sexuality" suiting with colorblocked lengths worn gelled, raked or, most compellingly, bangs dipped selectively in shimmering pigment.
Monochromatic Hair Moments
The first 17 looks of Virgil Abloh's inaugural collection for Louis Vuitton, worn by a globally inclusive cast of friends, featured blanched suiting and bags inspired by white light hitting a prism and dividing into its component colors. So, too, model Vetle Emile Majambere's scene-stealing peroxided dreadlocks, which made the case for a coolly monochromatic moment. Translation: Whether your preferred head-to-toe palette is ivory, blush, or aubergine, consider 360 degree coordination.
Negative Space Cat Eyes
The eye makeup of the future is defined by what it lacks. At Valentino, Pat McGrath outlined lids in shimmering pigment pulled into geometric swooshes that inched from the upper lashlines to an extended point and back below the brow bones, but avoided filling in the center of the wing. Though striking, the streetwear-influenced cat eye skewed supremely wearable—take it for a test drive on a balmy summer night.
Extreme Graphic Gazes
Rather than covering up under eye circles with pressings of concealer, why not lean in to a set of deeply darkened arcs? Dreamed up by Peter Philips, eyes at Raf Simons came encased in elaborate swirls of onyx brushed toward brows and penciled-in rectangles of kohl for a dramatically high-impact look.
Straight Edge Bobs
The 1920s bob got a 90s spin at Versace in the form of ultra-linear chops. Guido Palau kept things blunt and subtly slanted, choosing the hollows of the cheeks as a stopping point] and finishing the look with a lengthened undercut. Here's to rethinking what the super slick summer bob would—or should—be.
