Here are my three favorite beauty looks from Australian fashion week (MBFWA). Strong red lip at Gary Bigeni, mysterious smoky eyes at Aurelio Costarella and luxurious golden girl look at Johanna Johnson. Below I explain how to recreate the looks yourself.

Gary Bigeni

Gary Bigeni’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection features variety of bright colours and clashing bold prints. Its all about a strong and confident woman. So Kate Squires from Napoleon Perdis created makeup to express this idea - flawless glowing skin and a bold red lip.  Super sleek hair with a pony tail reinforced the show's concept.

The lipstick was applied straight up, without liner. Chocolate brown mascara was used to define eyes while keeping the lip away from being too seductive and taupe contouring to add structure to the face. Kate used DeVine Goddess Lipstick in Aphrodite. I think this look would be as perfect for the day as for night.

Aurelio Costarella

You can see there is Christina from Hair Romance doing a great job snapping the looks.

James Molloy from MAC created a 1920s gothic-inspired look. There were no graphic lines, instead it was meant to look like a lighting effect. To achieve this, it took three layers of eye shadow: first a taupe was applied all over the lid, then a cream-base moss green was patted on top, and finally a gold-green pigment to finish the look. This smokey eye look I'd wear for a romantic rendezvous or dinner. Maxi dress is a must.

Johanna Johnson

Johanna Johnson's Spring Summer 2012 collection is all luxurious sophistication. So Nigel Stanislaus from Maybelline NY echoed this idea in the makeup he created for the collection: "It's luxury, there's lots of gold, lots of black," he said. He even insisted on a last minute change of a lip color - out with red and in with Make Me Pink Maybelline NY Color Sensational instead.  Golden brows were created by prepping them with Maybelline NY's Baby Lips lip balm to get the gold pigment to hold.

In Johnson's collection, most of the looks were complemented with embellished headpieces so the hairstyle was kept relatively simple. Sleek with two small waves up at the front and brushed-through looser waves swept over one shoulder.

Louise Van De Vorst done for the Johanna Johnson's show.

Note the nails: OPI Mrs Leary's BBQ (burgundy) was the predominant nail colour with Coney Island Cotton Candy as a reverse tip. This look I'd wear for a very special occasion, maybe Prince Harry's wedding...

xx

Maria

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*All backstage photos by me, images for the first collage sourced from BellaSugar and FabSugar Australia

MBFWA 2012 - 3 favourite beauty looks is a post from CrashingRed.com

Unexpected pompom headpieces at Aurelio Costarella SS 2012

Thought I'd share some of the most remarkable moments of Australian fashion week (MBFWA) on this blog. Unique pics that you won't see on other blogs and fashion news sites because, well, I took them and I went to a lot of shows! I was trying my best to tweet and Instagram everything interesting directly from the runways and backstage but alas, there was way too much fashion information to process in a very short period of time. So after hours spent reviewing the vast amount of material I shot, here I present you with the crème de la crème.

Feathers, blush colors and sculptured silhouette at Aurelio Costarella SS 2012

Double pony tail at Aurelio Costarella

Flamboyant styles by Camilla

Beautiful finale at Camilla brought tears in my eyes... too emotional!

Handmade shoes for Nosim SS2012 collection (The Innovators).

Pure bright color and clashing prints at Gary Bigeni

Thousands of tiny bells as dress embellishment at Bowie SS 2012 (more photos of this ethereal collection see here)

The gorgeous Samantha Harris as a bride at Johanna Jonson MBFWA 2012

All handmade... by young and very talented designer Crystal Tsoi.

Brides at Akira SS 2012

Colorful joy at Akira SS 2012

Sharp laser show finale at Blessed Are The Meek

Hope you enjoyed this post!

xx

Maria

*All photographs by Maria V. Not to be used without permission.

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MBFWA 2012 diary - the best moments of fashion is a post from CrashingRed.com

Yesterday I was delighted to attended the preview of the new Summer Spring 2012 Tony Bianco collection. You know how we all went crazy about Karissa earlier this year? Well lovelies, get ready for a real treat in the new fashion season. From candy colored ankle strap heels to metallic LadyGaga-esque shoes, the variety of styles is unbelievable. And how lovely (and most importantly, super comfortable!) are those nude flatforms? My wardrobe would happily accommodate quite a few pairs from the new range. Well, enough said - let the photos do the talking.

So, did you find your perfect match yet?

xx

Maria

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Tony Bianco Spring Summer 2012 collection is a post from CrashingRed.com

Zara jacket (another one I love is here) and jeans, D&G heels, DIY necklace, Karen Walker sunglasses (sold out, other pretty round sunglasses are here), Chanel Rouge Allure 60 Vertige lipstick

What constitutes one's style? Following a personal dress code, the same colour palette or geometry?  While attempting to  clear my wardrobe recently, I realised it may be time to define my own style and set some rules. However, before I do, let me wear one or two things that are simply adorable. Like this floral print jacket. Perfectly tailored in black and white print, it is an exception to a long help personal fashion rule - 'no floral print'. Paired with classic black skinny jeans and stilettos, it fits my usual stylistic preferences just fine... Red lips, of course, as a statement is a must.

Have a lovely Monday, darlings!

xx

Maria

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Floral print for a day is a post from CrashingRed.com

Blessed Are The Meek jacket, Zara jeans, Kookai jumper, Bob Basics beanie, Loeffler Randall booties, vintage gold rings (similar rings here)

Every year when winter is approaching I ask myself the same question and every year the answer is different... Not only because fashion changes but mostly because winters are very different in different places. For example, while living in Brisbane I wouldn't imagine myself wearing coats, gloves and hats in winter time in Australia. Well now, happily, I do and moreover this winter I'll be adding something furry (faux!) to my wardrobe. Maybe something that will look like this jacket? Its fitted silohette and the juxtaposition of leather with fur will allow for many chic winter looks.

So dear reader, what's your answer to 'What to wear when it's cold?'

xx

Maria

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What to wear when it is cold is a post from CrashingRed.com