Runways can bring some great eye candy and showmanship, but when it comes to beauty looks, they can sometimes take reality and throw it out the window. Case in point: Manning Cartell’s hangover eyes at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. We can get that smudged mascara under-eye look plenty fine on our own. 

But much to our delight, this year at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia our beloved Aussie fashion designers (and their team of hair and makeup pros behind the scenes) actually brought us a lot of looks we love, and can see ourselves trying at home.

Here’s our top six beauty trends from MBFWA 2016 that you need to try.

Main image: Bianca Spender Resort ’17

GET YOUR GLOSS ON

House of Canon

It’s time to say goodbye to the smoky eye… or at least take a break for a season. Instead, smooth a clear lip balm over your lids for a glossy sheen. Add a sheer layer of colour underneath if you want, but just a touch. This look is minimalist but breathes life into your eyes – especially during the dull days of winter.

BRUSH UP THEM BROWS

P.Jame, Aje

Where didn’t we see this trend?! Aje, Rebecca Vallance, Karla Spectic, Bec & Bridge, Christopher Esber, Akira, Bianca Spender, Jennifer Kate, P.E. Nation. They all had them. Very raw and product-free sans a slick of brow gel. Grow them out, brush them out and set them with some gel. Too easy.

GREAT HAIR, DON’T CARE

Macgraw, Albus Lumen, Ginger & Smart

Hair that’s glossy, shiny, and healthy is in. Get that part right, and leave your makeup bare-faced, and you’re all done. Imagine the time you’ll save every morning. Hello, sleep-ins! 

To get your hair as glossy as the models at Albus Lumen, Macgraw, Ginger & Smart and so many other shows, you need to commit to two hair masks a week, spritzing with a heat protecting spray every single time you reach for your hairdryer and straightener, and regular trips to your hairdresser.  

PAINT THE TOWN RED

Kitx, Cynthia Rowley, House of Canon

Craving some colour? The only one you need to reach for this season is a red. On your eyes it’s either bare or barely there, but on the lips you have a choice to go nude, or go bright red. All the reds on the runway were pretty similar, from House of Cannon to Akira, Rebecca Vallance, Kitx and Cynthia Rowley. Bold but elegant, with a perfectly accentuated Cupid’s bow.

SUPER SKIN

Rebecca Vallance

Got your hair into its glossiest, greatest condition ever? Now it’s your skin’s turn. Skin this season is all about glowing from within so your foundation can retire for the season. A good skin care routine, plenty of water and a good ol’ eight hours of sleep a night will get you there.

WISPY LASHES

We Are Handsome, Daniel Avakian

They’re the lashes you wish you were born with. Wispy, long, a little curled but without that false full lash effect were the lashes of choice at Daniel Avakian, P.Jame, and We Are Handsome. Almost Twiggy-inspired, without the Mod vibe. Swap a volumising mascara for a defining one, and feel free to skip applying it at the base of the lashes to clump the lashes together at the tips if you have sparse lashes. 

All images photographed by juliagronowski/BEAUTYDIRECTORY