BEAUTY PREP SCHOOL: DRAPING MAKEUP TREND

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Long before the current contouring craze took hold, there was a subtler way to sculpt: draping. The technique is the long-lost invention of Way Bandy, a revered makeup artist of the ’70s and ’80s who counted Elizabeth Taylor and Cher as clients—though the look is suddenly making a comeback with appearances on the spring runways of Chanel (seen above), Kenzo and Adam Selman.

Like contouring and strobing, draping delivers the appearance of a more defined bone structure (also known as the drape of the face, hence the name), but makes use of blush rather than dark greyish-brown hues. That means a similar shape-shifting effect, but without the harshness.

The actual technique is similar to the way you wield your contour kit. To make your cheekbones pop, use an angled brush to sweep a deeper blush tone in the hollows below your cheeks. Then, blend a lighter shade along the edges to prevent the colour from looking stripe-y. For a more fashion-forward statement as seen on the catwalks, dust a bright, coordinating powder upwards between the outer corners of your eyes and your temples. With a strong blush statement, be sure to avoid an overpowering lip or lid. Instead, pick tonal hues to play up your fresh flush.

TOOLS TO TRY:

Smashbox L.A. Lights Blush & Highlight Palette in Culver City Coral

Lise Watier Ménage À Trois Blush Powder Trio in Rosé

Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette in Defining Berries

Urban Decay UD Pro Diffusing Blush Brush

Pür Contour Blending Brush