Lee Mathews x RATIONALE backstage report – May 14th, 2026
This year's AFC Australian Fashion Week, presented by Shark Beauty saw a considered focus on skin-first artistry, with RATIONALE partnering for a second year with Lee Mathews to deliver its signature luminous skin on the runway.
Held at Anibou Furniture Showroom in Redfern, the intimate show brought together key media, buyers, creatives and tastemakers, and like-minded collaborators who have long valued Mathews’ commitment to craftsmanship, design, and vision.
"We’re delighted to have returned as the skincare and makeup partner for Lee Mathews again this year," said RATIONALE head of marketing, Genna Ring.
"There’s a shared DNA of excellence, quality and a uniquely Australian perspective that exists between RATIONALE and Lee Mathews – and this beautifully cohesive look represents those tenets while showcasing the brilliance of polished, protected and perfected skin."
The look:
The Resort 27 beauty look was directed by makeup artist, Linda Jeffreyes and achieved using RATIONALE skincare and colour SPF formulations, creating a luminous, pared-back visage that juxtaposed the intentional exposed finishes and sense of layered construction of Mathews’ vision. Colour veiled skin with a seamless, translucent finish – with subtle draping effects of red-pink cueing the hints of scarlet woven into the collection.
The skin:
"I love first prepping the skin with RATIONALE to create a smooth, softened complexion and particularly #1 The Serum for delivering the signature RATIONALE glow," shared Jeffreyes.
"It creates the perfect canvas to add natural colour and dimension with the Beautiful Balms range."
"It’s a palette and formulation I love returning to for a natural aesthetic that nurtures the skin. Ideal for highlighting the directional aesthetic of the Lee Mathews collection."
The products:
RATIONALE The Instant Radiance Mist ($112 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE #1 The Strengthening Serum ($206 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE #2 The Brightening Light Crème ($202 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE #3 The Brilliance Tinted Serum SPF50+ ($204 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30 ($118 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE Beautiful Cheeks ($82 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE Beautiful Bronze ($82 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE Beautiful Light ($82 at RATIONALE)
RATIONALE Beautiful Lips ($82 at RATIONALE)
For more backstage beauty and hair reports, click here.
Image credit: Supplied/Pippa Jasenko
