Beauty trends spotted at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023

Afterpay Australian Fashion Week is about to close, and what a week it’s been. From edgy street style looks, to classic silhouettes on the runway, we’re walking away from this year’s fashion soiree with a ton of inspiration.

But it wasn’t just the fashion that stood out, but also the beauty looks that took place behind the scenes. Slicked-back ponytails, faux fringes, and heavily gelled updos were all the rage.

So let’s take a look at some of the best hair and makeup looks to grace the runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023.

Au natural - Karla Špetić | Hair by Ben Martin for O&M, Revamp Professional and J'Adore Hair | Makeup by Mikele Simone for Synergie Skin and Make Up For Ever

Image credit: Lauren Schulz Visuals

Everyone loves a good no-makeup-makeup moment, especially if it's done this well. At the Karla Špetić show, the models were seen looking like their best selves, with a soft glam smokey eye and sculpted cheekbones. The hair was kept effortless and minimal, perfectly representing what the brand was trying to showcase.

Bold statement lip - ALÉMAIS | Hair by Paloma Garcia for evo | Makeup by Rae Morris for MECCA Beauty

Image credit: Lucas Dawson

Voluminous hair and a bold red lip stole the show at the ALÉMAIS show. Hair stylist Paloma Garcia left the hair free-flowing, and we think it's time to embrace our frizz. Makeup artist Rae Morris kept the skin bronzey and fresh, making sure the lip did all the talking.

Bright eyeshadow - Bec + Bridge | Hair by Diane Gorgievski for Redken| Makeup by Isabella Schimid for MECCA MAX

Image credit: Sonny Photos

Bright colours were spotted backstage at the Bec + Bridge show, with makeup artist Isabella Schimid paying homage to the '90s. “For Bec + Bridge our models are channelling the goddess of the sea, the dolphin. An effortless natural skin base using NARS and Charlotte Tilbury is complimented by hints of pastel blues and citrus hues, thanks to MECCA MAX on the eyes," she said.

Bejewelled hair - Bianca Spender | Hair by Jason Fassbender for Goldwell Australia | Makeup by Lara Srokowski for Lancome

Jason Fassbender was the mastermind behind this stunning splattered hair look at the Bianca Spender show on Tuesday. Using all Goldwell Australia products, Fassbender wanted to make the models appear edgy, juxtaposing Spender's feminine, flowy designs. The low bun appears effortless, and we might recreate this ourselves come summertime.

Bold brows - Wynn Hamlyn | Hair by Keiran Street for WELLA Professionals | Makeup by Sean Brady for MECCA MAX

Image credit: Vienna Marie

Bold eyebrows paired with the reverse eyeliner trend is a match made in heaven. Makeup director Sean Brady described the striking beauty looks; “I've used the MECCA MAX Zoom Liners and Zoom Shadow Sticks (aptly named) to create a look of momentum. As the show is hosted on a go-karting track, I wanted to build on this and depict an element of speed and movement whilst also reflecting the brand's modernity and use of colour that exist within the collection.”