Hair & Make-Up Trends

After having a look at various makeup trends from magazines and online catwalk beauty trends, I have noticed a few reoccurring looks. I am in love with this year's SS15 beauty trends and I cannot wait to be wearing them myself.

Pastels

Pastels were showcased at the likes of Fendi, Matthew Williamson and Sally Lapointe and were often teamed with a fresh face and nude or pink lip. The pastels create a fresh and youthful look, perfect for Spring! These looks were complimentary of the collections. There is something very innocent pretty about pastels, and have to be a favourite look for Spring.

At Fendi , the eyeliner was pastel blue leather, the same material used for the clothing. This was stuck to the lashline with glue.

Barrionuevo, A., Barrionuevo, A. and articles..., R. (2014). Leather Eyeliner at Fendi Spring 2015 - theFashionSpot. [online] theFashionSpot. Available at: http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/469293-leather-eyeliner-at-fendi-spring-2015/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015]

At Sally Lapointe, purple haze was the prominent beauty focus. Makeup artists created a sold purple lid and added hair extensions to create a streaky colour effect. The rest of the skin was left soft and natural looking.  

Pinterest, (2015). Spring/Summer 2015 Looks. [online] Available at: https://www.pinterest.com/luxeit/springsummer-2015-looks/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

Similar looks were showcased at Badgley Mischka. Pastel coloured eyebrows matched similarly pastel streaked hair. The look is soft but has a harder edge to it. The colours varied with different models, and I adore this look!

NewYorkDress, (2015). Get inspired by the whimsical beauty of Badgley Mischka Spring 2015!. [online] Available at: http://www.newyorkdress.com/blog/NYFW_Beauty_with_Badgley_Mischka_September_2014.html [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

The pastel looks remind me of 70s makeup, especially the purple haze, and were often teamed with a soft centre parting hairstyle which emphasises the bohemian effect with tousled waves of hair. In contrast to this soft soft bohemian look, other popular trends include the slicked back wet hair.


Wet Look Hair

Wet look hair has come in varieties of 'wetness' this season on the catwalk, and the likes of Thakoon, Amanda Wakeley and Balenciaga have demonstrated this trend. Catwalk hair has often been criticised as being unwearable for everyday, yet this year the wet look hair almost looks just like after getting out of the shower!

At Thakoon the wet look hair was very extreme and the hair looks almost as if it could be ringed out. Diane Kendal's design had the intention to make the models appear as if they had just come out of the pool, creating a complimentary style to the summery glow of the skin. The models look fresh and youthful with this trending hairstyle which has been teamed with heavily glossed eyelids and brushed up brows.

StyleBlazer, (2014). #NYFW Beauty How To: Glossy, Just Out Of The Water Hair At Thakoon SS15. [online] Available at: http://styleblazer.com/321606/nyfw-beauty-hair-thakooon/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

The hair at Amanda Wakeley is a little more subtle with the hair looking less 'soaked' and has more structure, pulling the hair back off the face. This look is again fresh and looks very effortless. They have teamed this hair look with a fresh face and bronze eyes.

J.V.W BEAUTY, (2014). Off the Runway: Spring/ Summer 2015 Makeup Trends. [online] Available at: https://jvwbeauty.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/off-the-runway-spring-summer-2015-makeup-trends/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

Balenciaga showcased a simple and sleek centre parting. The hair doesn't necessarily look 'wet', but has a definite shine, creating a glossy effect. The centre parting is perfectly straight and defined. The makeup is bare, with bleached eyebrows. This look appears to be androgynous and allows the main focus to be placed on the clothing collection.

Limited, H. (2015). Balenciaga SS15. [online] Harrods. Available at: http://www.harrods.com/style-insider/fashion-shows/ss15/balenciaga [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

Dewy Skin

Dewy and radiant skin has been a common element to pretty much every beauty look on the recent catwalks and is one of the biggest trends for SS15. Dewy skin creates a gorgeous youthful glow and produces a beautiful reflection on highlighted areas. Makeup is usually minimal with dewy skin, but looks effortlessly sexy. Dewy skin has been showcased on models from Altuzarra, Donna Karan and Marni.

SHAREIGHT, (2014). Get Backstage Beautified - SHAREIGHT. [online] Available at: http://blog.shareight.com/get-backstage-beautified/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

SHAREIGHT, (2014). Get Backstage Beautified - SHAREIGHT. [online] Available at: http://blog.shareight.com/get-backstage-beautified/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

Vogue UK, (2015). Spring/Summer 2015: Backstage Beauty. [online] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2014/09/08/spring-summer-2015-hair-beauty-backstage-photos/gallery/1253789 [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

I have also picked out a few of my personal favourites beauty looks at this year's SS15 shows. Also I have selected some looks I believe to reflect MUA as a brand and their products.

Lately I have noticed a massive increase of purple haze/berry coloured eyes. This look is so feminine and flirtatious and has perfect timing for the Valentines period. One of my favourite looks has come from the Matthew Williamson show, where make-up artist, Charlotte tilbury created a beautiful colourful eye which was "inspired by hibiscus flowers and the floral prints seen in the designer's SS15 collection". The product used for this was Creaseless Cream Shadow in Always a Bridesmaid, which was used all over the eyelid and brought up to the brows.

Moir, S. and Moir, S. (2015). London Fashion Week SS15: Backstage Beauty Blog. [online] Yahoo Lifestyle UK. Available at: https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/barefaced-beauty/london-fashion-week-ss15--backstage-beauty-blog-112214326.html [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

Delicious berry stained lips where showcased at Dolce & Gabbana and teamed with a subtle skin and eye look, creating a heavy focus on the lips. This look is perfect for day or night time and the berry hue can be altered depending on the skin tone.

Freelancetheworkspace.com, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.freelancetheworkspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BERRYLIPSDOLCE.jpg [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

Another lip trend I came across was from Tanya Taylor, make-up artist Uzo, NARS International Lead Makeup Stylist, used a beautifully bold neon lip.

"The Tanya Taylor woman is always crisp, fresh and bold. She loves a surprise and appreciates the unexpected. Her make-up mirrors that expression again this season with classically radiant and highlighted skin combined with a shockingly bright orange-red lip."

Najlakaddour.com, (2014). NARS SS'15 make-up looks from New York Fashion Week -. [online] Available at: http://najlakaddour.com/nars-ss15-makeup-looks-from-new-york-fashion-week/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

This makeup look has to be one of my favourites! The skin is effortlessly flawless, with subtle colour to the eyes, creating heavy emphasis on the colour pop of the lips. The texture of the lips are matte and look very similar to the effect MUA's product, MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in Atomic. The look is screams summer, and I can't get enough of it. 

When it comes to hair, there is no escaping the braid. Braids are a never ending trend and can be incorporated into many looks. There are so many ways braids can create an interesting look. From Mara Hoffman's romantic fishtail braid, to Marissa Webb's punky mohawk braided hair look.


























XpressMag, (2015). spring summer 2015 hairstyles mara-hoffman - XpressMag. [online] Available at: http://www.xpressmag.com/12-trendy-hairstyles-spring-summer-2015/spring-summer-2015-hairstyles-mara-hoffman/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

XpressMag, (2015). spring summer hairstyles 2015 marissa-webb braid - XpressMag. [online] Available at: http://www.xpressmag.com/12-trendy-hairstyles-spring-summer-2015/spring-summer-hairstyles-2015-marissa-webb-braid/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

There was another particular look which stood out for me at this year's shows for SS15. This was Ashish, which was fabulously glittery and outrageous. The models wore tinsel wefts, had bejewelled faces and sported "cosmic cluster" nail art. The nail art is what stood out to me, after purchasing some crazy nail foils from MUA. This beauty look is not particularly wearable, but I admire the creativity and boldness. The nail art was also on the toes and was said to be reflective of the chunky jewellery pieces in Ashish's collection.



























Yee, T. (2015). Backstage Beauty: Glitter, sparkle and ‘cosmic clusters’ at Ashish. [online] WGSN Blog. Available at: http://www.wgsn.com/blogs/beauty/backstage-beauty-glitter-sparkle-and-cosmic-clusters-at-ashish [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

Moir, S. and Moir, S. (2015). London Fashion Week SS15: Backstage Beauty Blog. [online] Yahoo Lifestyle UK. Available at: https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/barefaced-beauty/london-fashion-week-ss15--backstage-beauty-blog-112214326.html [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

March, B. (2015). Tips for trying 3 hot beauty trends. [online] Cosmopolitan. Available at: http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/beauty-hair/beauty-trends/tips/a33218/2015-beauty-trends-tips/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2015].

S., E. (2014). Spring Beauty Trends Fresh from the Runway | bestbeautypicks. [online] Bestbeautypicks.com. Available at: http://bestbeautypicks.com/spring-beauty-trends-fresh-from-runway/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2015].

MUA Social Media

Social Media is something not to under estimate. The power of the internet can make or break a brand, and in this case, MUA has mastered it. MUA has a page on virtually every mainstream social media website and proves to have masses of followers. As this brand has a primary target market of slightly younger generations, having a strong social media and following is vital for the brand's success. 

I created a survey to find out where exactly are people hearing about MUA. Here are two of the relevant questions in the survey and the results. As you can see, MUA has gained a considerable amount of it's notability through Social Media and ten out of these people follow their Social Media sites.

If we go over to MUA Make Up Academy's online store, there is a link at the top to take you to their blog. We are then taken directly to the MUA blog where you can find up to date blog posts, showing different trends from straight off the catwalk, makeup tutorials, occasion makeup and general product reviews. This has been a new find of mine through researching for this semester, and I must say I am very happy to have come across it. The MUA makeup artist shows how she has applied the makeup and uses MUA products only so that customers/followers can achieve the same look at affordable prices and with minimal effort.

At the top of the blog page we can see a few icons (as previously discussed) that can take us directly to their social media sites. This is a very useful tool if you want to find any makeup inspiration, further product info/reviews or any other makeup artists using the products. From right to left: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, Pinterest, Instagram.

MUA, (2015). Makeup Academy Blog - Make Up Academy is known for its affordable & high quality products, built up from MUA (all £1) & a recent extension with MUA Professional. [online] Makeup Academy Blog. Available at: http://blog.muastore.co.uk/ [Accessed 19 Jan. 2015].

The Facebook page is extremely easy to find by just typing the brand's name into the search bar. Once on the page is up, the page is very easy to navigate, and for a regular Facebook user, I believe that this is very well laid out and well presented. You also have the option to follow the page, so you receive regular updates of new products, discounts and trends. MUA's makeup artist also posts videos showing makeup tutorials which are achievable for all abilities. To the left, you have the option to click on the video which then takes you their video uploads. I personally think their Facebook page creates a great online following for the brand and targets their market of younger generations very appropriately. I follow the page and always look forward to their posts to see what's new and the biggest current trends.

MUA, (2015). Make Up Academy (MUA). [online] Facebook. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/MUAmakeupacademy [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

The twitter page also creates another great social media platform for MUA. As you can see on their account, they have a large following. Their profile states:

"MakeUp Academy is known for its affordable & high quality products, built up from MUA (all £1) & a recent extension with MUA Professional (from £1.50 to £8)."

This helps people understand the brand if they are new to their following. Again, Twitter allows an easy access to the brand for people who have an account. Twitter is such a large social media site that the majority of of today's internet/social media users will have an account. There are also many smart phones who provide the option to install the mobile phone app, creating an incredibly easy access. On their twitter account, you can see by just scrolling down that they are very interactive with their followers which I believe is very important. This means that they engage with their customers and make the brand feel very personal.

MUA, (2015). Make Up Academy(MUA) (@MUAcosmetics) | Twitter. [online] Twitter.com. Available at: https://twitter.com/muacosmetics [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

By clicking on the YouTube link at the top of the blog page, a new tab will appear. The YouTube page is again very easy to navigate, and we are able to view detailed makeup tutorials using MUA products. This is a great way of gaining further understanding of the products and how they can be used. The videos aren't uploaded very regularly and there are only a few available. But I feel that each video is useful and informative, and promotes the products well. A positive with YouTube is that you don't need an account to access the site and the videos can be easily found through the search bar or links on the Blog page.  

MUA, (2015). MUAcosmeticsTV. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/user/MUAcosmeticsTV [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

The Vimeo MUA account is a little more limited than the YouTube page. Vimeo isn't as popular as YouTube, but the site is also easily accessible through the blog. They have only posted four videos and the videos just promote the newest products, rather than showing tutorials. 

(MUA), M. (2014). Make Up Academy (MUA). [online] Vimeo. Available at: http://vimeo.com/muacosmetics [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

Pinterest is another great way of keeping MUA's followers up to date with products, trends and inspiration. Scrolling through the account, you can see that they are updating regularly with trends and new makeup collections. With Pinterest, you can follow the account as a whole or you can follow individual boards. You can also see what the account has 'repinned' and predict what upcoming trends will be. 

MUA, (2015). MUA Cosmetics (muamakeup). [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://uk.pinterest.com/muamakeup/ [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

Instagram has to be one of my favourite social media sites - It's all pictures! On the MUA account they post other makeup artist's work and show how they have used their products. This is a great way to access other makeup artists easily and gain inspiration. They also post the latest products and trends, along with online offers. This is a great form of advertising for the brand - I have even fallen for this trap before, not that I'm complaining. 

MUA, (2015). MUA Cosmetics (@muacosmetics) • Instagram photos and videos. [online] Instagram.com. Available at: http://instagram.com/muacosmetics [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

THEY HAVE EVEN MENTIONED ME BEFORE! <3

Instagram, (2015). MUA Cosmetics on Instagram: “When in doubt, wear glitter, like @bryonycampbell93 who used Pearl Eyeshadow in Golden (topped with Vaseline and glitter), Lipstick in…”. [online] Available at: https://instagram.com/p/13YmPpM5JF/?taken-by=muacosmetics [Accessed 26 Apr. 2015].

Customer Profile

Typically speaking, the MUA Cosmetics customer is usually as follows:

Gender:

MUA Cosmetics customers are predominantly female.

Age:

The age generally ranges between 15 and 22.

Occupation:

This age range would suggest that MUA customers are usually either students, or work part time (eg. Highstreet retail).

General Interests:

The MUA customer enjoys socialising with friends and leading fun, active lifestyles. They may have an interest in fashion and keep up to date with trends.

Where they may shop:

The general age and given budget would suggest that the MUA customer would shop in Forever21, H&M, New Look, Boohoo.com or Missguided.com.

Desired product outcome:

MUA’s lower cost products enables a greater accessibility to the customer, which encourages guilt free experimentation. The prices allow customers to make decisions based on want, rather than need. The customer has the opportunities to enhance natural beauty, but to also develop an individuality with the range of products and colours provided. MUA’s products can be conveniently purchased on the highstreet, where the customer is likely to shop.

This mood board creates an idea of the potential lifestyle that an MUA Cosmetics customer may lead. The mood board displays young females with free spirits, enjoying the company of their friends. The women in this mood board all display a natural beauty and a clear interest in fashion.

Introduction: Make Up Academy (MUA) Cosmetics

MUA Cosmetics are one of my favourite High Street brands and are highly available; sold in most Superdrug stores nationally. MUA also have a wonderful online store where products can be bought and shipped worldwide.

 YouTube, (2015). Review MUA (makeup academy). [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29w1z_D_-a8 [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

I first came about MUA when recommended by friends and fellow makeup students. I was recommended their eyeshadow palettes which come in a fantastic range! Rumour has it that their neutral palettes are the perfect dupes to Urban Decay’s Naked range! And yes, I completely agree, and at only £4 each for a 12 shade palette it would simply be rude not to purchase. My first purchases were the ‘Undress Me Too’ and ‘Heaven And Earth’ palettes and I have never looked back. I use these palettes on a day to day basis and also for night time makeup. They are utterly fabulous and perfect for any age, budget and profession. I even use these in my kit! They also produce makeup brushes which I think are pretty damn incredible for their price. I even think that some beat high end brand's brushes and prefer to use these in my kit.

Muse, I. (2013). MUA Makeup Academy Undress Me Too Palette You Will Be Mine!. [online] Musings of a Muse. Available at: http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2013/02/mua-makeup-academy-undress-me-too-palette-you-will-be-mine.html [Accessed 6 Feb. 2015].

On MUA’s website in the About Us section, they state this:

“Great makeup doesn’t need to cost the earth and it is MUA’s promise to bring surprising quality, colour, fun and innovation to each and every product it delivers. Bringing guilt free makeup to every ladies makeup bag!”

I fully agree with what they have said here. The range they supply meets every need in terms of colours, quality and price. With this, it is clear that their motives are to bring back the fun of makeup and give the freedom to experiment. There are many makeup brands today that charge extortionate amounts for their products, just for printing their name on the packaging, which really limits the amount customers can spend, and therefore creating limitations. MUA also state on their page:

“The team at MUA towers are constantly thinking of ways of creating fantastic products that deliver great value to your makeup bags. Inspired by playing with colour, there is something for everyone and with the introduction of the Professional range customers can buy amazing palettes, foundations and primers all for under £4.”

Muastore.co.uk, (2015). Help & FAQ | MUA Make up Academy. [online] Available at: http://www.muastore.co.uk/help [Accessed 18 Jan. 2015].

MUA, (2015). About | MUA Make up Academy. [online] Muastore.co.uk. Available at: http://www.muastore.co.uk/about [Accessed 19 Jan. 2015].

I am also delighted with their social media advertising. Their Facebook page is very current and provides information on new products and current makeup trends straight off the catwalk. This may suggest that their target market is for the slightly younger generation who are more renown for using such websites. At the top of their blog website page, there are options to go to various links/pages where their social media pages can be found, and within one click you can be linked:

On their online website and social media sites, they also show their videos which discuss new products, trends and tutorials. These show how their makeup can be applied and for what occasions. I love these sort of videos, as they make the products even more accessible for everyone. 

MUA, (2015). Makeup Academy Blog - Make Up Academy is known for its affordable & high quality products, built up from MUA (all £1) & a recent extension with MUA Professional. [online] Makeup Academy Blog. Available at: http://blog.muastore.co.uk/ [Accessed 19 Jan. 2015].

Because MUA didn't provide a massive amount of information on their website, or on any other websites, I decided to email them to find out a little more about the brand itself. They were very helpful and directed me to the correct people in order to answer my questions. I was pleasantly answered by the lovely Jade who works in the Social Media department of MUA:

Q: When was MUA founded, and who by?

A: 2015 is our 5th Birthday year! We were founded in April 2010 by FBBeauty

Q: Where is MUA based?

A: We’re based in the UK with our office in central London

Q: What were the starting motives for MUA?

A: I’m afraid I can’t answer this fully, as the original managing director has left the company but mainly to bring affordable trend led cosmetics to the highstreet with a quality to rival higher end products on the market, and allow price point

Q: What has inspired the brand to produce quality products for such a (more than) reasonable price? 

A: MUA wants to make sure that all products we produce are what people want to see, follow the movement of the makeup industry and allow anyone – young and older – to access the products without breaking the bank

Q: Who is 'MUA's target market'?

A: Our biggest buyers tend to be 15 – 22 yrs of age – students that want to keep up with the latest makeup trends on a budget, so we try to cater for those ages as much as we can while not alienating the younger and older age ranges

Q: What do you believe to be the desired product outcomes are for the MUA customers?

A: Customers like items that perform well, and dupe higher price point products that they may not be able to afford (or at least afford in every shade! ;) )

Q: How much has social media made an impact for MUA?

A: Social Media makes a HUGE impact for us – we do not have much in the way of advertising so we reply on our social media to show customers what they are getting when they buy from us and what they can achieve with our products

Q: What are your most successful products/ranges?

A: The Luxe range of Velvet Lip Lacquers and the £1 line of Lipsticks are our best sellers – followed by the Palettes and Brow Kits