Australian fashion week 2023 has passed us by, and boy, oh boy, what a week! From unique street style that screams “look at me” to timeless silhouettes strutting down the runway, we’re leaving this year’s fashion extravaganza with jaw-dropping inspiration.

While fashion indeed stole our hearts, the beauty looks behind the scenes were absolutely impeccable. From sleek, slicked-back ponytails oozing with attitude, and faux fringes, to updos so heavily gelled, they could withstand a hurricane.

If you haven’t had a chance to spot the best hair and makeup looks that graced the runways during Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023, keep reading and get ready to feel inspired. 

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Best Beauty Trends From AAFW 2023

Photo by Getty Images

CUE

Models at CUE’s AAFW debut matched the brand’s edgy collection with pared back skin, grungy smoked out black and silver eyes and shiny, lived in hair pushed off the face. The gritty eye look was tailored to each model’s eye shape and skin tone with some concentrating colour more intensely on the lower lash line, some diffusing shadow all the way to the brow bone, and some maintaining colour across the entire lid and lash line.

Photo by Lucas Dawson 

Bondi Born

Designed with the essence of contemporary Australian style; effortlessness, optimism and a relaxed aesthetic, the colour palette of BONDI BORN’s Resort 24 collection, LEVEQUE embraced the label’s essence of pared-back elegance, contemporary clean lines, bold colour and eye-catching silhouettes, introducing a new dimension of luxurious softness and fluidity to this collection.

Renya Xydis and her team from Wella Professionals achieved a harmonious blend of natural hair and effortless styles, showcased through the artful incorporation of classic plaits with a modern twist.

Best Beauty Trends From AAFW 2023 Albus Lumen

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Albus Lumen

Debuting Albus Lumen’s second unisex collection, Phase II, models walked the runway this Thursday wearing looks inspired by the beauty of the ocean, nostalgia, faith and the future. To evoke the shimmer of the beach at sunrise, skin was prepped to look dewy, and pops of pink highlighter were applied to the high points of each model’s face. Sand was also applied to the cheeks of models and if long enough, their hair was slicked back with gel. While we’re not sure if sand will become a beauty trend any time soon, glowing pink skin has definitely caught our eye.

Photo by Getty Images

Blanca

Models at this year’s Blanca show walked the runway then maintained a static pose until the entire collection was revealed. Showcasing each model’s individuality, skin and hair were prepped to appear natural, effortless and almost glossy.

Maggie Marilyn Best Beauty Trends From AAFW 2023

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Maggie Marilyn

Unveiling her first international runway show Maggie Marilyn presented chic, vibrant, playful, and feminine silhouettes with elevated wardrobe essentials. From hand-painted floral prints to timeless stripes embodying the spirit of the season, this collection celebrates coastal memories and the resilience of those who pursue their passions even when faced with challenges. To enhance the radiant summer looks, clean beauty skincare brand Emma Lewisham was part of the show, taking care of a fresh and glowing barefaced beauty look, while Dyson Hair Ambassador Renya Xydis effortlessly styled hair reminiscent of carefree beach days.

Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 Henne

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Henne

One of our favourite shows, Henne, effortlessly blended opulence with modernity and timelessness. Lancôme, Redken Hair, and Essie collaborated to create the sleek beauty look. Lancôme highlighted natural skin with Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation, while Redken Hair showcased a sleek hair origami style. Essie’s nail polish shades perfectly matched the Henne collection.

Kristian Kimber Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023

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Christian Kimber

Gentlemanly hair and Luminous, soft-focus skin was in at Christian Kimber’s first runway show on Tuesday. Under the warm toned lights and with a live indie rock band playing in the background, each model’s makeup exuded a cool bronzy effortlessness that clashed perfectly with their neatly styled hair.

Photo by Getty Images

The Innovators: Christopher Daod, Donovan Darling, Eden Me-Tal, Georgia Robinson, and Monique Menezes

In order to best showcase the collections of five emerging Australian designers, hair and makeup at Wednesday’s Innovators show featured sleek hairstyles and pared-back makeup with pops of silver shadow. We think this frosty smoked out look will be quick to make its way off the runway this winter.

Erik Yvon AAFFW 2023

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Erik Yvon

With bold coloured brows, sky high wigs and glitter slicked hair and skin, models at Erik Yvon’s second standalone show brought joy and genderfluid sex appeal to the traditionally serious runways this year. While wigs and legendarily long nails might not be feasible for the every day, we can definitely see some Erik Yvon inspired teased updos and bold winged eyeliner in our future. 

Looks were achieved with Innisfree, Bioderma, Benefit, All Shades Matter Cosmetics, So Pretty Nails, and Redken.

Photo by Dam Roberts

Joslin

Joslin’s Resort ’24 “Cirrus” Collection spotlighted their renowned natural fabrications like organic cotton, linen, and silk. The ultra-feminine detailing included handcrafted crochet, lace, and intricate embroidery, creating a captivating and lustrous allure. The collection also featured lightweight knitwear for comfort and style. The beauty look, curated by Beauty Director Lara Srokowski for LANCÔME, exuded serenity with burnt orange inspiration, while Hair Director Pauline McCabe crafted a textured, grunge-inspired hair look for ORIGINAL & MINERAL.

Acler Australian fashion week 2023
Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images for Acler

Acler

Acler, co-founded by Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, is known for quality textiles and masterful draping. The new Resort 24′ Collection showcased their iconic techniques, along with a breathtaking Bridal Edit. The collection featured sculptural volume, fluid shapes, and reimagined suiting in a vibrant colour palette. Acler’s meticulous design approach highlighted tactile craftsmanship, while metallic details and flattering dresses added allure. The collection exuded a beauty, clean makeup look with a confident aesthetic and a touch of androgyny.

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