Let There Be Light
Artists have long understood the importance of luminosity. It has provided divine inspiration to the works of Fra Angelico and Vermeer, radiated clarity to O’Keeffes, and electrified George Hurrell’s glamorous photographs of Marlene Dietrich. Twenty years ago, Yves Saint Laurent made history by creating Touche Eclat, a revolutionary cosmetic with the sole purpose of illuminating the face. In an age of chalky foundations and thick concealers, YSL’s sleek brush-on pen delivered instant brightness, thanks to the reflective pigments in its rich liquid. With just a click, cheekbones were enhanced, under-eye shadows diminished, and the nose contoured. Since then, there have been many imitations but only one Touche Eclat—until next month’s debut of Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation. Sheerer than the original, it’s designed to cover more territory—yet still lightens the dark like magic. Vermeer—or at the very least, his wife—would have loved it.
The Best Beauty Looks
“What’s nice about a short cut is that you can balance the face with it,” Laurent Philippon says.
Read more about this style here.
“On the heels of the recent matte-makeup craze, a complexion that’s one step past dewy suddenly feels fresh.” Read more about this trend here.
“A smoky eye doesn’t have to be charcoal.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“According to the stylist Duffy, a celeb favorite, the key to keeping things modern is to introduce just a touch of dishevelment.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“In a dark shade like Mercier’s Brilliant Glacé in Rose Prism, seen here, a statement lip is achieved with a single swipe.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“‘Guy was a major inspiration in my life,’ says the beauty mogul François Nars.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’None of the girls wanted to wash them off,’ said Gilbert of the jungle-cat markings, which she executed with stencils and colored powder.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’Makeup is about balance,’ Nars says. ‘When the eye makes a statement, the lips should be quiet.’” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“Today’s water-resistant makeup is not only unbudgeable but also light on the skin and easy on the eyes.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’I’m always looking for ways to make hair bigger,’ says Jimmy Paul.’And I’m always trying to adapt my pro tricks for real life.’” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“Yves Saint Laurent turned the beauty world upside down when he added cosmetics to his empire in 1978: From the outset, his shades were bright and in your face.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’A deep side part is really flattering because it frames the face and softens the forehead,’ Guido Palau says.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’He wanted ‘techno butterflies,’explains the makeup artist Pat McGrath.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“After years of taming their tresses into submission with products, heavy-duty devices, and straightening treatments, women are embracing their curves again.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“‘Blonde’ is less an idée fixe and more an ever changing mood.” Read more about this trend here.
“In an age of chalky foundations and thick concealers, YSL’s sleek brush-on pen delivered instant brightness.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“Here, in the form of a blown-out, go-for-broke pout on an otherwise freshly scrubbed face—has a transformative power. ” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“Given this season’s ubiquitous blasts of vibrant yellows, oranges, blues, and pinks on the runways, it’s no surprise that the Fauvist trend has extended to makeup.” Read more about this trend here.
“’A couple of seasons ago, the hair palette was pastel and cool,’ Aura Friedman says. ‘Now it’s about really warm rose and peachy blends.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’The hair looks almost like that of a statue,’ Teddy Charles says.” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’I like to play with makeup,’ Felicity Jones says. ‘It can help you experiment with different roles.’” Read more about this beauty trend here.
“’A fresh face with a red lip is timeless,’ François Nars says.” Read more about this trend here.
“By cutting into the hair, you allow it to move more naturally—and I love the way the ends turn out piece-y. The look is softer, fresher, more bohemian.” Read more about this trend here.
Makeup By Polly Osmond. Hair By Rudi Lewis. Model: Ginta Lapina at Women Model Management.