A Monique Lhuillier runway show never disappoints — this season, we got an exclusive backstage pass to see how the magic happens. Kérastase and MAC created a fresh and glam beauty look inspired by ’60s starlets, like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Come check it out!

Get the Look: Retro-Chic Chignon

First, Kérastase lead stylist Nina Dimachki applied a mixture of Volumactive Mousse, Volumactive Spray, and Ciment Thermique to add texture and create a second-day hair effect. Then, she blow-dried the hair to set the product, curled it with a one-inch iron and pinned up the curls while they were still warm.

The pins were then released to reveal a head full of bouncy curls. Want gorgeous curls that will last all night long at your wedding? “Use mousse to create a great foundation for your hairstyle. It will secure the look and give your hair that coarseness and extra grip when you curl it,” said Dimachki.

Next, she divided the hair into two sections; thinner on the top and thicker on the bottom. The bottom section was gathered into a low ponytail, and the top part was flipped over and pinned slightly above the ponytail.

Then, Dimachki rolled the pony under and pinned it at the nape of the neck.

As the finishing touch, she used a hot curling iron to create an indent at the top of the bun, which served as the perfect nesting place for a veil or hair comb. The result: A smooth and sleek updo.

Get the Look: Mod ’60s Makeup

Romero Jennings, the Senior Artist at MAC North America, dolled up the models for the show. The Monique bride is sophisticated yet youthful, so he wanted to create a look that reflected that elegance.

Romero focused mainly on the eyes, using a pale white shadow and sleek liner to create a cat eye.

The makeup artists used a mix of taupe and pink lipstick to create a soft and natural-looking lip.

Then, they used Studio Fix, a mineralized buildable powder foundation, for a matte finish. “Matte is the new glow. Many brides want glowing, dewy skin, but a matte finish looks the best in photographs,” Romero said. When applied with a light touch, it provides full coverage while maintaining a translucent finish. 

Lastly, he topped the foundation with MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.

How beautiful is the finished look?

Before I knew it, the models were all primped and ready to strut their stuff on the catwalk. I found my way to my seat, the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s song “Moon River” started to play, and the parade of gorgeous gowns began…

—Mary Gillen