Runway Makeup Collections

No one could accuse big fashion labels of lacking in ambition. For many of them, their spheres of influence know no bounds. Brands like Versace for instance have expanded into all areas of the luxury goods market; there’s Versace furniture, Versace watches, Versace bathroom tiles – you name it. The story is the same for all the major labels, with branded perfumes, jewelry, luggage and every thing else that goes with it. But what about makeup?

On the face of it, designer label makeup might seem like a pointless exercise – who’s going to know that the foundation you’re wearing is in fact made by Dolce & Gabbana? And on top of that, makeup manufacturers have more than proved themselves over the years. Why should you choose cosmetics from a clothing label over that from the likes of Lancôme or Estée Lauder, who have more than established themselves as market leaders over the years?

But this line of reasoning hasn’t stopped the rise of runway makeup collections this season. Big fashion labels like Armani and Louis Vuitton have released “runway inspired” collections that are intended to tie in with their wider fashion brands. And, despite the critique we have given this idea above, people are loving it!

What is the key to their popularity? Is it simply a matter of people wanting to keep up with the latest trends? It’s not quite that simple, according to Luigi Feola, vice president of Procter & Gamble Prestige who produce Dolce & Gabbana’s new Animalier runway makeup line. “Our makeup key consumers are really interested in trend-led products that stand out in the marketplace, in a way that is exclusively Dolce & Gabbana,” he said.

In order to make Animalier “exclusively Dolce & Gabbana,” the new line is inspired by the voracious animal prints from the latest D&G collections. This allows consumers to access the look and feel of their favorite designer, either to tie in with an outfit from that same designer or just as a means of getting the designer look without having to invest in the clothes.

Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily last week, Stefano Gabbana explained how the new makeup line is completely integrated with their wider clothing brand: “We always take inspiration from our fashion collection for the makeup; we’re pushing a lifestyle. The ideas are the same whether we’re working on makeup, a perfume, or a bag.” Demonstrating the effort D&G have put into their makeup, he also said that they spent 18 months perfecting their Animalier bronzer.

There is no doubt that consumers are buying into the idea of runway makeup, but we wonder how much of that is down to the appeal of the label, rather than the quality of the makeup. Your D&G Animalier make-up may allow you to recreate the designer’s famed feline patterns on your lips or your eyes, but couldn’t you do the same thing for less with a moderately-priced, time-tested makeup brand?

We think so. For example, D&G weren’t the first to come up with the idea of animal print lip tattoos. You can pick them up from Violent Lips for around $15 for a pack of three. Also from the new Animalier collection, the D&G precision lip liner is selling for $30, with an eye shadow available for $36. You can get a lip liner from a top brand like Lancôme for under $10, or a great selection of eye shadows from for even less.

Give yourself the runway look for less this season by sticking with the tried and trusted makeup brands you know and love. And if you feel like you just have to buy something from your favorite designer, go for a nice accessory or save up for a great pair of heels or a sexy dress – leave the makeup to the experts.