The ballerina pirouettes in and out of beauty style.
A few years ago, she was a Black Swan, with slinky, inky eyes and a sleek, slicked-back bun inspired by Natalie Portman’s big screen ballet turn. This season, the beauty ballerina is back, but in a much lighter, airier guise. Think Odette, not Odile.
Here are five ways to tap into the trend. En pointe, of course!
1. Lancôme French Ballerine collection
Fronted by new Lancôme face Lily Collins (above), this just-hit-counter colour collection is all about luminous cheeks and glossy lips, tulle-worthy eye shadow and shimmer hues, and an array of every ballet-lover’s favourite colour … pink! My favourite: Highlighter Blush in the suit-all shade of Rose Ballerine, $72, complete with an adorable satin bow. Hurry to your nearest David Jones or Myer – the collection is limited edition.
2. Penhaligon’s Iris Prima
Inspired by the English National Ballet dancers, this work of art (whose choreographer is perfumer Alberto Morillas) is as sheer as tulle and as pretty and romantic as a prima ballerina dancing Giselle. The first act sees a selection of sparkling top notes (bergamot, pink pepper) dancing up a storm. Moving onto Act 2 – the heart – and here is where the star iris makes her appearance, creating a powdery illusion. As for the finale, there are some lovely light woods and a dash of vanilla in the base, but it’s the musky leather note that steals the spotlight – it has been added as a cute nod to the pointe shoe. The label on the bottle and box also references a ballerina’s slipper. Totally bravo-worthy.
3. Essie Ballet Slippers
As pink and pretty as satin dance shoes, this powder-soft pale polish is a perennial best-seller – it never goes out of fashion, mostly because it’s a neutral (albeit a super-pretty one) that works with any outfit. Since its 1982 debut, it has won over the hearts of brides, a Queen (apparently it’s what Queen Elizabeth II wears under her gloves) and designers such as Carolina Herrera, who chose this classic hue for models’ nails at her recent FW14 catwalk show.
4. The Ballerina Bun
Also spotted on the recent New York runways (see all the top NYFW trends here) – at Diane Von Furstenberg – was this pretty updo:
Having been inspired by ballerinas at rehearsal – not on the stage – it’s a casual take on their signature sleek hair style. To achieve the effect, hair stylist Orlando Pita pulled hair into a ponytail, which was placed high at the back of the head. He then misted a teasing brush with hairspray and raked it from hairline to the base of the ponytail, which created the carefree style of texture you see over the crown. Finally, he twisted the tail around itself and pinned it imperfectly into place.
5. The Ballet Barre Workout
Not many of us would say no to a ballerina’s body (poor, sore feet not included). Which is why ballet barre fitness classes have become so popular in recent times (having fans such as Madonna and Natalie Portman has helped the cause, too). Using a barre for much of the workout, you can expect many graceful balletic style moves, using very small through to large ranges of motion. But many classes also throw components of pilates and yoga into the workout mix, which makes for improved core strength, flexibility and balance. With an emphasis on weight-bearing work, you can also look forward to longer, leaner-look muscles. Barre Body – situated throughout Sydney and Melbourne – is a good place to start or, if you live elsewhere in Australia, try one of the Barre Body DVDs.