Photo by Kieran Punay
An intentional attention to the eyes is one of BYS Fashion Week’s biggest beauty trends. From bright colored lids to a subtle wash of bronze shimmers, here are the best eye makeup trends spotted at BYS Fashion Week 2023.
BYS put beauty trend-forward looks on the runway for their self-titled BYS Fashion Week 2023, pairing directional makeup and skin with Filipino designers across a range of aesthetics and inspiration points. A common theme? Childhood memories, artistic aspirations and frustrations, and the personal lives that go on behind the bright lights. Amidst the whirlwind of trends, one unmistakable focal point emerged: the eyes. Bright, whimsical liner, larger-than-life lashes, and even the classic no-makeup makeup look all come together in a broad range of artistry from this year’s lineup.
Make no mistake—whether it be the runways of New York, Paris, or Manila, fashion week’s greatest common beauty denominator remains to be ever dewy, glass, skin-like skin. However, whether a designer drew inspiration from the minimalist beauty of the ’90s or the glamorous spirit of the early 2000s, their vision found its most compelling expression on the eyes. From vibrant pops of color to understated classics, here are some eye makeup trends we spotted at BYS Fashion Week.
Rafa Worldwide: Skinny Brows
“The glitz and glamor of the early 2000s—that’s my childhood,” shares designer Raf Villas. The Y2K supermodel aesthetic made a stark comeback on the Rafa Worldwide runway with long, pencil-thin eyebrows drawn just above the brow bone. While we might not see a complete revert back into this trend in day-to-day glam, there is no doubt that thinner, non-dramatic brows are on the rise. A remnant of minimalist ‘90s beauty, the skinny brow also made its appearance at Vania Romoff.
Antonina: Icy Eyes
The weather forecast at Antonina showed only cold showers. Weathered hair, dewy skin, and sheer gloss were contrasted by icy accents meant to emulate splashes of water. Metallic icy-white pigment enveloped the eyes, extending into the brow and trickling down to the hollow of the eyes.
Neric Beltran: Natural Flutters
A parade of blushing, glowing brides graced the aisle at Neric Beltran. Next to the radiant skin and dewy blush, the understated use of mascara on natural lashes provided the right balance for the overall look. A foil to the matte palette of cool-toned browns and coral hues, the light mascara offered a breath of fresh air on the lids—a subtle detail that strikes as simple but elevates.
Ha.Mu: Single Color Wash
Bright and bold. At Ha.Mu, effervescent shades of red and greens are diffused around the eyes in a solid wash of color. A daring spill over onto the under-eyes and an occasional venture onto the cheeks in a whimsical blush draping effect make for an avante-garde look.
Cheetah Rivera: Subtle Tightline
Cheetah Rivera lends us a viable option to ditch the winged flick and instead trade it in for soft, tightlined eyes. Applying a subtle liner to the waterline creates a delicate, smoky definition on the eyes. Pair with a light bronze on the lids for a bolder, sexier look. Tightlined eyes take a more daring role in Rafa Worldwide’s grunge ensembles.
Vania Romoff: Sophisticated Restraint
Show stylist Mj Benitez shares that “like the collection, I wanted the beauty look to be a lesson on restraint.” In contrast to Y2K, bright colors find themselves out of sync with the neutral-loving 90s aesthetic. Unlined eyes and only a light wash of cool-toned browns on the lids take center stage on Vania Romoff’s runway, a quintessential technique to add onto your no-makeup makeup routine.
Chris Nick: The ‘90s Smoke
Sultry and smokey. This was the primary beauty direction at Chris Nick, fitting for his collection inspired by his daring New York City nightlife. Borne out of a cross between ‘90s grunge and Y2K, bold, dark pigment on the lids buffed over and out into the creases accompanied by sharp flicks of liner give no room for timidity.
Randolf: Pop of Color
At Randolf’s, models were adorned with all things whimsy and theatrical. A hint of the over-the-top playfulness of the ‘90s ushered color into every look. Whether it be on the inner corner, doused in shimmer on the lids, or in the form of graphic liner, color is back brighter than ever.
