Atlantic City Fashion Week was packed with stunning world-wide designs that came to life on a one of a kind runway over water. The event was a showcase of all that is beautiful from the clothes to the jewelry, the hair and of course the makeup.

Lamont and Jeana Bowling, the shows producers, allowed me and Bravura magazine the opportunity to spend some time backstage to have a look at the up and coming trends for Spring 2014. The looks that the shows producers, designers, as well as the makeup and hair team created surely will not disappoint.

The makeup for the show and spring 2014 can only be described in one way, Flawless! All of the makeup artists were from Glam Squad AC for Motives Cosmetics. Motives was created by Loren Ridinger back in 1992 but has really hit the mainstream market when LaLa became the face of the brand last year. The quality of the makeup speaks for itself, as it wore beautifully through the day on the models with little to no touch ups being needed. Makeup started early at 11am and the show did not start until 8pm, clearly this light feeling makeup does heavy duty work when it comes to durability. Backstage I was able to delight in the many colorful well-pigmented shadow palettes as well as the exquisite texture and color of the blushes and bronzers. I really was a kid in a delicious colorful candy shop!

Behind-the-Scenes for Atlantic City Fashion Week, Photo By: Frank Siegel

While speaking to a few of the Motives artists and brand ambassadors of Glam Squad AC I quickly learned what makes the line so special, the wear of the makeup and the custom foundation. As someone who personally owns over 15 foundations in my own beauty case I am always on the search for the best foundation and Motives certainly delivers! Motives takes the guess work out of finding the perfect match. Realizing that not all women are the same shade of Ivory or Caramel each foundation regardless of coverage level is mixed to fit the clients, or in this case over 50 models, skin shades. This precision of foundation matching and custom blending became crucial to the looks seen for spring 2014 on the Atlantic City Fashion Week runway.

The trend for spring 2014 takes us to light clean flawless looks. The show’s producers and the designers had a vision of nothing but absolute perfection to come from the work of the Motives artists. Spring wont be about a heavy amount of color but rather perfect flawless skin, with natural earth tones accenting the eye, great lash volume and the perfect shade of blush to pop the top of the cheek bone. Lips will be kissed with soft glowing colors to enhance the natural pigment of the lip. Spring and Summer are always fresh and light. It’s a time to wear beautiful color on your body but to let your skin shine in it’s own natural beauty, of course a little enhancement never hurt anyone!

Keeping with the flawless look of the makeup, the spectacular hair team behind Atlantic City fashion week delivered only perfection. When it comes to spring hair inspiration from the runway will hit the streets with long sleek ponytails and vivacious soft wavy hair. Don’t have long hair? Its not a problem. Either of the two lead stylists from the show can create the look for you. Roberta from Hair Chef, and Kisha Jae with her team from the Jolie Beauty school were kept busy elongating the models hair with wonderful extensions in all shades and volumes! The addition of a few well placed tracks made the hair looks come to life. For the men hair was kept natural. Its no surprise that spring means no muss no fuss for the boys! This of course doesn’t mean that some styling cream and a few sprits of some hair spray won’t make its way to a male’s bathroom sink to enhance his grooming experience. Facial hair on the men was kept cleaned and well groomed. So while the boys didn’t spend much time in makeup chairs they were instructed to keep their looks clean and crisp for the show. We will expect the same on the fashionable streets of the tri-state for spring 2014 from the guys!

Spring 2014 will deliver freshness and fun after what surely will be a sultry winter season of glitzy holiday glamor. I can already smell the flowers blooming and feel the lightness and care free spirit of the Spring Beauty 2014!

Model: Morgan Teller, Photo By: Frank Siegel

Thank you to:
Emily M. Mahan, Monica McArthur, Linda McLaughlin from Glam Squad for Motives cosmetics for taking a few moments from their very hectic days to discuss beauty with me!

Kisha Jae, Jolie Beauty School, and Roberta from Hair Chef who left their blow dryers, curling Irons and tables of hair madness to show me the looks for the show and next season. A special thanks to Roberta for styling my hair for Couture night, it was a privilege to be in your chair.

A very special thank you to The Bowlings – Lamont & Jeana – for giving me access to the backstage area. A special place where the magic happens that so many wish to be a part of, but only dream about.