Image credit: Courtesy of Sephora

Sub-zero temperatures (for Sydney, anyway) and pre-dawn call times didn’t quell the anticipation for COMMAS Resort 2022 runway show on the second day of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week.

The label, helmed by Creative Director Richard Jarman, is an elevated take on the laissez-faire aesthetic of our coastal lifestyle. Held at Tamarama Beach, the show was beautiful and unostentatious; clean lines, soft silhouettes, quality shapes and a subdued colour palette designed to go the distance.

“I believe our future hinges on reverence for nature. If each brand can do what they can provide cleaner and more responsible products, people have more power to make informed decisions and shop on their own terms,” Jarman told GRAZIA.

Image credit: Courtesy of Sephora

The minimalist beauty look mirrored the sustainable collection. Clean skin, soft eyes and unkempt hair. For Jarman, the look is “pared back, effortless and aligned with the idea that simplicity is the greatest of luxuries.”

Makeup specifically was led creatively by Isabella Schimid for Sephora Clean – a new initiative for the retailer that champions products formulated without mineral oil, parabens, SLS, SLES, oxybenzone and hydroquinone among others (for the full list, see here). GRAZIA actually had the chance to ask Schimid a few exclusive questions prior the show, covering everything from top line creative direction to waking the skin up pre-dawn.

Keep scrolling to read. 

Image credit: Courtesy of Sephora

GRAZIA: Can you describe the top line makeup direction for the Commas show? 

SCHIMID: Polished, healthy looking skin. The best version of themselves.

GRAZIA: What hero products are being used to prep the skin? 

SCHIMID: Sephora Mini Exfoliating Wipes, Caudalie Beauty Elixir , Milk Vegan Moisturiser, Milk Makeup Cooling Water Under Eye Gel Stick and Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm.

GRAZIA: The show is early in the morning – what tips do you have for de-puffing and waking up the skin prior to makeup? 

SCHIMID: When possible, I like to use an icy cold hand towel pressed into the skin. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir is excellent when it comes to waking up the skin – the scent is really invigorating. The Milk Cooling Under Eye Gel Stick is also phenomenal. I like to massage it in with a roller.

GRAZIA: As for the makeup itself, can you talk through products and steps you’ve used? 

SCHIMID: I’m using either the Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint or the Sephora Best Skin Ever Foundation. They are both very light and natural but give a lovely glowing finish. Next, I’ll use a light concealer around the eyes – either the Milk Makeup Flex Concealer or Sephora Best Skin Ever Concealer.

Follow that up with highlighting eyelids and cheek bones with the Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm. I’ll finish with the Sephora Full Loading Brown Mascara, the Caudalie Lip Conditioner, and fluffing each model’s brows with the Tarte Brow Gel in colour or clear.

GRAZIA: What’s a product you always have in your kit backstage? 

SCHIMID: Clear brow gel.

GRAZIA: Best advice for an even complexion without a lot of makeup? 

SCHIMID: It’s all in the skin prep! Spend the time getting your skin looking healthy and glowy! Start with a good exfoliating product and massage in your moisturiser, serums or oils. Once you have that skin looking rosy and glowing you will only need a little light foundation or just concealer to correct any spots.

Image credit: Courtesy of Sephora

Skin health was further powered by Hunter Lab, an Australian beauty brand that, like COMMAS, champions simplicity, practicality, luxury ans sustainability. For a similar coastal glow, try slathering the Hydrating Hand and Body Lotion all over.

Image credit: Courtesy of Sephora

Shop the look:

milk makeup sunshine skin tint, $64. shop now
Caudalie Beauty elixir, $24. SHOP NOW
Sephora COllection Best Skin Ever concealer, $26. shop now