Life in cartoon motion

Time to take on the hot beauty trends sweeping the runways! For the coming summer, designers have decided on bright, lush shades and dramatic prints. Noted makeup artists took to the drawing board to churn out equally decadent looks to pair with the head-turning, statement-making frocks that plied then catwalks. John Galliano, Lanvin, Comme de Garçon, Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson — to namedrop a few — served up some unusual looks for their spring-summer collections, putting a new spin on the pastels and light summery shades for the season. Instead, bold purple/lilac hues dominated a few shows, while neon pink took up the other side of the color spectrum and mutated into sprightly iridescents and moodier magentas.

Feel free to take your cue from any of the floral-friendly trends on display, only be warned: these looks are for folks a little more daring than your garden-variety wallflower.

The perfect face finisher is a sense of humor. John Galliano’s spring-summer show was steeped in old-world, ‘20s style with more than a touch of decadence. No doubt he sought refuge in the glamorous world of flamenco-wearing, turban-topped, Marrakesh-set figures, and the results — scarlet nails, winged brows and cat’s eye-style liner — are far from ordinary. For this look, try tapering the brows for an arresting (and perpetually surprised) expression. Chanel’s pre-fall collection nail trip, reverse French tips, which has been sweeping nail salons all across the globe (or my neighborhood one, at least), serve as a refreshing way to embellish your talons. Preppy yet slightly offbeat, this nail trend is just as flattering as the original. To accomplish it: Take Chanel White Satin, currently available in Rustan’s from the label’s spring collection, and paint several coats (four should be enough). Take note: if you refuse to spring for pricey designer polish, Essie (available at Rustan’s Essenses) has perfectly acceptable pale polishes in cream or bone. Avoid the Orly white, which is too fluorescent and bright, because the result is often stark and unflattering. Then paint on the tips with Chanel Black Satin (or opt for Orly in black) in two coats and finish with a glaze of Sally Hansen Diamond top coat for a pretty photo finish.

Nothing perks up an ensemble like a blast of pink. Shu Uemura’s Rouge Unlimited in Pink Bloom from the Rebirth collection, a radiant selection of spring classics, is just the thing to brighten the day. On an otherwise nude face, a Day-Glo pink adds a touch of psychedelia without the fuss of excess primping.

Thanks to photographer Sara Black’s imagination, we’ve conjured up some seriously surreal images, but this one takes the cake. Thanks to some stunning blue shadow, which makes for the ideal summer hue, model Lois Montes’ eyes take on a whimsical perspective. Forego the typical one-color nailpolish and opt for some bold art on your tips. Jenny Castillo of Optima Nail Salon provided a graphic touch to the model’s nails by pasting on some acrylic and dividing the nail bed into two equally summery hues: azure and royal blue.

Combining the luster of pearls, a major element of the ladylike trend that sparked a waisted, full-skirted silhouette from the likes of Prada and Mark Jacobs, and the moodiness of purple makes for a shimmering, bold pair. Makeup artist Mickey See played with texture (and paid homage to seasons past Galliano) with this enchantingly jewel-spangled pucker. The look isn’t intended to be copied literally. A more wearable version can easily be rendered with some lilac/purple-toned lipstick and a good varnish of gloss.