Speedo

The look: Miami bright

The make-up: we eventually found ourselves in a suite, on the third floor of the Raleigh, where an interesting mix of models, professional dancers, members of the US Synchronized Swim Team lounged in the corridor. Inside, it was mayhem. Local make-up artist, Judy Prince, created the two looks. With the aid of waterproof MAC paints, she transformed the synchronized swimmers into Cirque de Soleil-inspired sea mermaids. The rainbow-hued palette she used included Jade green, Aqua and yellow liner. It looked all the more dramatic, thanks to the sleek ballerina chignons. The dancer-models' make-up was more toned-down, but still Miami-bright. This group wore orange–red shimmer on their lids and a deep Foxy Lady liner covered with a sheer orange gloss, all by MAC. Everyone got blasted with a nifty airbrush machine that produced the bronzed face that is a requirement down in SoBe.

Carmen Marc Valvo

The look: sexy, sophisticated and expensive. Surely, Mr Valvo's fantasy was the one on so many other designers' minds: that perfect "10" of a woman who decorates the yachts of the rich and famous.

The make-up: senior MAC make-up artist, Judy Irrizary, was keen on creating the illusion of perfect skin. And what of the tattoos many of the models have? 'Cover them up,' she declared, in a no-nonsense tone, while doing just that on the offending body parts with MAC Studio Tech, a water-based foundation, which makes it great for hot climates. These beach babes looked polished and sleek, and wore just a light dusting of not-yet released mineralized powder on their cheekbones, Zoom Lash mascara and nude-toned Love Dust lipstick coated with clear lip gloss. It is clear that clear gloss is one product that one should carry in one's purse at all times this fall.

The hair: says hairstylist Mordechai, 'the aim was to have it straight but to look a little bit dirty, as if she'd been out on a yacht all day.' Being Bond-babe-beautiful isn't easy. This particular effect does require some effort: a set, blow-dry and work with a straightening iron.

New product alert: MAC mineralized powders, débuting in October, which gives that sought-after sexy shimmer.

Make-up tip: white pencil on the inside rim instantly brightens and enlarges the eye.

Accessory alert: kudos to Carmen Marc Valvo for some killer gold and bronze wedges and his white paillette shoulder bags with the bamboo handles.

Oversized wrap-around sunglasses are back, especially in brown. The more adventurous will love Bulgari's oversized white plastic frames.

Inca

The hair: 'Sexy-casual,' stated Ric Pipino as he worked-away on yet another model. 'Imagine a woman who's just gotten back from Safari. Her hair is windblown and tousled.'

The make-up: NARS' James Boehmer conceptualized 'Africa meets Riviera' after viewing the collection, which was replete with tribal-inspired prints, wood and gold tones. Accordingly, James decided on 'a really gold smouldering eye,' lined with teal Kaliste eyeliner 'which pops the eye in a new way'. For those who don't wear a lot of foundation, James recommends NARS cream blush with vitamin E, easy to blend and great for your complexion.

New product alert: Surabaya blusher, which delivers a sun-kissed golden glow rather than the heavy brown–bronze shade no longer in favour with directional artists such as James and MAC creative director, Gordon Espinet.

Make-up tip: try Johnson's Baby Oil Gel, for just the right amount of shine, not unlike an oiled-down bodybuilder awaiting competition.

Cosabella Mare

The hair: as this collection has strong ties to its big brother lingerie collection (and the same designer, Ugo Campbello), Ric Pipino created 'messy, Miami sexy hair with lots of curl to it.'

The make-up: for this collection, which featured many gold-coloured pieces, James Boehmer used 'the mystique of the lingerie' as his reference point. 'We talked a lot about the colour gold, which is the status symbol for lingerie.' This translated to feathery lashes, dabbing on the multiple, Mauritius for a flushed-looking skin, and Mohabe, a sand-coloured lipstick and a gold dusting on top of it all.

Nail watch: go back into your cabinet; it's time to take out Belle de Jour nail polish. This sheer fleshy colour is just right.

The accessories: think refined simplicity. This sophisticated Côté d'Azur babe likes her espadrilles with some oomph to them. She favours high white canvas ankle tie espadrilles and silver knot-front espadrilles. •

Vivian Galtier Kelly is features' writer-at-large for Lucire.

ABOVE, FROM TOP: Speedo. Carmen Marc Valvo. Marisa Miller in Inca.