Globalisation may be the name of the game in business but jet setter and beauty expert, Napoleon Perdis shows us the signature beauty trends and influences he’s observed in Lose Angeles, New York Athens and the cities in our very own Australia!
by Napoleon Perdis
As a makeup artist and dedicated follower of fashion, I’ve always been inspired by women on the street. One of the upsides of being on a plane every other week is getting that regular injection of street inspiration – whether I’m in downtown LA, Sydney, Melbourne,or Paris. I love to see what styles and looks seem to be sweeping the major cities of America and Europe; the IT bag, the must-get shoe, the hot haircolour, and of course beauty trends.
Sometimes it’s about what’s fashionable, sometimes I’m more interested in a particular expression of style thatmay have nothing to do with actual trends. But no matter where I go, I still believe that Australia is one of the great countries in the world for beauty trend spotting. There is so much diversity between the women of Melbourne, Sydney and even the Gold Coast, all the way across to Perth. Just two weeks ago I found myself on the streets of Chinatown in Sydney (after lunch at Golden Century!) and saw so much that inspired me. I’moften asked in interviews with the American press to describe Australian beauty. I always tell them how Australian women in general are very modern, very spirited, very cool. They will embrace brighter colours, try new techniques ,and experiment with new textures and finishes. They will push the boundaries a bit more than the American woman who tends to play it quite safe. Aussie women tend to wear a lot more colour too, even if it’s just a pop of colouron the lip or eye. I don’t know whether it’s the weather or just a more open-minded outlook but I love how they don’t take themselves too seriously.
Other places I love to explore include Athens- in fact I’m just about to jump on a plane there now. The women in Athens fascinate me – which isn’t all that surprising given my wife is Athenian born and I’ve been fascinated by her for over 20 years now! Athenians in general are very well put together; the women either wear their hair perfectlyslicked back or beautifully blow dried with volume. [Tip: Most Athenian hairdressers do the best blow dries that hold up even in the hottest temperatureand highest humidity.] They love a bit of bronzer – but more importantly, know exactly how to wear it – eyeliner, and a bold lip accessorized witha great earring or a statement necklace. It’s pool-side glamour pumped up to the max!
Most of my time these days is spent in theUS as my home and office for the past six years has been in Hollywood. LA women are all about skin basically; the condition of theirs andseeking out products that will get it to a new level of perfection, especiallyif they’re from Beverly Hills! Their makeup consists of foundation, some subtle contouring, a lip and on occasion, a faux lash or extensions. Mustbe that rub off from the red carpet! Southern California girls can pulloff a bright hue and a bronzed complexion year round, topped off by that low-fi vibe they have going. New Yorkers on the other hand, are muchmore seasonally focused; they definitely tweak their hair colour, manicure,and makeup between the seasons, probably because the East Coast climate is so clearly defined into seasons. The constant is statement skin, whichis flawless year round, courtesy of the way that they consider skin carea second religion and have dermatologists on speed dial. Manhattan women are all about artfully edited beauty: a light, skin-perfecting base anda trusty concealer that they carry for touch ups, black eyeliner, a well-maintained brow, a good mascara, and a fairly safe statement lip.
No matter where you live, the most important thing is to remember to really own your look. Experiment with makeup. If you’re not confident, dump it and start over. Confidence is ultimately the best beauty product that money can’t buy!
