Ever wondered why one of the biggest high street label (H&M) is suddenly stocking NASA T-shirts and sweatshirts? No, it’s not in a bid to encourage people to take up rocket science, but a reflection of one of the biggest trends of 2019 – space exploration. Now the best makeup artist courses need to keep a close on on the world of fashion too!

Like with every generation, socio-cultural factors play a big role in outlining the facets of any defining trend. And 2019 presented many such opportunities to fashion designers and make-up artists to look up and get inspired. The 50th anniversary of the USA’s Apollo 11 moon landing, 30th anniversary of cult sci-fi film Back to the Future 2, the upcoming release of the final Star Wars film, and India’s very own space exploration projects, space-age fashion has been a strong talking point all year. From delicate celestial bodies-inspired jewellery paired with opulent velvets at Tommy Hilfiger’s SS19 show, Nicolas Ghesquière dressing up male models in metallic spacesuit-style ponchos in high shine for Louis Vuitton’s SS19 line, to Gigi Hadid in white go-go boots, intergalactic style is everywhere. Make-up artists have had a field day playing with melting metallic eyelids, hairdos inspired by princess Leia and other popular intergalactic film characters, and glitter, loads of it. Blinding highlighters, sculpted cheekbones, wind-blown hair or just bare hydrated skin, make-up and beauty experts worked in sync with designers to explore various aspects of the space age look this year with trends that are bound to filter into 2020.

A lot of thought goes into the details of a look, down to every little crystal glued on the model’s cheek. And with so much happening in the world of make-up and beauty, artistes are constantly pushed to not just envision a colour palette that would match the outfits, but also think of ways to use their brushes (or sponges) to be a part of the designer’s story. At the Daniel Bauer Academy, the expert faculty, with its experience of working at the top fashion weeks in the country, is well aware to instil the importance of seeing a larger picture. Students are encouraged to create and execute a visual concept, design photoshoots by creating a story which is topical and relevant, and not just make-up. And space age, with its many possibilities of playing with light and colour, was a difficult one to pass by.

So batch seven at the academy got to the drawing board to create a futuristic photo shoot, complete with costumes and props. The goal was to celebrate everything extraterrestrial and sci-fi with make-up. The students paired high shine looks – think metallic blue eyelids, iridescent glitter, wispy white lashes straight out of a sci-fi film, and glistening cheeks with just a little flush – with space exploration suits and even a DIY space helmet.

The students also experimented with light design and designed light projections to recreate a twinkling galaxy of stars to match the glistening make-up on the model’s body