BUSTLING, busy and chaotic - that was the scene backstage at the Orchard Fashion Runway last Friday.

Organised by Singapore Press Holdings, the two-hour fashion fest saw some 150 models sashaying down a catwalk stretching from ION Orchard to Wisma Atria as part of this year's Fashion Season @ Orchard.

Work on hair and make-up began long before the show. Experts from Shu Uemura and Action Hair Salon started labouring on the models' looks early in the day, from 11am.

When my paper stopped by at 4pm, we dropped right into the thick of the action. Models from countries such as Brazil, China, Japan and Singapore were flitting about with curlers in their hair, getting their make-up done or grabbing a last-minute bite.

When asked what looks Shu Uemura was going for, its elite make-up artist, Ms Nor Mazlin, 29, said different looks were created for the labels the models were wearing in the show.

Labels like Levi's, Paule Ka, Vivienne Tam and T.M. Lewin were on show, and the make-up looks ranged from rugged to urban chic.

At Levi's, for example, models looked sexy and tough, with emphasis on heavy, smoky eyes.

Those clad in Vivienne Tam had a softer, more natural look.

Asian models got a little extra attention - make-up artists "enhanced the feature of the Asian eye" with more liner and mascara, said Ms Mazlin.

So, what does one need to look runway ready? A foundation base, primers, strong lashes and enhancement of one's cheeks and lips are absolute musts, advised Ms Mazlin.

And never match colourful outfits with bright eyeshadow. Keep the eyeshadow natural, perhaps in pastel shades, when wearing such outfits, she said.

Fashion Season @ Orchard is on until May 8. The event includes the Asian Model Search, as well as various workshops, such as the Fashion Styling workshop, on until April 24 at The Centrepoint. Visit www.fsoorchard.com for a list of events.

MUST-HAVE SHU UEMURA ITEMS

WANT to look runway ready? Check out the following Shu Uemura products which were used on models at the Orchard Fashion Runway event. Visit Shu Uemura's counters at department stores such as Metro at Paragon, Robinsons Centrepoint, Tangs Orchard or BHG at Bugis Junction to buy, and to learn more about using them.

1) STAGE PERFORMER INSTANT-GLOW ($88)

What it is: This perfecting cream is a quick fix for someone who doesn't have the time to do the whole skincare routine, said Shu Uemura's elite make-up artist, Ms Nor Mazlin.

It acts as a toner, serum and moisturiser, instantly hydrating the skin and locking in moisture for 24 hours to give the skin an immediate glow. Apply before putting on your make up.

2) ROUGE UNLIMITED SUPREME SHINE LIPSTICK ($40)

What it is: This lipstick produces a dewy, shimmery colour. Shu Uemura uses a different colour technology so the colours are very intense, vivid and bright and have high visual shine, said Ms Mazlin.

The product, which has ingredients like macadamia oil to keep the lips hydrated, acts as both a lipstick and lipgloss. It comes in 15 shades.

3) MIKA NINAGAWA FOR SHU UEMURA (SPECIAL EDITION) UV UNDER BASE MOUSSE SPF 30 PA+++ ($78)

What it is: This product is similar to a blemish balm cream. It has sun protection, minimises pores, smoothens lines, provides coverage and controls oil. It acts as a base make-up to produce flawless-looking complexion.

"It has everything that everyone wants in their make-up," said Ms Mazlin.

4) KOLINSKY/SABLE EYESHADOW BRUSH 10 ($106)

What it is: A must-have brush for eye make-up enthusiasts. It is of an ideal size and can be flexibly moved around the eye.

One can use this brush for all purposes, such as highlighting the eyelid, base colouring and eye-lining.

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