Photos: Vogue s Beauty Guide for Spring 2014

Just relax. That seemed to be the message—exhaled in one joyful extended breath—on spring runways from New York to Paris, where an easy, playful, and deeply personal approach to beauty was the season’s common denominator.

Acting in response to the graphic prints, rich colors, and glimmering metallic fabrics in their collections, designers gravitated toward fresh skin, effortless waves, and bushy brows that heightened the natural beauty of their models. Standout makeup statements, when they did appear, were bold, bright, and took their cue from the high impact punch of an artist’s palette. Still, it was the season’s breakout hair accessories—exquisite feathered headpieces, embellished metal-and-leather crowns, oversize black bows—that promised to satisfy more free-spirited impulses come spring. After all, “There’s something really appealing about a girl who has the guts to stand out,” mused hairstylist Guido Palaubackstage. “That kind of individualism—it’s inspiring.”