Wearable beauty trends were in ready abundance during New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer ’11 shows as an overall emphasis on simplicity seemed to make the boldest impact. Severe inspirations were toned down in updated versions that looked chic and contemporary—even retro-inspired styles appeared fresh and modern. Runway beauty trends have never been easier to achieve or more flattering to wear.

With bright colors seen at many collections, the makeup message was one of inspiring simplicity. At Diane Von Furstenberg, James Kiliardos punctuated the clean complexions of his models with a beautiful fuchsia lip that was inspired by Warhol’s portrait of the label’s namesake designer. Diane Kendal elongated and extended eyes at Jason Wu with abstract colors by utilizing bright hues of purple, green and blue, but softened eyelids with soft vibrant tones of coral at at Carolina Herrera.

Spring ’11s retro-inspired looks were also amazingly fresh and contemporary. Francois Nars for Marc Jacobs created a beautiful “flapper-meets-glam-rock” look, while Petros Petrohelios for M.A.C. created a very fragile ’70s disco doll with soft pink lids and thick flirty lashes at Halston. For Derek Lam, Tom Pecheux created a fresh updated twist on ’60s inspired eyes with orange eyeliner, whereas Charlotte Tilbury was more inspired by Elizabeth Taylor for Victoria Beckham, covering lids in bright shades of purple that were complemented with sharp black eyeliner.