New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria: Viva Guest Editor Takeover – Liz Hyun

The Viva Guest Edit: NZFW, presented by Zeekr, hands over the reins to industry insiders who are taking over Viva this week. They’ll be sharing their thoughts, experiences and opinions as they take part in the biggest week in NZ fashion. Today, we welcome Liz Hyun to the Guest Edit Hyun is a freelance makeup artist, specialising in fashion editorials, including for Viva, and commercial campaigns for Gucci, Claudia Li and Lexus.Hyun spoke with Viva’s Ashleigh Cometti from Shed 10 after creating the makeup looks for Makaira Lee’s debut By Kai show. Makeup artist Liz Hyun specialises in fashion editorials and commercial campaigns.Ashleigh Cometti: What was the process like working with Makaira on the show’s makeup look?Liz Hyun: Really collaborative. We wanted the beauty to feel connected to the collection without overpowering it, so we focused on beautiful, sun-kissed tropical bronze skin that felt fresh, modern and effortless. It was about enhancing the models rather than making the makeup feel too “done”.AC: Which beauty products were instrumental in creating this look?LH: Youngblood Pro Sculpt Creme Contour Stick was key for creating that warm, sun-kissed bronze and adding definition while keeping the skin looking natural. We used the Youngblood Pressed Mineral Rice Setting Powder two to three shades lighter than the model’s skin tone to strategically set and highlight the complexion, creating subtle dimension without looking overly made-up. For the lips, Youngblood Everglow Lip Oil in “Spritz” and “Macchiato” gave us a soft wash of colour while keeping the lips looking fresh and understated. The Pure Fiji Body Lotion in “Mango” [a Viva Beauty Award winner] was instrumental for that glow on the models’ bodies.Liz Hyun created the makeup looks for Makaira Lee's By Kai show at NZFW. Photo / Annaleise ShortlandLiz Hyun recommends Youngblood Pro Sculpt Creme Contour Stick, which she used for the By Kai NZFW show.Pure Fiji body lotion in Mango helped with the "glow on the models’ bodies".AC: You’ve worked on many NZFW shows over the years. What feels fresh and exciting about working backstage at NZFW 2026?LH: The freedom to approach beauty with a much stronger point of view. I also feel incredibly privileged to be backstage and see these collections come to life before most people get to see them. Being one of the first to experience a designer’s vision, and then translating that into the beauty alongside the hair and styling teams, is what keeps NZFW so exciting for me.AC: How do you manage the pressure and stress of prepping models for the runway? LH: Preparation and clear communication are key to managing the pressure backstage. I always start with a detailed demo so the team of makeup artists are clear on exactly where each product should be placed, how much to use and how the overall finish should look. Once they’ve completed the makeup, each artist brings their model up to me for a final check-off. I’ll give any feedback or adjustments needed before the model heads to the runway.AC: Viva Beauty Award-winning hairdresser Kelly Manu directed the hair look for By Kai, and she also happens to be one of your best friends. How has working in the industry helped you build lasting friendships and connections?LH: I think that’s one of the most special things about working in this industry. You spend long hours and intense backstage moments together, so you naturally build a strong level of trust and friendship. Kelly and I have worked together for years, and there’s a real creative shorthand between us. Hair and makeup also need to work as one cohesive beauty story, so we’re constantly inspiring each other. Whether that’s adjusting makeup placement to complement the shape and movement of the hair, or balancing the overall proportions of the look, we just get each other.AC: What beauty trend do you predict we’ll see come through strongly at NZFW this year?LH: I think skin is going to continue moving away from being overly perfected. We’ll see more individuality, texture and real skin coming through, with makeup used strategically to enhance rather than mask. I also think we’re going to see more interesting colour and texture on the face, but in a way that still feels considered and wearable.AC: What’s one beauty product you can’t live without during NZFW?LH: The Ed&i Lip Smudge Pencil in “Whisper”. It’s such a versatile, universal shade that works beautifully to contour and define the lips across different skin tones. It’s one of those backstage products that can subtly shape the lip.Liz Hyun expects makeup to be "used strategically to enhance rather than mask" during NZFW.Liz Hyun’s Fast 5 FavesFavourite spot to fuel up before NZFW?Iced Americano from Daily Bread.Favourite way to unwind after a long day at NZFW?Watching crime documentaries in bed with my cat Ella.Favourite beauty item to bring to a show?Makiaj Beauty Light.Favourite accessory to elevate any outfit?My accessory is my makeup. It’s my superpower to be able to switch up beauty looks depending on the occasion or mood.Favourite fashion content creator? Would be Aki Curtis, The Sleek Avenue. Aki is very creative when she puts her looks together. Effortless chic!More on New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria 2026