The new season brings a wave of beautiful catwalk looks to copy. Simply You‘s beauty editor Elise Wilson picks four of the best.
Bid farewell to strong contouring and 90s brown lipstick, and say hello to strokes of brilliant colour and the benefits of strobing. Here are four key looks to try that are striking yet wearable for every make-up lover.
LIPS: HOT CHERRY
What better way to heat up the cooler months than with a bold red lip? This season there is a new take on the much-loved classic, with products that create a patent lacquer or satin matt finish. The most important rule to remember, is to apply with extreme precision. “Matt lips definitely make a statement and work well at any age,” says Elizabeth Arden’s national make-up specialist, Dorothy Ng. As for the formula, “It’s important to look for a product that has a creamy texture with moisturising ingredients, so lips don’t look dry,” she says. “Finally, keep the lip line clean and defined, and the rest of your make-up pared back with muted shades on the eyes and a defined brow.”
Beauty tip: Make lip colour last by prepping with a primer, like Elizabeth Arden’s Lip-Fix Cream, $55. “Apply to both the lips and the extended lip-line area prior to foundation,” says Ng.
Try: Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Red Carpet, $54. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Dance with Me, $50. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Cherry Bomb, $52. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Coral Fizz, $52. Elizabeth Arden Lip-Fix Cream, $55.
EYES: VIVID COLOUR
Forget soft pastels and instead embrace bold blues. Cobalt, sapphire and aquamarine are the eye colours of the season. “It’s a great way to make a statement and add a pop of colour to a simple outfit,” says Smashbox’s national training executive Sam Hart. “I advise clients to start small by swapping out their black eyeliner with a colour like navy blue instead.” Highly pigmented eyeliner can shape and define the eye as well as complement any eye colour. “Don’t forget mascara to balance it out,” says Hart. For those who prefer a smoky eye, Hart recommends applying your usual make-up then pressing a trending coloured shadow into the centre of the lid, so it doesn’t overpower the look.
Beauty tip: When it comes to liquid liner, Hart recommends going slowly: “Try looking down into the mirror, that way you can see your whole eyelid. And apply your liner in small sections, rather than in one swift motion, so you have more control.”
Try: Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner in French Navy, $46. Susan Posnick ColorEyeDefine Eyeliner in Turquoise/Topaz, $49. Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Sterling, $38. Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Sapphire, $38. MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Hi-Def Cyan, $36. MAC Modern Twist Kajal Liner in New Marine, $36.
LASHES: FULL FLUTTER
Mascara is back in a big way for a look that was described as “punk Brigitte Bardot” by MAC make-up artists backstage at this season’s international fashion week shows. Add volume for day with multiple coats of mascara, or go for broke with a full set of false lashes at night. Feeling daring? Use an eye-colour-enhancing mascara in blue or purple.
Beauty tip: “After applying glue to the base of false lashes, let it dry slightly for about 20 seconds, so it becomes tacky. Keeping your eyes semi-closed and preferably looking down, use tweezers to apply the false lash to the roots of your natural lashes and press it along gently,” advises Bobbi Brown training manager, Olivia Wild.
Try: MAC lashes in A55, $18. Ardell False Lashes in Natural, $14. L’Oréal Paris False Lash Superstar Mascara, $30.
SKIN: GO FOR GLOW
For skin, the concept is simple – enhance, don’t mask. The key to creating a lustrous base lies in the clever application of glow-giving products that complement your features and play with the skin’s natural tones. “Strobing is having a serious moment,” says MAC senior artist Kiekie Stanners. “The key is to bring a brightness to the face with the use of clever highlighting for a dewy, fresh finish that’s not heavily ‘done’.” Highlight cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, centre of the forehead, cupid’s bow and brow bones.
Try: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade, $64. MAC Matchmaster Shade Intelligence Compact Foundation, $90. Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder, $99. MAC Strobe Cream, $70.
