Who said that fall isn’t the time for a fresh face? We’ve done our research and scoured everything from the runway, to the fashion pages and we’re here to report that dramatic eyes, super-natural nude skin and deep green nails are this season’s best beauty looks.
Fall makeup usually comes in subdued shades: maroon, not red; navy, not cobalt blue. But this season, it’s like some genius finally figured out that when the skies are grey and we’re wondering if the sun will ever shine again, the last thing we want is eyeshadows with names like ‘Storm’ or ‘Petrol Spill’. The best runway eye looks were bright and fun, skin was dewy and fresh, and nails… Well, they were pretty muted, but fabulous nonetheless.
Below are five fall makeup must-haves that you don’t want to miss.
1) Purple reigns
Lilac, lavender, mauve and plum eyeshadow is the perfect counterpoint to this season’s boho fashion. The easiest way to wear it: a soft pastel wash over the lids. Matte textures are cooler, but difficult to pull off because they emphasise every line and crease. I prefer the sheer, shimmering pale purple in NARS Jardin Perdu ($39), which comes as a duo with a sparkling silver shadow. According to the brand, stocks are low of this limited edition palette. If you can’t get hold of it, try the Kauai duo (pictured here, $39), which includes bold purple and gold, or Cassiopeia ($33), an iridescent pinky-purple.
2) Feeling blue
We expect stormy navies and cool blues for Fall, but Dior’s bold turquoise eyeshadow is a bright antidote to miserable weather. Makeup maestro Peter Phillips supposedly used the aqua blue shade from Dior’s 5 Couleurs in Carre Bleu ($60) to create the brand’s Fall/Winter 2014 runway look. You really need to pack on the colour to get the intense finish Phillips achieved, and ideally prime lids first. NARS Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base ($29) is hands down the best primer I’ve tried. Good news: turquoise and teal are big for Spring/Summer 2015, so you’ll get plenty of mileage from the look.
3) Fall in line
No surprise here: black liner is never out of style. This season’s ways to wear it: super-thick flicks (as at Saint Laurent); and all the way around the eyes, waterline included (Marc by Marc Jacobs). Get the look with the Sharpie-like NYX Super Fat Eye Marker ($11.99), which also comes in a Super Skinny version.
4) Bare-faced chic
Apparently Marc Jacobs is so enamoured of the natural look that he sent models down the runway completely makeup free for his Fall/Winter presentation. Those of us who don’t have camera-ready complexions need extra help. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream ($37) gives natural-looking radiant coverage, hydrates skin and offers broad spectrum UV protection, just in case we ever see the sun again. Many BBs and CCs come in a limited range of shades. This one has eight, including a pale-as-milk one for winter skin.
5) Green is good
I’m scarred by a teenaged experiment with lime-green nail polish that ended up looking a little… infected. But I’m back on the green stuff thanks to this season’s deep Hunter welly-like shades. Essie in The Perfect Cover Up ($8.50) is a gorgeous sludgy green-grey that’s perfectly opaque in one coat. Staying power is average: two to three days with minimal chipping.
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