The new fashion season is in full swing, so not only is it time to update the wardrobe but also the makeup- bag too! Autumn/Winter catwalks were full of texture and glamour this season, a noticeable contrast to Spring/Summer’s neon, pastels and disco inspiration.
However, what made these looks stand out even more was the real focus on hair and make-up, bringing a dynamic edge to all the slick designs. I have chosen five hair and beauty looks that will undoubtedly make an impact on any outfit you wear, bringing you into the new season with a bang.
The Ponytail:
Very rarely out of fashion, the humble ponytail graced our beloved catwalks, from the sleek and straight at Gucci to the loosely waved at Valentino. This trend was practically made for Loughborough life with its laid-back sporty feel, but can just as easily be glammed up for nights out.
Experiment with ultra low or ear level heights, different textures, volumes and styles. Gentle back-combing to crown for extra volume emulates a 60’s influence. For a 40’s touch, go for a low parting (try to line it up with the arch of your brow), whilst for a more 70’s look a sharp centre parting will offset the style perfectly. Back-combing or crimping the hair at the back makes for a voluminous night-time look.
Plaits, Buns and Waves:
Okay, I know that’s really three but they can be incorporated together to create a sophisticated look. The 40’s angel wave (pin rollered-curls to your head until cool and brush out) adds a wearable touch of glamour. Sweep hair to the side for an air of sophistication for nights out, or add interest with decorative hair slides as seen at Chanel. For lectures (or the morning after) twist or pin the waves into a loose bun adding a couple of mini plaits for a modern update. Alternatively, summery fishtail plaits are still on trend as seen at Lanvin and Erdem, however this season wear plaits low, messy and to the back.
Red:
This is the one colour that can make any woman feel confident and sexy, yet at the same time can have us quaking in our heels. One of the safest ways to incorporate the trend is on the nails whether completed with a cocktail ring or showing through your peep to shoes in a bright pillar-box tone. For those a little more confident, embrace the red lip.
Seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and Temperley London, the trend is definitely back and a timeless one to master. For those daring enough, try a crimson red worn under the eyes as seen on the Marni catwalk or on the lids like at Thakoon. This is a hard look to pull off so have a little patience, but if all fails at least Halloween is coming up!
Eyeliner:
Like the little black dress of make-up, eyeliner now has a time to shine in its own right. Use kohl, gel or liquid, whichever you prefer, to create different shapes, graphics and 3D effects (dab Vaseline over liner). For lectures line the top lashes for a more subtle everyday look.
For weekends or dates line the top and lower lashes smudging the lower lashes for a softer look yet maintaining eye shape definition. Going out, the 1960’s inspired thicker top line as seen at D&G, and keeping lashes curled and doe-eyed is perfect. Alternatively like Giorgio Armani, use kohl liner to draw slight flicks from both the upper and lower lash line about 1-2cm out keeping the lashes mascara free for a fresh look.
Lashes:
Texture and detail has been taken right down to the lashes. This season eyelashes aren’t just about size, but about different effects. London catwalks such as Jonathan Saunders went all doll eyed with long and thickly coated, but not clumpy lashes.
To get a Milanese look, forget eyeliner and just coat the top and bottom lashes in three coats of mascara to create thick and spiky lashes courtesy of Gucci. However for a Parisian influence gently curl the lashes and apply two coats of mascara pulling the wand up and outward to the side for a feline look to complement heavily kohled upper lids for a Louis Vuitton inspired look, perfect for FND. But keep those eyebrows in check; this look is offset by neatly groomed brows.
