There is a turn toward colour this autumn/winter, which is a very cheering antidote to the weather as we trundle into autumn. Personally, I don’t much care about keeping up with trends – I wear what I enjoy wearing when I enjoy wearing it. However, makeup trends heavily dictate what you can expect to see everywhere this winter, from luxury department stores to your local pharmacy. Trends tend to be fun but not always practical in the real world – dabble in the parts you love and leave the rest to the catwalk.
MAC Satin Lipstick in Cyber (€20)
Cyber is a classic deep, dark lip shade – I’ve been toting it since my teens. It takes a little bravery to wear, but is both ferocious and comfortable to wear.
NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker (€12)
Graphic black liner is everywhere. You’ll need patience and a steady hand to create that architectural eye, but all is not lost. The grungy, slept-in look has also made an appearance.
Stila Magnificent Metals Eyeshadow with primer (€35.70)
This season’s metallic trend has been turned on its head with super bright hues featuring. Play it safe with the classic silvers and golds, or go brave with a rust or blue.
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in First Light (€35)
Red lips are going nowhere, and thank goodness for that. Chanel has released the red of the year in their Travel Diary collection. It is an orange-hued hot pepper red that positively cuts through the gloom of a grey day. If I buy only one item this season, it will be this lipstick.
MAC Electric Eel Eyeshadow (€17)
To your possible chagrin, blue eyeshadow is back. Mix it up by wearing it with clean, unblended lines, or dust a tiny hue along the lower lashline for a subtle iteration.
MDM Flow Semi-Matte Lipstick in Mas Marina (£15 from mdmflow.com)
Tonal looks – where eyes, lips and sometimes even cheeks all feature the same shade – are everywhere. With soft pinks, peaches and even burgundies, it makes for a very pretty makeup. Try pairing Electric Eel shadow (above) with Mas Marina lipstick for an extroverted inversion of the look.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Colour in Surrounded by Studs (€12.99)
Like it or not, statement nails are back, with intense colour and nail art featuring heavily. Make the trend wearable (and easy enough to do at home) by wearing an intense but non-obvious polish hue. Deep brown and navy will work well.
Eyelure Pro Lash Dye Kit (€12.99)
Pared-back minimalism is still on-trend, and there are only two features you need to achieve it: clean, unblemished skin (ie lashings of concealer) and groomed brows. I save time, money and fear of the unknown by dying my own at home.
Product of the Week
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair oil (£42 from charlottemensah.com)
This glorious luxury hair range is primarily designed for afro hair, but can be enjoyed by anyone with thick or curly hair. It looks and smells delectable, and keeps hair on-trend by banishing frizz and keeping it moisturised and shiny.
