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From pale, fresh faced skin to statement lips and eighties inspired looks the international autumn catwalks were bursting with new, inspiring looks. To help you decipher the new season, weve called on our industry friends make-up artists, beauty buyers and editors to choose their key beauty trends for A/W09 and share their insider tips and tricks so you get the looks you want just right.
Trevor O’Keeffe, Laura Mercier’s National make up artistRed Lips: as seen at LanvinWhy? I love the flawless complexion combined with a bold, red lip. How? Many women are afraid to wear red because it’s a statement, however every woman can find a ‘comfortable’ red that they can wear. Prep the lip with Secret Camouflage and powder before applying colour. If you are not brave enough to try this statement look at first, try using a sheer lipstick.Essential products for achieving this look:Use Laura Mercier’s Cherrywood Satin lip colour, £18 (available October) to match the Lanvin look or try Truly Red lip colour, £18 available now. For something more delicate opt for Laura Mercier’s Hydratint, £16.50 in Crimson.Ce
Debbie Beaumont-Howell Head Buyer for Beauty and Women’s Accessories at House of FraserBronze Goddess: seen at ChloeWhy? This look gives every woman a polished edge. It can be easily recreated and allows you to be experimental with bold, metallic lips which can be played up or down depending on the occasion. Perfect your backdrop: prep skin well so it radiates good health and take time to create a flawless finish. How? Regular facials and a good skincare routine are key to elegant looks like this. I love Decleor, Darphin and
Daniela Rinaldi, Beauty and Concessions Director, Harvey Nichols
Dramatic Eyes: seen at Versace, Dior and Chanel.Why? Sexy and effortlessly cool, this look epitomises fashion’s current love affair with rock chic glamour. How? Every winter dark, smoky eyes make an appearance. Blend kohl pencil and layer with heavy liner, liquid or pencil to achieve this look. Keep the rest of your make-up clean and low maintenance. Foundation, subtle blush and clear gloss pull the look together and won’t look ‘over-done’. Hair looks great pulled back in a ponytail or down in natural waves. Tidy brows compliment this look as focus is on the eye area.Essential products for achieving this look:Mac liner, from £12, Laura Mercier eye shadow, from £12 and Trish McEvoy mascara, £21, everyone always asks if I have false lashes on when I wear this mascara!
Jamie Roy, Beauty Editor for FabSugar UK
Deep pink eyes: as seen at Paul Costelloe and PradaWhy? This look strikes the perfect pretty/edgy balance. How? The deep grenadine shaded eyes can be toned down for everyday or played up for evening. Typically we see hunter green, navy, plum and chocolate brown for autumn, so these pinks are a welcome change. Essential products for achieving this look:Try Nars’ Eyeshadow in Grenadines or Lulu, £15 each, blended into a smoky brown or grey eye for a super wearable look and an inventive take on a smoky eye - or wear alone if you’re feeling brave. A deep pink eye shadow can also double up as a blusher and lip colour when worn under a clear gloss.Celebrity Inspiration:
Hannah Murray, International Make-up Artist
Individual Eighties: seen at Luella and Marc JacobsWhy? This look is about embracing individuality and experimenting with 80s inspired bold shapes and colours. How? Make sure you keep it simple and focus on only one or two features. Try a matte red lip, I use lip liner as it gives an intense, matte finish, teamed with navy kohl lined eyes. Skin should be pale and not heavily made up. Use a concealer where needed, with a light dusting of powder.
Essential products for achieving this look: Use Bobbi Brown’s foundation stick, £25,50, Nars concealer, £15.50, and Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, £28, to create a matte, flawless
Hannah Murray, International Make-up Artist
Natural Hues: seen at Jaeger London and CelineWhy? This look is all about enhancing the natural tones of your skin and eyes.How? Use foundation and concealer on blemishes and dark circles. A pale shimmer cream should be added to the natural highlights of the face - cheekbones, temples, inner corner of eyes, down the centre of the nose and cupids bow. Apply a wash of mushroom, cream eye shadow with a clear gloss on top and brown mascara. Dab a little concealer on lips and highlighter on the bottom lip.Essential products for achieving this look:This trend is about the complexion, so don't scrimp on your skin care regime. Dermalogica Microfoliant, £30.35, will get your skin in top condition and nothing makes you look more radiant
Gina Cowey, Beauty Buyer for Liberty
Soft Smoky Eyes: seen at Matthew WilliamsonWhy? This look is clean, edgy and pretty. Perfect for both day and evening. How? Even though focus is on eyes, a flawless base and dewy skin is key to showcase them. Don’t be heavy handed with cheeks and lips as you'll appear too made up.It’s also important to add some warmth when creating smoky eyes, add earthier shades into the crease and outer edges. Essential products for achieving this look: Le Metier de Beaute’s Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation, £45, exclusively at Liberty is simply the best foundation I have ever tried – it stays put all day and keeps skin plump thanks to the hyaluronic acid it contains.For eyes, start with Laura Mercier’s Eye Basic, £20, t
Jamie Roy, Beauty Editor for FabSugar UKPumpkin nails: as seen at PPQWhy? Statement nails were big during the A/W09 London collections. I particularly loved the bold, pumpkin shade at PPQ because it’s a great transition from summer to autumn. How? If you can afford to splash out go for a manicure, otherwise ensure you don’t paint too close to the cuticle and always wear a top coat. The shade can range from bright pumpkin to a deeper, burnt tone.Essential products for achieving this look:For something bright and flirty, try Clam Bake, £8.95, by Essie or opt for a muted shade like Orange Marmalade, £7.99, from China Glaze. Seche Vite i
Bobbi Brown, International Make-up Artist
Statement Lips: seen at Rachel Roy, Topshop Unique and Bottega VenetaWhy? This is a strong, modern look that is also elegant and refined. How? Lips are the main focus but dewy skin is key to the overall balance and what makes the trend modern. DIY with a clean and fresh looking base followed by a pale, dusty blush. Top the blush with clear gloss to give skin a transparent glow. Balance the strong lip with a neutral eye colour (like taupe or mushroom) and again, layer on the gloss to create a wet look on lids. Essential products for achieving this look:For a bold lip use deep and dramatic Bobbi Brown Blackberry Lip Colour, £14.68, finish with
Daniela Rinaldi, Beauty and Concessions Director, Harvey Nichols
Fresh Faced: seen at Missoni, Matthew Williamson and Luella.Why? Effortless, youthful and practical for everyday; this is the low maintenance look for autumn.How? This is the most wearable of all the A/W trends, but not necessarily the easiest to recreate. Achieving it starts with great skincare. Make-up should be minimal so as not to detract from good skin and natural features; sheer gloss, smooth foundation, soft blush and mascara are all that’s needed to achieve Lolita-esque demeanour. Essential products for achieving this look: Instant Replenishment Fluid, £85 by Bakel’s Jaluronic. Use daily as a moisturiser, it has the most fantastic results on the skin’s tone, texture and brightness. Skin Perfection Gel, £44 by Per-fekt Beauty, works like a primer, fou
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