Winter Beauty Brief : 2014/15

Today, definitive beauty intelligence on beauty's biggest and best looks of the season, broken down, simplified and wearable - the perfect excuse to overhaul your beauty bag. This is trend-inspired beauty in a nutshell...

BASE The look : This season, prioritise skin over everything else. Radiant dewy complexions, creating the illusion of a natural complexion with a lit-from-within finish were all over the catwalks, so keep contouring to a minimum for a clever, sculpted take on the bare-faced look. The subtlest flush of blush and a generous dusting of highlighter across the cheekbones add finesse to the much sought-after fresh, youthful glow. And the secret? Prime and prep. Apply a light foundation applied over a brightening primer and a well-moisturised face, and avoid matte powder where possible.

The products : MAC Prep + Prime Skin, Radical Skin Perfecting Screen, Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer, RMK Creamy Foundation, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder, Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder, Benefit High Beam, Nars Illuminator in Copacabana.

EYES The look : The season's focus is upon the eyes, so be it smokey liner, doe-eyed lashes, or a metallic wash, be sure to amp it to the max. Brows are big and natural, with not a harsh line in sight. Lashes, long and fluttery, top and bottom - think Bambi. Liner is best served grungey and smudged (morning-after eyes, with finesse), and shadow is pigmented, iridescent, and bright. Molten metallic shades are all the rage, and can be incorporated into every look. Opt for one look for the day, two for the night, but never all three.

The products : Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, Chanel Le Volume Mascara, L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara, Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, MAC Pigment in Naked and Rose Gold, Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Bare Study, Benefit Cream Shadow in Bikini-tini, RMK Crayon & Powder Eyes in Bronze, Smashbox Kohl Liner.

LIPS The look : Whilst dark and berry tones will always be a winter failsafe, the understated hero of the season is the classic nude lip. Thick, creamy and pigmented, with a bright satin finish which adds texture and depth to create the appearance of a fresh full pout. A sheer pink with a trace of gold will compliment all skin-tones. Ladies, if you needed any more excuse to invest in Tom Ford's Vanilla Suede, this is it.

The products : Nars Hardwire Lipstick in Adriatic, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Honey Bare, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Vanilla Suede, Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Rose, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow TalkRimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight.

NAILS The look : Where polish is worn shades are neutral and saturated, the style minimal and modern. Think angular shapes and emphasise the ring finger.  Short and round was cemented as the shape of the season at (almost) all of the shows, and enhanced with a sheer, glossy, and elegant finish. Intricate designs are so last year, so say goodbye to nail art as you know it.

The products : Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers, L'Oreal Colour Riche in Blue Reef, MAC Nail Polish in Coffee Break, Mavala Nail Polish in Vibrant Pearl.

HAIR The look : From ballerina buns to scraped back braids, the season's hair is worn off the face and is ALL about texture. Strike the balance between dishevelled and elegant with a loose chignon, or with plaits incorporated into loose waves - think 'off-duty model the morning after the show', and don't try too hard.

The products : Bumble & Bumble Cityswept Finish Spray, Sachajuan Volume Cream, Oribe Dry Finishing Spray, Toni & Guy Casual Rough Texturiser.

Which trend will you be sporting this winter?

G x

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