NARS DOES PINK
Whilst in fashion, the autumn collections prescribe a quintessentially autumnal range catered to transitional-season dressing, the beauty forecast brings a fresh and original alternative to traditional diktat. Worlds away from summer’s molten metallic lids, autumn trends tap into a clean, fresh, girlish beauty exhibited all over in varying shades of pink - a modern twist on a feminine classic. From subdued pastels, offering a subtle and soft enhancement of sorbet hues through to decadent floral shades - petal pinks and poetic rosy stains, pink is most definitely in.
Working their magic behind the scenes at the likes of Thakoon and Alexander Wang, with an enduring emphasis upon colour, creativity, and character, Nars’ vision inspired the self-expression and bold beauty needed to present so feminine a look in an effortlessly cool and contemporary way. Pairing delicate pink lids with angular cat-eye flicks, and bold fuchsia lips with soft, feathered brows, the brand seamlessly set precedent for the season’s most coveted colour palette.
Begin by buffing the Luminous Powder Foundation* into well-moisturised skin [using a powerful hydrating mask such as the Aqua Gel Luminous Mask* prior to application will prevent powder from clinging to and emphasising dry patches]. Smile and use the fingertips to dab the Illuminator in Hot Sand* onto the apples of the cheeks and back across the cheekbones for a radiant glow with a subtle hint of colour and warmth. For a sheer touch of colour upon the eyelids, use a fluffy blending brush to dust the Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Europa* across the entire lid, before using a tapered brush to sculpt colour into the crease and across the lower lash line. For a more striking evening look, use a wet brush to intensify the pigment and create a more luminous, high-shine finish - concentrating pigment onto the lash line with an angled brush before smudging in gently. Forego eyeliner and mascara in order to allow the eyes and lips to do the talking. For a perfect, rosy pout, line the mouth using the Lip Liner in Rosebud*, taking the colour onto the lips with the pencil before blending on the Semi-Matte Lipstick in Catfight* using a flat lip brush or precision concealer brush. For a brighter, bolder effect, instead use the Lip Satin Pencil in Yu* to both line and fill the lips.
Rarely do the words 'luminous' and 'powder' accompany each other in harmony, but this base manages to combine the merits of each, resulting in skin that is radiant, comforted, and perfected. The fine, silky powder delivers SPF and skincare benefits in a velveteen texture - offering optimal weight, coverage, tint, with light-reflecting properties. Its combination of powders creates an optical blurring effect, diminishing redness and imperfections whilst diffusing light from the skin for a fresh, soft-focus finish.
Whilst sheer foundation and deftly applied illuminator are the devices typically employed to create a dewy complexion and gleaming highlights, a liquid blush serves to even further enhance the fresh-faced look. A convincing swipe of this pearlescent liquid provides a luminous flush that perfects, sculpts, and luminates skin with a lightweight, translucent formula. An overly bright cheek colour will compete and clash with pink eyes, so a golden-toned hue such as this creates a natural, subtly contoured effect, serving as both blusher and illuminator, and perfect for recreating the season's statement 'naturally' flushed cheeks.
ILLUMINATOR IN HOT SAND
£23
Personally my favourite approach to the trend for pink [I'm quite converted to a rosy lid]; a soft, delicate shade applied all around the eye and balanced with a warm, matte lipstick, feathery brows, and fresh, dewy skin is inherently chic and sophisticated. Brushed on dry, Europa delivers a soft diffusion of colour, with a subtle sculpting effect, thanks to its warm, peachy tint. Used wet, the finish is luxuriously smooth and the colour bright and intense; you'll find yourself wondering why you didn't embrace pink lids sooner.
A rosy pout is a universal favourite - flattering, enduring, and this season, a sophisticated take on an ultra-feminine trend. This brown-toned pink-nude is the perfect way to complement pink lids and flushed cheeks without overdoing the hue. Designed to frame and fill lips, and prevent feathering, this pencil performs with prowess, delivering a rich, creamy pigment with comfortable, long-lasting wear.
LIP LINER IN ROSE BUD
£16.50
Shade-wise the perfect match to the above, this 'my lips but better shade' is described as a 'nude-mauve', and has just a hint more pink than an regular nude. The delicate grey undertones render it a chic and elegant alternative to a typically fun, girlish pink - perfect for pairing with overly flushed cheeks or a glitter eye. Delivering pigment in a texture that appears thick and creamy, but is in actual fact delightfully light and silky upon application, the rich, velvety finish has a subtle sheen that adds definition and fullness to the lips. Perfect for creating a romantic faded rose effect.
A fuchsia lip is a welcome interruption after seasons of classic reds and beige-nudes. The uplifting colour dresses lips in vivid, colour-bright pigment that provides a playful accent to colourful accessories and embellishments. Meanwhile the vitamin-rich formula drenches lips in moisture for intense colour with a durable, luminous finish. Perfect for starring alongside subtly sculpted eyes and a soft, radiant complexion, Yu is pink pigment in its brightest and purest form.
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*PRESS SAMPLE
