AUTUMN BEAUTY BRIEF 2015
The defining beauty looks at the A/W shows demonstrated a new direction for hair and makeup trends with an overwhelmingly luxurious, expensive spin on previously toned-down and pared-back looks. Following a summer of dewy skin and bright lips, this season sees a subtle infusion of a romantic glamour that lends a refined, grown-up vibe to typical autumnal favourites.
Over the next week I'll be exploring the defining trends of the season through case studies into some of my favourite autumn beauty collections. In short however, this season is a reflection of its sartorial equivalents, a modern take on a classic look. This is autumn, with a certain edgy freshness. Fall in.
BASE
I N S P I R A T I O N :
The sophisticated take on beauty places a refined spin on the fresh dewy complexions of previous seasons. Whilst base makeup is by no means heavy or dramatic, it is notably more perfected. Flawless skin and subtle shading combine to create a rich, well-groomed look [as demonstrated on the catwalks at Prada and Donna Karan]. Meanwhile, backstage at Valentino and Balmain, concealer and highlighter were blended with face oil for a heightened 'lit from within' glow. Skincare was given more emphasis [and indeed, time] than base makeup application in attempt to maximise the quality of natural skin, and highlighter took precedence over bronzer in order to achieve a natural and seasonally appropriate finish.
G E T T H E L O O K :
CHEEKS
I N S P I R A T I O N :
A healthy, outdoorsy radiance was the new take on natural beauty this season - the anti-contouring, perhaps? Warm-toned blush was applied light and sheer to recreate a wholesome, post-hike, weather-flushed cheek - a much more amped up version of summer's barely-there 'is she isn't she?' cheeks. As a consequence, contouring as we know it takes a step back and is kept to a bare minimum, with pink-hued shades of both bronzers and highlighters used only to add a subtle definition whilst ultimately benefitting a rosy-cheeked effect. In terms of shade choices, everything from warm plums through to sheer peaches and bright, girly pinks were in evidence. This look is less about colour and much more about effect.
G E T T H E L O O K :
LIPS
I N S P I R A T I O N :
Lips are unabashedly rich, deep, and dreamy; think, the anti-red. Red is an option, but only if it's muted, berry-toned or ombre [in contrast to previous seasons, there was barely a pure crimson or true scarlet to be seen at the shows]. Instead, rich berry and deep blush tones were out in force - warm, saturated, and highly flattering, Worn with a soft, dewy complexion and bare eye, bold, dark, matte hues are audacious, decadent, and practically poetic, lending themselves well to a base so overtly natural. To amplify the romantic look, pigment was blotted on for an imperfect, soft and stained effect, and for an ombre finish, was concentrated onto the centre of the lips before being blended out to the [unlined] lip line. At the other end of the spectrum, high-shine pouts were flaunted at Rodarte and Fendi, heralding the return of good, simple, old-fashioned clear lipgloss. Pink also saw a return to favour, and was observed in many and varied guises, from pale, delicate rose hues through to vivid fuchsia - frequently paired with a pink eye [The beauty buzzword of the season? 'Two-toning'].
G E T T H E L O O K :
EYES
I N S P I R A T I O N :
Previously shelved in favour of a clean stark look, mascara is back with a vengeance; lashings of lashes are achieved with the help of a new generation of high-tech mascaras, which create instant intensity and an over-amplified look with formulas specifically designed for multi-layering. At Lanvin, Versace, and Victoria Beckham, kohl was applied right onto the waterline and all the way around the eyes before being blended through the lashes [with an emphasis on the lower] for an effortless, playful take on the smokey eye. A continuation from the previous season was the penchant for creative, graphic eyeliner; over-exaggerated and extended floating lines inspired by an edgy Sixties glamour. As a canvas to bold lashes and liner, matte pinks and purples were blended delicately over the lid to bring a soft and gentle, feminine but modern aspect to the look. Brows were neither overly bold nor especially muted; instead, perfectly groomed, elegant arches co-starring as a perfect, subtle accompaniment to the key elements, strong lips and bold lashes.
G E T T H E L O O K :
HAIR
I N S P I R A T I O N :
The expensive trend doesn't end at makeup : loose, soft waves are this season swept up into gravity-defying up-dos, twists, and chignons, demonstrating a chic, sophisticated sensibility and offering the perfect canvas for hair accessories [which ranged from bejewelled clasps at Dior through to simple black ribbons at Chanel]. Simultaneously purposeful and effortless. When worn loose, hair was poker-straight and flawlessly sleek, accessorised with elegant barrettes and worn draped back over the shoulders. Baby hairs were left to their own devices [or tamed to appear as if so] in order to lend a modern 'cool girl' aesthetic to elegant up-dos and Victoriana-inspired braids. Plaits themselves were heralded as a reworking of the conventional ponytail. Above all, high-shine was the order of the day, no matter what the style. Low-key but luxurious - super-sleek locks are easily recreated and the perfect accompaniment to a bold lip or smokey eye.
G E T T H E L O O K :
NAILS
I N S P I R A T I O N :
Overwhelmingly, no matter what the colour choice, nails were, as a rule, perfectly buffed, short, glossy, and neatly rounded. A casual and relaxed sensibility that was echoed in the popular shade choices - barely-there pinks, beiges, and nudes that added an effortless and subtle hint of sheen and colour. This penchant for a pretty pastel and an elegant nude was, for once, born less from a fear of detracting from the fashion, and more as a direct correlation with the barely there pink and lilacs worn on the eyes [two-toning, once again]. The Devil is in the detail, and the details are always the best places to spot the rising trends and most 'wearable' looks as far as we [the consumers] are concerned; and what could possible be more universally flattering and convenient than a short, rounded, nude nail? Note though that fashion is always a game of extremes, and also seen frequently were deep red-blacks, khakis, and coloured metallics.
G E T T H E L O O K :
I've been pinning! Check out my Autumn Beauty Brief Pinterest board for some supplementary visual inspiration.
How will you be embracing the AW'15 beauty trends?
