New makeup looks on the runways and red carpet are exciting and enticing. With the right execution, it’s possible to incorporate these trends and still look timeless. “Focus on one thing,” says Tacey Baxter, makeup artist at Maison de Cheveux. “If you want to try a smoky eye, pair it with a natural lip. Don’t be heavy-handed, an overdone look always appears dated.”
Shimmering Eyes
Bedazzled eyes have been rocking the runways at all the major shows, but get it wrong and you’ll look like a holdover from Studio 54. Lindsey Benoit, owner and makeup artist at About Face of New Orleans suggests neutral sparkle-packed shadows. Cream eye shadow also makes it easy for pros and novices to create a pretty color with intense shine without looking gaudy. For a sparklier effect, use the cream shadow as a base, let it set then swoop some superfine shimmer on top. If you want to go all the way, dab some cream shadow in the corner of the eyelid and dab on some cosmetic glitter so eyes will literally twinkle. Look for eye shadow from brands like Stila and L’Oreal that include matte, satin, sheer sparkle and shimmer formats in one set.
Eye Stencils
A daring trend recently invented for Karl Lagerfeld’s fashion show for Chanel involved placing a strip of fishnet material over the eyelid and sweeping powder shadow on top to create the effect of an “eye stencil.” Dark colors were used close to the lashes and light ones nearer the brow. For a more bridal look, experiment with the technique in soft golds and silvers.
Pink Eyes
We’ve seen this look on the red carpet but is it really a look fit for a bride? Makeup pros say it can work if you smudge a subtle pink above the lash lines to create a hint of color. Alternatively, mix it with bronzes and gold for a more glowing effect. To balance the look, match your lips with a dusty pink or nude lip.
Blue Bayou
Blues are making a comeback, but this time with more finesse. Try swiping a grey-blue or indigo along your lashes and combine with a darker grey in the crease. Finish the look with navy mascara, it’s a softer option than black and brings out the natural eye colors.
Berry Lips
Dark and sultry are in and can make a bold, beautiful statement on a bride. For maximum impact, A-listers are lining lips with a raspberry or red currant hue and the lip with a darker red, like cherry. Never forget to blot, so the color doesn’t bleed, and dab concealer around the edges of the lips to ensure long-lasting definition. For more drama, couple with light-colored eye shadow and strong, dark eyeliner and mascara.
Nailed It
Nail fashion has been going in all different directions, from barely there to vampy reds and full on golden talons. Essie’s nail polish in Ballet Slippers is still the natural-but-better polish that can’t be beaten, it makes all nails and hands look longer, stronger and prettier. For a taupe take on natural, celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann’s Fashion takes the top slot, and it also has a rich, creamy finish. Add local color with New Orleans’ Native Polish. Every polish has a name straight out of the Crescent City. Chanel Le Vernis sits between a purple and a red and also suits every skin tone. For the golden look, Beyoncé uses two coats of OPI’s Glitzerland which can also look pretty with bridal whites and cream.
Naturally
Barely there makeup is huge right now and you have to spend as much time prepping the skin as applying makeup. First use a primer with an illuminator to create an inner glow. Next buff a liquid semi-matte foundation into the skin and add powder highlighter, (it reflects best) to the high points of your face: the bridge of your nose, cheekbones and forehead. Benoit says, “The next step is to add bronzer on the cheeks and eyes to create a sun-kissed look with a sheen, it’s a way to create that dewy skin that is popular right now. Peaches and pinks are also fashionable and they flatter every skin tone.” Look for a color slightly darker than your own to create definition and volume, otherwise lips can disappear into the face. Line only the Cupid’s bow and apply a rich, hydrating matte finish lipstick. Finish the look with a pretty gloss in a slightly lighter shade.
Trying trends is fun, but the trick is finding one that suits you and you never know, you might just keep it for the rest of your life.
