Clockwise: Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Petal from Bamboo Apothecary; Laura Mercier Simmer Bloc in Peach Mosaic from Bamboo Apothecary; Laura Mercier Eye Colour Trio in Midnight Sun from Bamboo Apothecary; Laura Mercier Eye Colour Trio in Mauve Sunset from Bamboo Apothecary; NARS Lipstick in Beautiful Liar from Beauty 101; Smashbox Wicked Lovely Lip Gloss in Coy from Beauty 101; Smashbox Wicked Lovely Cream Liner and Losse Shimmer in Wicked Lovely from Beauty 101; Smashbox Wicked Lovely eye shadow duo in Sinful/Pure from Beauty 101; Dior Impression Cuir Leather Couture for the Eyes from Saks; Armani Python Palette Fall ’08 from Saks; Dior Vernis Brillance Extrême Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer in Red Ebony from Saks; Chanel Facettes D’Or Nail Colour in Gold Fiction from Saks; (center) Chanel Brillant Extrême Intense Radiance Lip Gloss in Gold Light from Saks; NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Isolde from Beauty 101.
Fall is traditionally a time for subdued, quiet colors but this season we’re seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright, stimulating undertones. What colors will you be finding in fabrics this fall? Black is making a huge comeback (though if you ask me it never left). The official Fall Fashion Color Report for 2008 includes: black, steel grays, cooler blues, purples and greens. Reds, of course, are always a steadfast favorite for fall, so expect variations of warm red, orange and yellow as well.
The five must-wear beauty trends for fall makeup, straight off the runways, include: dark lips, gray lids, dramatic liner, bursts of color and the earthy smoky look. The easiest way for a makeup update is to choose one or two trends and incorporate them into your routine.
Dark Pouts
Fall lips are filled with stained shades in blacky reds, eggplants and deep chocolates. What’s missing is lip liner! Considered passé and “so last season,” the couture lip has no obvious lip lines. If you can’t give up on your favorite liner then apply and “pat/smudge” to a softer edge on the lip, then apply your lip shades and glosses.
Smoldering Eyes
New York Fashion Week boasted a wide array of color on the catwalk but the consistent theme on nearly every runway was charcoals, pewters and neutral grays. The smoky gray eye is a great alternative to the harsher black smoky eye – same feel but much more modern and will transition better from day to night. Try a shimmery eyeshadow – they blend easily and are easier to apply. A cool collection this season is Armani Beauty’s Python Collection. Textured like the skin of a Python and based on Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter fashion show, the three eye shadow color palette (grey taupe, dark iridescent grey and luminous grey pearl.) focuses on a strong, sophisticated smoky eye. The palette also includes two new stunning lip deep shades and I love that this palette holds everything – prêt-à-porter!
Earthy Smoky
The Earthy Smoky or “Bronzy” eye is a playful take on the traditional smoky eye. Metallic shimmers lend an amazing touch of drama to the eye by sweeping eye shadows over the eyelid and letting the colors swirl to create a stunning hue. Christian Dior launched Cuir Leather Impression Eyeshadow, featuring three rich shades of burgundy, plum and copper. (The impression is based on the popular “croc” pattern of Dior leather handbags.) I adore this as an eye palette, yet I aspire to use this on my cheeks, too! The colors are gorgeous and the shades fade subtly into each other.
Gilded Eye
Gold sets the standard for luxury and many fall makeup collections are gilded with shimmer. Look for a gold tone that best fits your skin tone; then, pair it with a heavier liner, mega volume lashes and either a soft gold lip-gloss or a dark red lip. The combination works in harmony to create a sultry, intense look. Nars, Laura Mercier and Chanel have all launched beautiful makeup collections that are full of golden shimmery goodness. (The gold in Chanel’s collection were inspired by gilded tones found in Coco Chanel’s historic apartment in Paris!)
Bold Liner
Bold liner conjures up a more modern take of the 1960s “cat eye.” Depending on how you apply it, this look is timeless. Black and browns are classic but this season, eyeliner is appearing in vivid greens and blues. When wearing bold liner, keep the rest of the face minimal. If liquid liner intimidates you, try wetting an eyeshadow for a liner – mistakes can be corrected with a Q-tip! Another winner: The Smashbox Wicked Lovely collection. Try the “Sinful/Pure” shadows – a shimmering Ivory and charcoal duo – as well as their three sultry cream liners and the lip-gloss complete with it’s own whip!
Daring Color
Bright, daring colors reminiscent of the early 1980s, are hot. Plums and mauves are “in.” Laura Mercier has a stunning color trio that compliments the mauve mood of fall season. Consider using intense color eyeliner smudged across the lash line or using it as an accent color in the crease of your existing eyeshadow palette. For modern chic, go a little on the eyes with nominal makeup elsewhere – use these intense colors as accessories.
Mega Lashes
Mascara is a must! It adds volume, color and definition to your eyes. Apply three thin layers of the darkest mascara instead of one thick one.
Remember, the key to a successful season change is to not overdo the trends. Too many trends will instantly date your look. Less is almost always more when shifting into fall. Keep in mind that your routine should be simple and you’ll be in step with what’s hot and current for fall 2008.