Makeup and hair ideas to keep you looking hot over the cold winter months
Winter is here and as we move slowly towards spring, the cosmetics and beauty industry has a whole host of new products and looks for us to try out! I decided to take a little look at what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to hair and makeup trends for Winter 2017/ Spring 2018.
Let’s start with makeup and something simple… One trend that always seems to rear its head at some point during every season is groomed minimalism. This is the perfect daytime look (or any time really), when you want to look polished, but natural. Maybe you don’t have the time to do your full makeup in the morning, or perhaps you just need something simple to get you from the gym after work to an evening dinner with friends. The look was popular on the catwalk shows of Lanvin and Max Mara. Keep your skin light and fresh—think supermodel glow—with a good foundation, such as The Ordinary Serum Foundation, which offers SPF 15 protection and comes in 21 shades (so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect tone). Keep your brow game strong and defined with a slick of brow gel (I love Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel), curl your lashes to open up the eyes and apply a quality lip balm (Jane Iredale Lip Drink Lip Balm is a favourite of mine).
Another trend that, whether you like it or not, has been seen everywhere from Topshop to Preen, is imperfect lips. Think of how your lipstick looks after lunch, or maybe a cheeky kiss, and you have the right idea. It might seem like one step too far, but it does actually remove the hassle out of constantly re-applying lipstick, whilst also means that you’ll be bang on trend in the fashion stakes! Achieve the look by applying a thick layer of lipstick, then lightly smudging the outer edges over the lip line using a cotton bud or lip brush, before blotting and reapplying a top layer of lipstick in the conventional manner. Consider using reds, berry or purple tones for full effect! I love Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Venom and Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red.
As far as eye makeup is concerned, a new take on the smudgy-smoky eye—as profiled on the catwalks at Chloe, Prada and Versace—appears to be the trend. This time round, though, and in keeping with the imperfect lips look, is imperfect eyeliner. Note, however, that these two should never be used to complement each other, not that is unless you want to look like you’ve just survived the carwash with the roof down. Use a soft black kohl pencil, like a Barry M Kohl Pencil in Black, to draw in the waterline and then smudge underneath the eye using a cotton bud. (But not too evenly, of course!) You can also add a splash of colour, such as electric blue, as was seen at Prada, to the top lid: again, apply and smudge. PuroBio Cosmetics Eyeliner in Blu Elettrico works well for this look! Keep the rest of your makeup very simple and play up the eyes to complete the statement.
There are a few hair looks trending this season that are easy to achieve, wearable and that complement these makeup styles!
One trend, especially for all you ladies with long hair, is the super straight look. This can be worn long and flowing with a centre parting for that iconic Nineties look, as seen on the catwalk at Topshop Unique, or slicked down in a low ponytail, as seen at Oscar de la Renta. If you’re fortunate enough to have natural poker-straight hair then you’re already good to go, but if not, you might want to consider investing in a Brazilian Blow Dry! A long-lasting treatment that boosts keratin levels in your hair, leaving it silky smooth, shiny and straight.
Another simple look, which was seen everywhere from the DAKS show to Calvin Klein and Tracey Reece, is hair with an easy, natural texture: an effortless daytime look, or one that you can work into evening elegance. Keep product use light, and only use products that enhance your natural texture, such as Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hair Sculpting Lotion Styling Liquid. If you have long hair, opt for an irregular centre parting and dry gently working with the natural texture. Shake and go with shorter styles or diffuse lightly by adding some spray wax—Redken Texture Wax Blast is fabulous!
Braids were seen everywhere and there’s a style to suit all hair textures—the perfect way to have your finger on the fashion pulse whilst also keeping your hair under control… Scalp braids work for most hair types, but they are particularly good for people with overly curly or afro-like hair: Balmain models sported this look. Professionals can best achieve this look, so head to a good scalp braider for this one, or at least get a friend to help out. The models at Alberta Ferretti were seen with a more romantic, loose Venetian braid. Start with a simple centre parting, with hair that has a naturally soft texture and braid loosely in the nape of the neck, fasten, then pull out a few pieces for a more gentle, “worn” look.
Whatever you try out this season, remember to have fun with it. Don’t be shy to experiment and always let your inner beauty shine through: that is the most important thing of all!
