We’re taking our cue from the A/W runways of Milan, London, Paris and New York to make our makeup trend forecast for this season’s captivating looks.
Hazed-out graphite eyes, futuristic paintbox-bright pops of colour, and glossy, glass-like skin are taking centre stage. And we have the products to help you create your own versions of these surprisingly wearable looks.
Look #1: Graphite eyes
Chanel’s A/W look was beguiling, switching out the traditional smokey eye with blurry, hazed out eyeshadow and dramatic kohl-rimmed eyes. Dior’s smouldering eye was created with matte black shadow laced around the outer edges but a bare centre lid. Max Mara also had smudging smoky tones, with the use of olive for a muted and unexpected twist. Sharp winged eyeliner for a bold cat eye look was the MO Alessandra Rich.
How to: The updated smoky eye uses a matte graphite or earthy base colour over the lid and in the crease. To add drama use black pencil eyeliner along the lash line and water line. Pair with neutral lips.
Look #2: Retro futuristic
Sci-fi influences were big in the A/W Milan collections. Versace took centre stage using vivid blues and pinks across the eyes, while Dolce & Gabbana rocked bright punk lips. For some Studio 54 glam, Charlie Riddle brought the glitz with a purple and blue smokey eye.
How to: The key to wearing bright colours IRL is to keep it simple. To pare it down, wear it on the outer corners of the eye only or along the lower lashline. To make a statement, add a sweep of colour across the lid and an earthy tone to contour and blend out any harsh edges. If you prefer a vivid glossy lip, keep the eye clean and apply lashings of mascara.
Look #3: Incandescent skin
Healthy, glowing skin is always in, but some of our favourite fashion houses elevated the radiant look even further with superb incandescent makeup finishes and illuminated high points of the face, almost like the models were lit from within. Emilia Wickstead led the way in the skin-first beauty look with a dewy, mega-hydrated complexion, while Prabal Gurung paired a glossy skin to juxtapose a bold red lip.
How to: For a cheat’s guide to flawless, glossy skin, illuminators and highlighters are your friends. Sweep a veil of luminescence over the tops of your cheekbones, your forehead, the outline of your upper lip, your chin and nose. Highlighters look great above the cheekbone and brow bone – just be sure to keep them away from areas with wrinkles and fine lines as it will just bring attention to them.
