A swipe of dark red lipstick. A smoky new eyeshadow. A sleek low ponytail. The new beauty buzz for fall is all about "a strong, elegant and sophisticated woman this season," says Francois Nars, founder and creative director for NARS cosmetics. NARS did the makeup for designer Marc Jacobs' fall 2015 runway show, channeling the legendary fashion icon Diana Vreeland with her signature red lips and red nails.
"I looked to the swans of the 50s and 60s, like Babe Paley or Jacqueline de Ribes, to inspire the look," says Nars. "Matte skin and a defined brow bring a nice structure to the face, balancing the greige gloss of the lid with the matte, velvety eggplant color of the lip."
The bold lip is one of the biggest beauty trends this fall. Whether it's the dark "VIP Red" hue at NARS or the "D is for Danger" burgundy at MAC or the bright "Heart" lip color at Dolce & Gabbana, red pouts are what it's all about — unless, of course, you prefer a more natural approach. Then tone it down with a pinker shade of red a la Clarins Joli Rouge lipstick in "Petal Pink." If you want to experiment with several different shades of red lip color, download the Makeup Genius app by L'Oreal.
Red, in many shades, tips off stylish nails this fall, too. Butter London's "Afters" polish is a blackish oxblood color. "Cinna-Snap" at Sally Hansen is similar dark purple color. On the other end of the spectrum are orangey reds, such as "Hot Sauce" from Color Club. There's a red nail color for every occasion!
Blushing reds in peach tones give cheeks a sun-kissed touch this fall and winter. Think fresh off the ski slopes! Check out Cover Girl's blush, bronzer and highlighter in peach hues to get an all-in-one glow.
"Bold" is also the buzzword for eyes this fall, from smoldering cocoa browns to sooty charcoal grays and subtle combinations of jewel tones like green, blue and plum. Pick up a nifty little compact that's ready to tuck into your handbag. Check out Urban Decay's Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette, which includes 12 eyeshadows. And don't forget to pick up a brow pencil, either. Defined brows are making a big comeback.
Eyeliner and mascara are back, too, bigger and bolder than ever. Eyes get a theatrical treatment in inky black cat eyes topped off with thick, lush lashes. Try Bobbi Brown's Creamy Eye Pencil in "Midnight" and Maybelline's new Chaotic mascara. Create a trendier look with a streak of white paired with the black liner for dramatic double cat eyes. A word to the wise: If you go heavy on the eye makeup this fall, balance it all out with matte makeup and a lighter lip — unless, of course, you're dressing for a Halloween party.
It's up, up and away for hair trends this fall. Expect to see poufy ponytails and buns piled high on top of heads a la '60s and Bridgette Bardot. (Watch a how-to video at instyle.com/aimhigh.) Get the volumizer out, girls.
Indeed, the bun is refreshed for the season with lots of twists and braids, pinned and plaited in messy, undone styles. The low ponytail is another hot hair trend that showed up on the runways, and when not styled into a bun, it's simply pulled back or to the side and fastened with a big barrette or wrapped with leather stickpins or lace ties. Then add a headband and you've got a nonchalant way to style your hair fast and easy.
When you want to wear your hair down, the look is still carefree and undone. Shoulder-length shags like Taylor Swift's are soft and layered; longer hair gets relaxed, loose waves. Bangs also give long and short hair a wisp of fresh air.
When you're out shopping for new fall clothes, don't forget your face and hair. Watch for special beauty events at your favorite stores (Nordstrom's nationwide beauty week starts Oct. 4). Book an appointment, and put your best face forward this fall.
To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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