Even without Gemma Ward’s bone structure or Adriana Lima’s golden glow, distilling runway trends into wearable daily make-up isn’t as tricky as you might think. In fact, catwalk styles can provide the ultimate inspiration for a fresh new make-up look at any age.
Here’s four of the best for four different decades. Simply choose your look, your age and go for it!
Dark lips
The international runways have been awash with goth-inspired pouts but rest assured you can tap the trend without looking like a 15-year-old wannabe in a black woollen trench on a hot day.
20s Experiment! If anyone can pull off a dark grape power pout then it’s you. Disguise any blemishes with Dr.Spiller Biocosmetic Cover Stick then try Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour in a choice of Sassy, Wicked or Desire. The combination of semi-permanent colour and top coat keeps colour looking fresh.
30s A strong lip actually works well in the professional arena. Use Covergirl Outlast Smoothwear Lipliner pencil in Raisin to line and fill lips for a lasting result. Then smear with Juice Beauty Lip Plumper for a fuller pout. Keep skin powdered for contrast.
50s Keep your make-up simple and dewy fresh. Then opt for a moisturising tint such as Clinique Almost Lipstick SPF 15 in Black Honey. The glossy formula lends itself to a polished look yet doesn’t require as much maintenance as lipstick.
Bright eyes
Brilliant hits of colour around the eyes are big news right now. But you need not take the extreme route and apply shocking shades all the way up to the brow bone. There’s a tone and technique to suit all.
20s With a glistening lip in a light, natural hue and a little bit of base, you can play up eyes with Avon Color Trend Metallic Liquid Liner. The tiny paint pot comes in metallic Violet, Blue and Green so chose whichever suits your mood. Follow with BECCA Loose Shimmer Powder for even greater impact.
30s Start with Red Earth Eye Perfection Primerto disguise any darkness around the eyes. Next, select a coloured powder such as Bloom Eye Shadow which comes in shades such as Aubergine, Antique Gold and Sunset which are neutral enough to suit most colourings. Use a fine brush to line upper and lower lash line then apply black mascara.
40s First, curl lashes to open up eyes. Then warm a little Rimmel Metallic Cream Shadow on a fingertip – the five colours to chose from look more intense in the case than on skin so don’t fret. Dab along the top lash line taking care not to take the colour above the crease. Blend well and finish with a coat of Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara.
50s You already know to only ever play up one feature at a time. That’s why a barely there base and lips work well with creamy eyeliner in bronze, navy or Max Factor Kohl Pencil in olive. Apply lightly along lashes in the outer corner of the eye and finish by smudging gently with a cotton bud. Check in natural light.
Sculpted cheeks
Blusher placement has moved from the fleshy part of the cheek to slightly under the top jaw bone for a more chiselled look. This is one trend that suits practically everyone so jump right in!
20s Start with a creamy illuminator on the cheek bones such as L’Oreal Paris Lumi Touche Complexion Enhancer. Next, take MAC Blushcreme in a slightly darker shade and tap it into the skin immediately underneath. Gently blend together for instant cheekbones.
30s We know you’re busy so this trend is for you. All you need is BECCA Double Cheek Contour Brush #45 – a big bushy powder brush with a flat edge – and a bronzer that’s low on shimmer. Max Factor Bronzing Powder is a classic. Use it to enhance your cheekbones by applying on an near-horizontal angle.
40s Start with two-tone blusher. Ere Perez Natural Tinted Rice Powder Bronze Tones SPF 15 combines two shades that work in harmony. Use the darkest in the hollows of the cheeks and follow with the lighter shade on top of cheekbones and over eyebrows. With a slick of golden gloss you’re done.
50s If your cheeks are a little more hollow than they used to be you probably have this look going on already. The key is to soften shadows rather than emphasising them. Dust Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder all over then give cheeks a pretty glow with a hit of Bare Escentuals bareMinerals in Glee. This nifty shade can also be applied to eyes.
Ultra nude
Not to be mistaken with the matte brown medley of the early-1990s, this take on tonal make-up has more variation in texture. Use a selection of creams, powders and shimmers for a ravishing, modern result.
20s First up, ensure your eyebrows are in great shape. Next, use Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation to create a sheer veil of colour. Finish with Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Tints in Sheer Blush for a hint of shine.
30s After a splash of concealer and a dusting of Red Earth Illuminating Powder, line eyes with a soft chocolate or black pencil and apply mascara. Next, use Cargo Cosmetics blu_ray Blush/Highlighter to emphasise cheekbones, temples and under the jaw. The universal tone suits most complexions so you can’t go wrong.
40s Use Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation to even the complexion in one simple step. Next, apply YSL Rouge Volupte in shade 2 for a lush, nude lip. BTW, if neutral make-up is going to become your signature, consider having your teeth whitened. Beige lips can unfortunately make teeth look yellowish.
50s Tone and brighten the area under eyes with a creamy concealer such as ELES Mineral Makeup Hydra Bright Line Diffuser. Next, add a pop of La Prairie Cellular Treatment Powder Blush in Abricot to the apples of your cheeks to avoid looking washed out. Follow with Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss in Nectar Nude.
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I would recommend Black Honey for any weather.
I haven’t tried Ere Perez before but I purchased some this morning so I’m about to find out!
Dark lips & bright eyes separately, of course, are right up my alley!