The crocuses are just signalling the new season but in ‘fashion world’, Spring/Summer is so over and every fashionista worth her Manolos has been there, done that and already donated her (Kenzo) t-shirt.
But for us mere mortals, who aren’t chauffeured around in a branded Bentley (sad), humdrum questions such as; ‘Will I freeze to death?’ and ‘Might this stiletto get stuck in the escalator?’ simply demand to be asked. It’s also complete madness (not to mention a serious health hazard) to go bare-legged in British winter, or don a full fur in July – unless your names are Anna Dello and Russo.
Which doesn’t mean you can’t be an early adopter. Thankfully, next season’s beauty looks are not only any-weather appropriate, but are also ideal for lazy lay-deeez. The Autumn ‘it’ bag is the eye-bag (I never joke) and looking sexily unwashed – think dirty hair, last night’s eyeliner and naked nails – has been the theme from DvF to Jil Sander. Looking hip has never been so effortless.
No make-up make-up was the stand-out trend. Faces looked bare (but were anything but) at Jil Sander, Moschino and Alexander Wang, while dark circles were ‘de rigeur’ at Erdem and J.W. Anderson. Of course, we’re not advocating you channel ‘exhaustion’ but liberating your face from base isn’t as scary as it sounds. Jouer’s new {Anti-Ageing} and {Anti-Blemish Primers} help blur imperfections whilst improving skin quality. If you then need a little extra help, apply concealer or tinted moisturiser to the centre of your face and blend outwards – the diffused, soft-focus effect looks like your-skin-but-better – and saves time (which gets a big ‘thumbs up’ from us).
M-A-T-N-B (or ‘morning-after-the-night-before’) is the union of sexy insouciance and plain old, can’t-be-bothered-ance (as the French would say). It’s that smudged in black blur that only happens after a naughty night face down on your duvet (or when expertly re-created by make-up artists at Topshop and Antonio Beradi). If, unlike them, you aren’t a pro make-up maestro, simply line your eyes (try Stila’s {Smudge Pot} in Black), sink a drink and go to bed. You’ll look totally Saint Laurent-worthy come morning.
Bed Head was the natural (more wearable) version of last-season’s wet-look hair styles. At Christopher Kane, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Roberto Cavalli, locks were ‘dirtied’ before being pulled back into messy buns, or left loose to entangle (hot) indie band members.
Or, make like a virgin and wear your hair loose, long, and totally uncorrupted (think Claire Danes playing Juliet). At Jil Sander and Stella McCartney, hair was centre parted and then left to its own devices – the occasional ear tuck being the only concession to ‘styling’. For this to be an option, you hair needs to be in tip top condition – use a clarifying shampoo and hydrating conditioner – Sachajuan’s {Leave In} option is weightless, so nobody need know you’ve cheated. Regular treatments are also a must – try Aestelance {Mud Mask}, to re-hydrate and replenish lost lustre.
Rock a dark red lip. Not only is it an arresting alternative to pastels, but allows you to leave the rest of your face naked. You can even forgo mascara – just fatten up your eyebrows with Anastasia’s Brow Wiz. Oh, and keep the finish matte – try Lipstick Queen’s {Lip Liner} in Berry in lieu of a lipstick, for long-lasting moody pout perfection.
Wear gloss – but not on your lips. Shiny balms were used backstage to highlight cheekbones, eyelids and weirdly, to ‘greasify’ (technical term) partings. Almost any balm will do, but Elizabeth Arden’s {Eight Hour} is our weapon of choice.
Now go forth and give fashionistas a run for their trend-setting crowns (or Giles’ over-sized beanies)!