There’s no hiding from the fact that winter is on its way. Whether you plan to buy a whole new autumn wardrobe, select a few key new fall pieces to update what you already have or to ‘shop your closet’, autumn is one of the most exciting times for fashion lovers. The stores of Norwich are bursting at the seams with fabulous knits, faux fur, vibrant and rich colours and wonderful accessories.
But what about your face? How can you update your make-up for the new season?
Just because the sun is less powerful, it’s important to continue to use a moisturiser or foundation with an SPF in the autumn and winter months. I’m a big fan of Estée Lauder Perfectionist foundation which provides medium coverage. It’s beautifully hydrating with SPF25 and perfect for slightly more mature skin.
Flash back to summer when you couldn’t read a beauty article without seeing the word ‘glow’; and beach babes, and boys, were being encouraged to highlight their cheekbones, foreheads, noses and chins to excess. As you don your scarf and bobble hat, try dialling down the glow just a little and go for a more natural radiance. There are some fabulous warming highlighters in the stores which add a gorgeous luminosity to your skin without a super-shiny, wet-look effect. The Smashbox + Vlada Petal Metal Powder Highlighter creates a ‘soft focus’ effect and is easy to layer so you can achieve the level of glow you want.
Once of the simplest ways to update your make up for autumn is with your eye colour. I asked make-up artist Kerry Eaglen for her tips.
“Eye shadow colours which are perfect for that transition into autumn are those which represent our typical symbols of the season,” says Kerry. “Changing leaves, cosy fires, pumpkins – just anything warm toned and bold. I’m talking browns, oranges, reds or even khaki greens if you prefer something a bit cooler.
“The Obsession x Belle Jorden Eyeshadow Palette from Boots has a versatile mix of 16 shades in a mix of matte and shimmer. It’s also cruelty free and a steal at just £10. Or if you’re looking to splurge, the Anastasia Beverley Hills Soft Glam Palette (£43, cultbeauty.co.uk) is one of my absolute favourites, with 14 highly pigmented shades, you can create a wide range of looks,” continues Kerry.
Many of us are slightly wary of strong eyeshadow colours; thinking we can’t carry off the bold tones that Kerry describes. My advice is to give it a go and have fun with your make-up. Check out some of the amazing YouTube make-up tutorials that are available – I really love NikkieTutorials – and then tailor the looks and techniques to suit you.
For me, the right lipstick can elevate even the simplest make up look.
Kerry Eaglen says, “Lip colours for autumn can include nudes and once again, oranges, reds and browns. I really recommend Revolution Pro Supreme Matte Lip Pigments in shades like Show (a deep brown nude), Subliminal (a deep, berry red), Apprehension (a true red) and Elevation (a medium pink nude).” £4 from Superdrug, intu Chapelfield
The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick set includes five mini Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks in standout shades for the autumn; from an everyday neutral to a dark, plummy pink and two reds. With an SPF15 moisturising formula, the lipsticks are ideal for protecting your lips as the temperature drops. (£45, exclusively at John Lewis & Partners).
It’s important to clarify that I am not a beauty expert or a make-up artist. I simply love how make-up can help a woman (or a man) feel confident, beautiful and powerful. If you have any beauty tips to share or any questions, please contact me on Instagram @longlashesandlaughterlines.