The easiest way to update your look is with trying out one of the trendiest beauty looks. Happily, today’s makeup trends are as timeless as they are easy to achieve.
Here is your guide to nailing the hottest makeup trends that are of-the-moment yet classic.
Matching nails and lipstick
No one wants to look too “done” right now, but that doesn’t mean colour is off the cards.
An everlasting trend we love is matching a vibrant manicure to the shade swiped on your mouth.
Our pick is classic, screen-siren red. If you don’t like a vibrant shade on your lips, opt for a more subtle stain.
Lip gloss is a girl’s best friend
Balms are great, but sometimes a girl just has to shine. Gloss makes your smile look brighter and your mouth fuller.
Even better, you can dabble in shades that may feel too strong in lipstick form.
Wondering which lip gloss is best? We’ve found the most wearable formula is also the most conditioning: Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Cherry, $41, is a plant based gloss that delivers a subtle shine and some seriously hydrating ingredients too.
Wearing blush and bronzer together
Many of us are familiar with the process of swapping out blush for bronzer when we want a sun-kissed glow, but it’s only when you layer them that you achieve a healthy glow. Start with a bronzer that suits your tone.
How do I use bronzer?
As a general rule, avoid any shades that look too orange, as the tone will make you look unnaturally tanned. Instead, opt for one or two tones darker than your natural skin.
Then wake up your complexion with a dab of rosy blush on cheek apples.
Perfecting feathered brows
You may have a well-loved pencil in your kit, but the secret behind full, feathered brows is usually pomade. It’s great for filling sparse brows and defining thicker ones.
How do I use brow pomade?
Using an angled brush, apply colour with short, light strokes. Begin in the middle and fill from there, to avoid build-up at either end. Then blend with a brow brush.
Getting natural makeup right
Natural makeup is a trend that’s endured for the last few years but many do it wrong: in an attempt to look naturally flawless, not enough of a base is applied.
How does this happen? Well, modern foundation formulas are designed to be buildable (so you can control coverage) but often this means one thin layer is not enough.
To achieve a finish that will last, you’ll need at least a second or third thin coat with your foundation brush.
Pro tip? Change the order you apply makeup. In the interest of achieving the same flawless glow with less product, make-up artists will often apply a light layer of liquid highlighter to skin before foundation.
After that, step back and appraise your complexion. Then, simply add a creamy concealer only where needed.
Which natural makeup is best?
Our pick: Dior’s Forever Natural Nude, $99, which is a water-based formula perfect for those with dry skin wanting slightly more coverage that feels weightless.
Swapping smoky eyes for copper eyes
While we’d be lying if we said the smoky eye was over (classics never die), shimmering copper eyes are soft and flattering.
For staying power, dust a neutral shadow over lids as a base. For daytime, focus a creamy, copper shadow on the lids.
For night, opt for a sparkly copper shadow, extending it up and out a little before blending. Pair with bronzed skin and a shimmering lip gloss.
Adding primer to your beauty routine
Try swapping a dusting of setting powder for a new step earlier in your routine, that will result in a more radiant finish – especially in the warmer months. We’re talking primer, which absorbs shine and ensures make-up stays put.
So, does primer go on before or after moisturiser? Smooth on after moisturiser and sunscreen, but before base.
There you have it – whether it’s for your face, eyes, lips or brows, these trends do what makeup is supposed to do – enhance your best features.
