THIS summer marked the season of neon brights, clashing patterns and bold accessories, and with autumn fast approaching, we may have thought it was safe to retreat into the comfortable shades of navy and purple. Alas, the biggest make up trend for A/W 12 is bright, bold colours.
Keep remaining makeup to a minimum to maintain focus on your dramatic eyes.
Looking to the catwalks, Prabal Gurung showcased swathes of blue and green metallics, reminiscent of a peacock’s feathers. The shades swept right up to the eyebrow and inner corners of the eye, creating a winged shape that would work well as a dramatic evening look. To recreate this look, gently blend two blue shades such as MAC’s Deep Truth shadow for the inner corners, with a greener tone such as Plumage. The combination of these shades will reflect iridescent emerald tones.
Prabal Gurung
Anna Sui followed suit with blue makeup. However, unlike the subtle blending of Prabal Gurung, the Sui show featured bold swipes of winged liner. Try Stila Cobalt Smudge Pot to recreate this look. Definition is the key to creating this look, so use a fine brush for a neat line.
Anna Sui
At the other end of the colour spectrum, Dries Van Noten models were seen with striking sweeps of tangerine eye shadow, again reaching up to the brows. The remaining makeup was largely minimal to maintain focus on the bright eye colour. For a more subtle take on this look, experiment with bronze metallic shadows which will also complement a healthy tan. If you’re not brave enough for tangerine eyes, try adding a hint of bright orange or coral to lips using a gloss such as Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Tangerine.
Dries Van Noten
For the Stella McCartney show, the models were unleashed with a heavy coat of electric blue mascara. For this look, clumped lashes are key so apply mascara with the tip of the wand and drag up from the roots to the tips. Alternatively, try using your ordinary black mascara and dusting lightly with some electric blue eye shadow across the top of the lashes. For an affordable take on this look, Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara in Electric Blue is a great start.
Stella McCartney
At Donna Karan, deep red eyelids reigned supreme. To contrast with the models’ fair skin and lips, a hint of burgundy was the perfect finishing touch. Choose a shade that is more wine than red for a gentler take on this look. Illamasqua eyeshadow in Cranberry Red is a long-lasting deep red tone with a matte finish.
Illamasqua Cranberry Red
But perhaps the most intriguing of the upcoming season’s looks is the eye makeup creation at the Roberto Cavalli show which featured an array of coloured metallic pigments. Using lilac, deep peacock green, light gold and black, the makeup artists showed how contrasting colours can combine to create a broad palette of complementary jewelled tones.
Roberto Cavalli
Keep remaining makeup to a minimum to maintain focus on your dramatic eyes. Each of these autumn/winter trends would be ideal for an evening look but can be easily softened with metallic shadows and liners for a subtle day time version.
Victoria writes for online retailer of freeform varifocals, Direct Sight.
