Beauty for A/W: It’s all gone 40s

London Fashion Week is under way. Make up maestros Val Garland, Pat Mcgrath and co, are buzzing away creating our spring/summer beauty trends for next season. But what’s hot this autumn?

On the catwalk at Marc Jacobs, Stella and D&G we saw fresh skin, defined brows, contoured cheeks and liquid liner, all with a 40s twist. Gucci added a touch of glamour with a berry lip. This is good news. A berry lip suits all. Black, white, Asian, we can all rock a berry lip.

So ladies… fancy staying on trend with this alluring new autumn look? It’s actually really easy to achieve and can be adapted to all skin tones and ages. Here’s how to do it – think Ingrid Bergman, Casablanca, 2012.

Keep skin fresh but not dewy. Try MAC’s Face and Body, or Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation. Both are available in all shades. Apply with a foundation brush for an even coverage. Finish with a dusting of MAC Blotting Powder.

Move away from peachy pink cheeks and use a bronzer to contour. Suck in your cheeks and brush Dior Bronze in Amber Tan into the hollows. Use a large powder brush to blend on to the cheekbones, and highlight with a touch of The Mutiple by Nars, in Copacabana.

Brows should be shaped and defined but not heavy. Use Parissa Brow Shaper Wax Strips, to shape in to a slight arch. Brush upwards then define using Clarin’s Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit. It’s a powder eyebrow kit, so not too heavy and it’s easy to blend.

Eyes should be kept simple with a touch of drama. Sweep a thin line of liquid liner along your lash line. When applying liquid liner look down into a compact mirror, this makes application easier. Dior’s Liner in Brown or Styleliner in Black are both great and easy to apply. Add mascara to your top lashes only, and a couple of individual lashes to the outer corners to create a 40’s feel. Try Eylure Individual Lashes in Medium Black.

For daytime, stain lips using Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint in Berry. Add Bobbi Brown’s Plumberry Lipstick for evening. Brush with a touch of powder for a 40’s matt look.

Nails should be kept fresh for daytime, try Nails Inc in Colville Mews. Berry up for the evening with Barry M’s Nail Paint in Burgundy or Red Wine.

Mature ladies, try swapping liquid liner for a touch of powder shadow. Apply using a thin liner brush in the same way as liner. Liquid liner tends to clog in fine lines.

Remember keep it simple and understated. Good luck, maybe see you down at Ricks Cafe…