Sorry sun worshipers! Autumn is, without doubt, my favourite time of year. Carpets of auburn leaves on the ground, the scent of bonfire in the air, and nights spent wallowing in the bath and hiding under cashmere blankets.
There is, of course, another reason to embrace the change of season – and that’s the chance to experiment with new hair and beauty trends. And there’s plenty to get excited about this Autumn/Winter, with trends that are flattering, wearable, and easy to recreate at home…
1 – EARTH TONES. In the fashion world, the hue to be seen in this season is Camel – whether it’s a winter coat, chunky scarf, or pair of butter-soft leather shoes – so it’s little surprise that the trend has translated to the beauty world. A palette of soft, earthy tones highlighted eyes, lips and nails at Alexander Wang, Armani Privé and Marc Jacobs – from shades of mocha, amber, caramel, tobacco, chocolate, and toffee. To work this look, I will be investing in Clarins Colour Quartet for Eyes in Earth, £27.50, and Dior Vernis Longwearing Nail Lacquer in Safari Beige, £17.
2 – BIG HAIR. Time to dig out those rollers – as this season, the bigger the hairstyle, the better. At Nina Ricci and Chanel, locks were heavily backcombed – whilst at Prada, huge beehives ruled the roost. To achieve this look, it’s wise to switch to a volumising shampoo – and there are few more effective than Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Extra Volume Shampoo, £7.40. Then, while hair is still wet, apply Tigi Bed Head Cocky, £7.65 – and once dry and styled, spritz with a reliable hair spray, such as Sexy Hair Big Sexy Spray & Stay Volumizing Intense Hold Hairspray, £10.70.
3 – AIRBRUSHED SKIN. Forget highlighted cheekbones, as this Autumn/Winter, skin should be perfectly matte and even-toned – so perfect, in fact, that complexions appear airbrushed. Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Fendi set the trend – and it can be easily recreated with a help of a matte foundation, such as Bare Escentuals’ fabulous new bareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundation, £19.59. If you are prone to shine, keep a pressed powder in your handbag to blot your complexion throughout the day – I suggest Clarins Shine Stopper Powder Compact, £23.50.
4- BLACK KOHL. Halleluiah! Heavy kohl-rimmed eyes are back! Models at Gucci, Blumarine, Versace, and Giorgio Armani blinked out from eyes lined in thick, black liner – and the great news is that this is Autumn/Winter’s easiest trend to recreate. If you prefer liquid eyeliner – which creates a more dramatic look – get your hands on Clarins Eyeliner Pen, £18, which is highly pigmented for a deep-black, long-lasting result. Or if you find pencil liners easier to control – which gives a softer, sultrier look – I can personally recommend Dior Crayon Kohl, £14.50.
