Screen siren
Words by Armand 03/10/2007
This month we are seeing the new colour collections filtering through from all the major cosmetic companies. A favourite trend of mine is the re-emergence of the “screen siren” − a look which has been inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior and Valentino have all created classic old-school glamour with their autumn/winter collections. Of course, make-up trends, like fashion, filter down from the catwalk to the high street, with companies like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy leading the way due to their obvious ties with fashion. However, this season lesser known brands are taking the lead. One such brand is Prescriptives, whose reputation for custom blend foundation is second to none. Their make-up collection this season has clearly been inspired by Dietrich, Crawford and Hepburn, and anyone wanting to create the look should take note of the following…Skin should be flawless so foundation is incredibly important. Gone are the days when foundations were thick and heavy; today there's a new breed of make-up that's lightweight but with the ability to conceal. One of my favourites at the moment is Naturel FX by Cover FX (available online and at Harvey Nichols). This water and mineral-based foundation gives a flawless finish to even the most problematic complexions, especially once set with the finishing powder. If you struggle getting a foundation to match your colouring, then Prescriptives can create your very own foundation for you − called Custom Blend. Eyebrows are heavy but groomed this season so invest in M&S Autograph tweezers to shape and sculpt, then fill in the gaps to ensure definition. If they are pale and sparse then use Benefit or Laura Mercier brow shadows to create a soft smooth shape. If you prefer to use a pencil then both Yves Saint Laurent and Sisley have brow pencils in different colours that are soft, precise and long-lasting to create Dita von Tease brows. Liquid liner has proved popular with stars like Angelina Jolie and Amy Winehouse, pioneering the liner “flick”, and this season it's still cool to lay it on thick.Eye lashes must be exaggerated so try Lancome's new Cils Design, which isdouble-ended, one end to lengthen and separate while the other end is a small comb which delivers a more intense colour to those hard to reach lashes. If you need a little help in the lash department then invest in some false lashes. Eyelure, Shu Uemura and Mac all do some great individual lashes which look great at the outer edge of the eye. Another alternative would be to have some semi-permanent lashes put on that last for about three months and are available in selected beauty salons. Midnight blue is one of the hottest eyeshadow shades this season and should be applied over the moveable part of the lid. Metallic effects are still popular, so use Snow by Bobbi Brown or Silver Touch by Sisley under your favourite shadows for extra drama. Try to keep your lips matte. Red lips are coming back in again for winter, and just check out this stunning visual from Guerlain for inspiration. The key to keeping your lipstick perfect is to use a good lip base. Guerlain’s world famous Liplift is the ideal product to perfect your pout as it stops your lipstick from “bleeding” and ensures the longevity of the colour. Don't forget to paint you toes because colour on your tootsies is still popular going from summer into autumn, especially while you’re on the beach. Emphasis is on orange, azure blue and classic red shades. Revlon and Mavala both do some great shades. Our feet can take a real hammering, especially for you girls in those towering heels tottering down to Banús, so take time out to pamper your feet. Body Shop's Hemp Foot Protector pampers parched skin with nourishing oils, while Ren's Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg Gel helps reduce swelling around the calf and ankles areas. MUST-HAVE PRODUCT For anyone who suffers with acne-prone skin, Clinique could be the answer to your prayers, with their new starter kit combining exfoliating, blemish-controlling agents with anti-irritants and oil-controlling ingredients to unclog pores and soothe irritated skin while reducing redness.
