Fall and Winter Makeup and Nail Trends

Fall and Winter Makeup and Nail Trends - Wrapping yourself in the luxe looks and fine fabrics of fall and winter calls for an equally opulent makeup palette of deep smoky hues, jewel tones, glam metallics and delicate shimmers. Here we offer up a cadre of cosmetic ideas for your face and nails.

The newest eye shadow tones are all about sultry impact and drama queen presence. It’s a colorful smoky-metallic look we want, so pencil on a soft gold eyeliner for day, then discover your inner diva at night with glimmering navy, ombre violet, gem-like green or intense coppery-black cream eye shadow. (Use a smidgen of lighter color in the inner corner of your eyes for extra oomph.) Think blurry eyeliner to keep the smudgy smolder going, and finish with lashings of glossy black mascara.

Brows are strong, filled-in and the arch is gentle. Don’t shape them as much as tidy them up. Brow powders and waxes deliver a softer definition than a traditional pencil, and some waxes are even ingeniously enriched with vitamins and conditioning ingredients. Small palettes of more than one color, so you can customize your shade, are ideal. For extra longevity, always apply your brow wax first and powder second.

This season’s sultry metallic eyes and audaciously red lips beg for a suitably muted backdrop. Prep your canvas to project a matte, refined look – think less dewy maiden and more sophisticated lady. First apply a daub of primer to smooth imperfections. Simply following with a tinted moisturizer allows you to skip a heavier foundation altogether while still enhancing your complexion. Feel naked sans a more opaque layer? Try a soft veil of mineral makeup instead – it conceals and corrects weightlessly.

Cream blush in natural, rosy shades delivers a subtle yet realistic glow along with a hint of desired sheen, while a highlighter swept lightly over the top of your cheekbones sweetly sculpts the face. (We’re looking for “flushed” here, so avoid deep colors or heavy-handed application.) An alternative to this season’s more theatrical makeup trends is the bare “neutral” face. Matte foundation, a touch of blush, a peachy lip color, plus silver, pale gray or taupe eye shadow and a coat of mascara and you are done.

It’s official – the strong red lip has made a definite comeback. It’s an undeniably bold trend that’s still surprisingly wearable. Crimson, burgundy, raspberry, red with orange undertones, red with blue undertones – there’s a fiery shade out there for every complexion. Cream lipsticks impart just the right texture. Your lip liner should be softer and more of a natural accent, so either match it exactly to your lipstick hue or choose a flesh-tone liner to keep your pucker pleasing.

If cream-based lipsticks are just not your cup of cosmetic tea, try a berry-hued lip stain or a crimson-tinged gloss for a much more subtle effect. Or leave behind the red completely and opt for a matte apricot, coral, peach or pink lipstick for day, or for whenever you want to rock the “neutral” face trend. These bare lip shades are perfectly paired with a darker, stronger brow, a taupe eye shadow and just the merest touch of blush.

Nail color continues its ascent up the style ladder and it’s more important than ever this fall and winter. Remember when nails were either polished pink, coral or red, and the most eye-catching effect would be a French manicure? There’s nothing demure about our digits now. Burnish them in the most dramatic lacquer you can score – from silver metallic, to the postmodern classic “greige,” to deeply glimmering forest green, dusky purple or deep blue-black – fingernails and toenails alike are going the extroverted route.

If these magnificent metallics aren’t enough for you, try one of the myriad of special effects top coats. An overlay of glimmer, glitter, sparkle, shatter or crackle-effects takes nails to another dimension. There are even holographic and magnetic top coats that dazzle and delight. Have fun with your effects, but don’t forget your base coat. It helps all this dazzle stay on longer and protects your nail bed from the yellowing that can occur with darker nail polish shades.

via: bing