Fall is one of the most
exciting and fun seasons when it comes to fashion. It is the transition between
light, flirty summer and frosty, dreary winter. This year’s color trends for Fall 2011
are not the usual brown and slate colors—they’re fun, flexible and lively! Don’t
be afraid to show off some bright colors this fall. Hues of red, orange, and
fuchsia were seen all over the runways during New York Fashion Week.
As you adjust your wardrobe accordingly
to the season, it’s just as important to change up your make-up color palette.
This season’s hottest make-up trends include smokey shimmery eyes, pink cheeks,
and bold lips.
I’m not a professional
make-up artist, but I wanted to share some of my favorite products of the
season—both high-end cosmetics the stars show off on the red carpet as well as makeup
for the more budget-conscious consumer. You can just as easily achieve these hot runway trends and
look flawless for fall.
Right off the runways in NYC, Roberto Cavalli & 3.1 Phillip Lim featured a classic smokey eye with a little bit of metallic flair. (Yes, the metallic flair is back!) This smoldering look is sexy and alluring and it works on all skin tones and complexions. To pull off this look, I use the NARS duo eye shadow in Pandora—white shimmer and classic matte black—and pair it with the Grand Palais—silver taupe and dusty shimmery rose—for a little autumn pop (both palettes can be found at Sephora for $33 each). NARS shadows are highly pigmented and have very little fall out. The shadows blend well and are easy to work with for even the least talented make-up artist.
Secret’s out—I try to be my own make-up artist. What’s a girl on a budget supposed to do?
For those of you who are more frugal, try L’Oreal’s Studio Secrets Professional Color Smokes Eye Shadow Quad in Blackened Smokes ($5.99 at your local drug store).
For lips, BOLD BOLD BOLD is the way to go! Crimson lips were seen everywhere at New York and London Fashion Week (like on the runway model for Gucci above). This is certain to be a trend that will stick this fall. Red lips are a head-turner and will add class to any ensemble. For this look try MAC’s Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Glam I ($14.50) or Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wine With Everything Crème ($7.99). Both of these lipsticks have amazing color-staying power for an all-day fiery pucker!
With such dramatic eyes and lips, you want to keep the cheeks subtle and complementary. Lightly flushed cheeks are also featured as a fall makeup trend. My two personal favorite blushes are NARS’ Blush in Deep Throat—a golden peachy shimmer ($27) and MAC’s Mineralize Blush in Dainty—a pearly pink and gold ($22). Both blushes are sheer and provide buildable color. A more affordable substitute I turn to is the Maybelline’s Fit Me Blush in Light Rose.
Working for SwimSpot, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share with you at least one look for this upcoming cruise swim season. Just because you’re sporting a new swimsuit doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also make sure your make-up says, “Look at my eyes too, honey!”
The Luxe Solaia Tankini Top and matching Tab Side Bikini Bottom by Lisa Vogel is the perfect swimsuit to bring out those red lips and smokey eyes this fall.
Now that you have your Fall 2011 make-up essentials down, go out and strut your stuff! Use the streets as your own runway!
XO,
Erica
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