The change of seasons is the perfect time to refresh the contents of your makeup bag and boost your beauty regime. With the latest beauty trends for this season upon us, we explore the three hero beauty trends fresh from the SS16 fashion week designer catwalks.
3 hero beauty trends for a stunning spring look
The Spring/Summer 2024 shows had two main themes running through them when it came to beauty and make up. First was blend of minimalism and maximalism – from a tousled low twisted pony tail to a statement red lip. The second was an interesting new era of a step away from a one-fits-all look for every model, in favour of experimenting between two looks per show, particularly when it came to half a show with a strong red lip colour and then the balance of the show with a subtle nude tone.
As well as talking about two key colour trends for the season, the statement red lip and the champagne eyeshadow, I want to talk about layering. No, not the traditional transitional layering of jersey top, blouse, sweater and coat but of the importance of a base coat of serum before your moisturiser, sunscreen and then foundation. So let’s look at the key beauty trends for a stunning spring look.
Red Lips
According to Pat McGrath, the makeup artist for Victoria Beckham’s NYFW show, “Classic red is back in a big way, but it looks much cooler against bare skin,” She worked with a fiery orange-red with only concealer on the models skin. Meanwhile at Jason Wu, makeup artist Yadim applied two coats of crimson liquid lipstick and that was it. No mascara, no foundation. The question is can you brave that look? I know that I can’t, I’m sure the models have fabulous skin. But you can add a statement red lip to your usual makeup routine to be on trend for Spring/Summer.
There are some great reds available in the make up department at House of Fraser, like my picks below. Wear them and you’ll be adding a glam look to this season as seen at the likes of Burberry, Oscar de la Renta and Jenny Packham.
- Mac Forever Darling Versicolour Stain, an intense orange red or Resilient Rouge a bright cherry red, both available £20
The ultimate fusion of gloss + stain in one fluid formula that melts onto lips for a full-on glassy shine that lasts and lasts and lasts.
- Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick £26
A truly cult lipstick. Rouge Volupte Shine combines voluptuous glide-and-go colour with comfort and care. Thanks to 6 sensorial oils your lips are kissed with long-lasting moisture, plus it comes in an awesome case!
“Red lipstick is classic, of course, but never have makeup artists been so united on the shade front as they were this season” Harpers Bazaar
Champagne Shadow
This season it’s time to focus on strategic highlights and golden hues. Think champagne chilling in a glass, the lightness, the power the effervescent tones and apply that to your eyeshadow selection. Tom Ford’s eyeshadow quad in Golden Mink is perfect for this look. The Quad is designed with four opulent complementing shades that achieve multiple looks, from a bold, smokey eye, to a sexy slash of colour and everything in between. I also love Urban Decay’s Moondust shadow, it comes in a gunmetal compact and the colour is super sexy, shimmery and perfect for a hazy day summer look.
For a great look this season when it comes to the eyes, define the crease with a matte nude shadow about one shade darker than your skin tone, buffing it out a little bit past the outer corners. Then brush a champagne-coloured shadow all over the inner half of your eyes—so around the inner corners, up over the crease, and on the lids. Then pack a punch with your red lips and you will be looking stunning with minimal make up effort this season.
Serum your new best friend
House of Fraser explain on their beauty pages this month that “Just as layering your clothes eases the tricky, trans-seasonal getting dressed dilemma, layering up your skin care will allow you to adapt your regime depending on the fickle spring weather”. This is where serums come in . Now serums can be expensive but I see it as an investment into future proofing your skin.
At House of Fraser they range from £28 with Clarins to the credit card busting La Prairie Cellular Serum Platinum Rare at £498. I’m not suggesting you take a bank loan out to join the serum bandwagon but find one that works for your budget, your skin type and you will thank me for it.
Think of serums as an intensive treatment they give you ‘actives’ in a more concentrated form. They treat the condition of your skin rather than the type and there are great serums available to deal with your current skin situation. If you require something for wrinkles or plumping, something with Hyaluronic Acid for winter hydration is effective and in summer choose serums with vitamins A, C and E to stimulate collagen production and help protect against UV damage.
I recommend Clarins Double Serum 50ml. Complete Age Control Concentrate. Inspired by Clarins plant science and powered by 20 anti-ageing pure plant extracts, Double Serum`s innovative, two-phase system targets all aspects of skin ageing in one complete concentrate. I love the pump applicator, this works great for a serum – two pumps and you are done for the day. I also love Rituals Intense Moisture Serum, it’s intensely hydrating serum. Ultra concentrated serum rich in Hyaluronic Acid and Blue Ginger extract with a deeply hydrating action.
You don’t need much, they last a long time so invest now for the benefit for fabulous skin for years to come. Always apply your serum to clean, bare, dry skin—it should be the first thing you put on after cleansing. If you’re layering a couple different serums, then use the most targeted one first so you don’t dilute the actives. Give your serum a few minutes to sink in before you apply your moisturiser and that’s job done, layering complete!
This post is a Presents collaboration with House of Fraser.