The Standout Look: “Colour Block” Lids

beauty trends

Fashion’s obsession with graphic, contrasting electric hues last season rubs off on eye makeup in F/W ’17 with brands ranging from the sophisticated Oscar de la Renta to the ever lively House of Holland clashing up to three shades of eyeshadow. No blending – the more distinct each tone is, the better. It’s now the biggest jolt of fun as ready-to-wear takes on a more conservative spirit.

Photography Vee Chin Styling Imran Jalal Hair & Makeup Sha Shamsi, using Sebastian Professional & M.A.C Model Marina/Mannequin

 

The Updated Sexy Pout: Smudged Lips

beauty trends

Probably the most Instagramed beauty look of F/W ’17, the far-from-perfect stained puckers seen at brands like Topshop Unique and Preen give the impression of having just emerged from a makeout session and – like out-of-bed hair – evoke a cool effortlessness. Indeed, achieving it is a cinch: literally smear lippie so it gently crosses the lip line with fading intensity; mirror not necessary.

Photo Showbit.com

The Insta-Fix: The New Insta-Mask

beauty trends

As a beauty treatment, applying a mask can be considered the antithesis of IG-worthy. It takes time, with the benefits often showing only after the long-term (might explain why there were only 1.09 million posts with the hashtag #face mask at press time despite its prevalence – and most weren’t pleasant looking). These here might not necessarily be worth a selfie, but their results are. Allies Of Skin’s Bright Future Overnight Facial ($159) works like a gentle chemical peel so one wakes to significantly smoother skin. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum Mask ($72 for five sheets) balances and boosts moisture levels so intensely that the complexion looks plump and dewy right after use. Lastly, Dior’s Hydra Life Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask ($92) instantly brightens dull skin thanks to its formula of fruit acids and crushed apricot kernel micro-grains.

Photography Frenchescar Lim Art Direction Adeline Eng

The Eye-Opener: Modern Twiggy Lashes

beauty trends

The ’60s British model became an unexpected beauty icon with her graphic, fanned-out lashes that created a doe-eyed effect. Now, the look returns in F/W ’17 with a rebellious makeover that perfectly captures the season’s embrace of unconventional beauty. At Marni, the lashes were sparse (enhance them with mascara) and paired with patchy black liner for some punk rock attitude. Jeremy Scott’s spidery long rendition (try individual falsies) conjures Club Kid glamour. But our favourite comes from Pucci (as seen), where bright neon or pastel mascara made peepers pop, without the need for any other makeup.

Photo Showbit.com

The Game Changers: One Stroke Applicators

beauty trends

The wand with the bristles is Shu Uemura’s Brow:comb (top, $47), reportedly the first brow gel with a comb applicator, so one can define and smooth out hairs at the same time. The other is Shiseido’s Inkstroke Eyeliner Brush (price unavailable) that’s handcrafted by Japanese artisans. Its slight 30-degree curve is said to be ergonomic and improve precision, while its brush is of just the right stiffness so its fibres won’t split midway during use. The whole idea is to let one draw the perfect line with a single stroke. Someone nominate both for a design prize already.

This story first appeared in Female’s July 2017 issue.

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