In a make-up rut? Well, we understand. After a year of working from home, ‘Team A Team B’ rotational work rosters, circuit breakers, Phase 2 Heightened Alerts, it only makes sense that we may have settled into a daily light makeup (or even no makeup) look, and have lost touch with our makeup skills.
If you have a dinner date for two planned in the week ahead, here’s your time. Step out of your comfort zone with these striking beauty updates.
The retro vibes continue with ‘80s electric blue eyeshadow making a comeback, as seen on the eyes of some of our fave TV stars. Forget stardust and aqua shades, this season it’s all about cobalt and navy hues worn predominantly on the top lid. Pair with satin-finish foundation and peachy lips.
Try Revlon PhotoReady Eyeshadow Contour Kit – Avant Garde ($19.43)
For day, draw a bright line along your upper lashes and finish with a teeny flick. Then at night, allow your eyes to take flight by adding colour beneath the lower lashes and extending the wing up towards your temple more. Opt for a hydrating, dewy foundation base and finish with nude or glossy lips.
Do: Reach for a precise, felt-tip liquid eyeliner and a micellar-soaked cotton bud to keep your handiwork sharp, clean and even.
Don’t: Be heavy-handed with your complexion. Keep skin and lips looking fresh and understated with a soft nude glow.
Try KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow & Brow Pigment in Aubergine ($29)
What’s old is chic again, with celebs delivering a welcome refresh on the red lip – this season it’s a strikingly bright scarlet shade. The finish is completely your call, but we love the blotted matte effect.
Try Shiseido LipLiner Ink Duo in True Red 08, $50
If you’ve wanted to change up your usual brunette hair, why not try a fiery copper colour instead? It’s worth noting that copper isn’t simply red or orange hair. It’s a cool-toned, multi-dimensional hue that makes your eyes look brighter and gives skin an ever so subtle glow. In fact, Hollywood stylist George Papanikolas has already dubbed copper the hottest hair trend of the year. “Red and copper tones are going to make a strong statement this season,” he says.
Try Infuse My. Colour Ruby Shampoo ($33)
Already taken the plunge with the bob trend? You might have to wait a few months to bring on the bangs, with John Pulitano, creative director at Headcase Hair, saying the style works best on medium-length and long hair. As for texture, celebrity hairstylist Mariah Rota says this best suits straight or wavy hair. “Very curly hair when cut into a curtain fringe requires a lot of maintenance and work,” she tells. “If a client with curly hair came to me wanting the curtain fringe look, I’d recommend they go for a slightly longer version.” Mariah’s tips for upkeep include regular trims to ensure it always looks fresh and daily styling if you have wavier hair.
Try Batiste Original Dry Shampoo ($12.90)
This article was first published in Women's Weekly.