Fully loaded glamour returns for autumn

Just when we thought we’d retired our red lipsticks for good and un-learned the exact ordinates of the perfect eyeliner along comes the autumn with an overdose of makeup optimism and a mandate to go full throttle in the glamour stakes.

Skincare may have temporarily taken top spot during an unprecedented year, but makeup is very much back on the beauty agenda as we all prepare to unlock our extrovert sides. ‘Now that things are opening back up and we’re seeing loved ones again, I am excited to put on lipstick, dig out the cute dresses from my wardrobe and embrace the glam alter ego that I’ve missed over the last year,’ says Alexis Azcueta, Senior Pro Makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics.

This time of year also happens to be the perfect time to up the makeup ante and reacquaint yourself with colour. ‘Autumn/Winter has always been the season of glamour as we dare to be more adventurous with our makeup,’ says Azcueta. ‘Bold lips are receiving an enthusiastic welcome back and are being showcased in autumnal shades such as burgundy, brick or crimson for a rich accent of colour on the face.’

And if this seasons’ catwalks are anything to go by the directive is very much Hollywood glamour with a 2021 twist (think crimson power pouts, screen siren eyeliner and perfect skin). Time to revisit the joy of dressing up your face…

‘Red lips have always been an easy and effortless way to take your makeup look to the next level as it can instantly make you appear polished, chic and ready for any occasion,’ says Azcueta. ‘This season’s take is very much an update on old school glamour.’ 

For those of us who haven’t adorned our lips in a while Azcueta suggests applying lipstick straight from the bullet before going back in with a matching lip liner to perfect. ‘Red is such a statement colour and can highlight any asymmetry in the lips,‘ she says. ‘I like to fill in the shape of my lips first with the lipstick before using a lip liner to make any corrections – it saves so much time!’

In terms of colour, A/W21 is the season when anything goes so instead of getting bogged down in which shades suit which skintones think about what look you are trying to achieve instead.

According to Azcueta, a bright cherry with blue undertones offers that classic statement pout while a deep burgundy red will give a more grunge glam lip. For a shade that fits right into this season’s colour palette, opt for a warm brick red hue. ‘As for finish, I would say keep it matte as it will last longer throughout the day and the intense colour looks more fresh, crisp and clean when there’s no shine,’ says Azcueta. ‘Pair with a soft smokey eye and liner with clean skin for a modern cool girl edge to the classic red lip look.’

Lips may have the edge when it comes to making dramatic statements but nothing shouts ‘chic’ quite like a sliver of sultry lash line-hugging eyeliner. 

‘A smoky kitten flick as sported on the A/W catwalks is the perfect fusion of old school glam and grunge,’ says Azcueta. ‘It’s universally flattering as it creates the illusion of thicker lashes while lifting the outer corners of the eyes.’

To achieve the look, Azcueta suggests roughly lining the top lash line with a black kohl pencil then ‘with an angled liner brush smudge out the line and flick it out and up at the outer corners for a softer, more effortless take on the classic winged liner.’

The difference between retro or staying A/W21-relevant? It’s all in the skin. ‘The key to a modern take on classic glamour is perfected, expensive-looking skin so the focus should always rest on skincare first and foremost,’ explains Azcueta.

‘To recreate A/W21’s luxe complexions you want a velvet matte finish so foundation-wise opt for a buildable finish that contains soft-focus powders,’ she suggests. Use your fingers to apply a light layer of product over the entire face to even out the skintone ensuring that the foundation melds perfectly with the skin. ‘To conceal any areas that need a little bit more coverage use a lightweight concealer in the same shade as your skin tone and tap that into any problem areas such as under the eyes or blemishes using your fingers,’ Azcueta advises.