Perhaps the biggest story to come out of the spring/summer 2016 fashion shows wasn’t about the clothes at all, but about the beauty. For seasons now maximalist makeup has been the go-to for many designers, with a focus on bold lips, eyes and contouring. For this summer though, the go-to look is a lot more laid back. From London to Milan, big names like Givenchy, Bottega Veneta, Christopher Kane and Rodarte championed healthy, dewy skin and bold brows, with nothing too overdone, bringing the “no makeup” look to the forefront of the season’s trends.
It’s a little bit more effort than it sounds, granted, but it’s the perfect look for lazy girls and beauty aficionados alike – check out our guide to the top products for getting it right.
Preparation Is Key
Okay, so unless you are a super model, you might feel a little bit nervous about wearing so little makeup. The key to boosting your confidence is to invest in a quality skincare system and make sure you cleanse and moisturise daily and exfoliate regularly. This will help keep blemishes at bay so you can embrace your skin without the worry. We love Clinique’s “Take The Day Off” Balm for cleansing and Alpha-H’s Clear Skin Hydrator Gel is a moisturiser that does more than just moisturise, with anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its tea tree oil and witch hazel ingredients.
The Basics
A good primer will see you through tough times. If your skincare routine is lacking, or you just have particularly problematic skin, using a primer before your foundation will help conceal any imperfections. A primer like The Porefessional by Benefit, or Smashbox’s Photo Finish will create a smooth base, making applying and blending foundation easier and, if you’re lucky enough to have great skin, you could forgo the foundation altogether.
The Foundation
This look calls for healthy, dewy-looking skin so look for a foundation that offers those things. You just want a little coverage, so avoid anything that sits too heavily on your skin. At the Erdem show, makeup artist Val Garland used NARS products to give models a light look, so give their Sheer Glow Foundation a go for a weightless and effortless glow.
The Brows
The brows paired with minimal makeup at Christopher Kane were referred to as “feral brows” so it looks as if the Cara Delevingne-inspired bushy brow trend is here to stay. Now is definitely the time to invest in a good eyebrow kit to get your brows filled in to perfection. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dip Brow Pomade is practically iconic and comes in a range of shades with one sure to match yours. Just make sure you leave any plucking and shaping to the experts – too-thin eyebrows are definitely not making their way back in.
The Lashes
Say hello to an extra ten minutes in bed – this is not a look that calls for false eyelashes, so it’ll definitely save you some time in the mornings if you are a falsie-every-day kind of gal. All you really need is a slick of black mascara on curled lashes and you are good to go. Urban Decay’s “Perversion” is intense in pigment and offers great buildable definition for when you need some extra drama.
We all have goals and things we want to try at least once in our life whether it’s to be healthier, save money or improve relationships it’s important not to overlook the little things, like your wardrobe! Looking for some sartorial inspiration? Read on for our fashion bucket list, and start ticking them off.
If the spring/summer ’16 runways are anything go by, the underwear-as-outerwear trend is going to be back in a big way this year in a luxe reboot of the previous grungey incarnations of the trend. With the likes of Givenchy showing sophisticated slips of iridescent ivory and deep burgundy in sumptuous silk and decadent black lace, and JW Andersen showing barely-there bras as tops, underdressing is guaranteed to be the new standard in dressing-up this summer.
If your new year’s resolution is to take more risks, this is the one for you. While there is something admirable about having a signature look, falling back on the same style, pattern or print every time you get dressed might be a sign of a burgeoning fashion rut. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment with mixing and matching different prints and patterns (top tip: leopard print and stripes are an easy starting point) for a fun and carefree style in 2016.
It doesn’t sound very inviting, we know, but getting your closet into some semblance of order is surprisingly easy to tick off your fashion bucket list, and will give you lasting satisfaction. Whether you want to completely overhaul your wardrobe or just reorganise, colour code or update, it’ll make your life so much easier when it comes to getting dressed. Besides, tidy wardrobe equals tidy mind, right?
Layering clothes is nothing new, we know, it’s a basic building block for sartorial success, but what about layering your accessories? We’re not talking a Mr. T or Liberace extravangza, but a few delicate pieces worn together for maximum impact. Start with a collar or choker, then a short chain with a small pendant then add a third, slightly longer chain with a bit more decoration. It’s the new statement necklace and it’s going to be the way to wear jewellery this year.
Searching for some clarity in 2016? As well as the yoga or mindfulness or meditation you’ve promised to practice this year, try a minimalist wardrobe. A no-fuss look can quickly evolve into a no-fuss lifestyle and you’ll be surprised at how learning to show restraint in your aesthetic can translate into your everyday life, too. Go for a neutral palette of blacks, greys and whites and simple silhouettes – classic white t-shirts paired with on-trend, breezy culottes and a pair of flat, black mules for daytime or a spaghetti-strap LBD for evenings are the minimalist’s uniform.
We love a “two birds, one stone” situation, so this is perfect for the fashionista who has resolved to focus on a new hobby in 2016 – customising your clothes. Cute pins and iron- or sew-on patches are an easy way to not only update old pieces but to make sure you put your own personal stamp on everything you wear. Carey Mulligan accessorised her suit jacket with pins and badges at the ELLE Women awards back in October, and we can feel this trend really taking off this year. It’s playful, personal and there is nothing cooler than a customised denim jacket, covered in patches, for ultimate “cool girl” style.
If, like us, your promise to get fit this year falls in on itself while you are out for a “light lunch” (read: “eat everything at the table”) or you never quite get round to using that pricey gym membership, you can at least feel like you’re participating with a pair of sneakers, the new shoe of choice for the tastemakers and influencers in the blogosphere. A follow-on from the “sport luxe” trend of last year, sneakers are the go-to shoe for evoking a stylish nonchalance. The sneakers we’re coveting right now? Classic Adidas Stan Smiths and anything Nike.
Once the ultimate faux-pas, the fashion world is now embracing denim-on-denim, and so should you. From Alexander Wang’s abundance of acid wash to Suno’s tiered indigo, Chanel’s pretty laser-printed jackets and Saint Laurent’s raw-edged patchwork efforts, don’t just wear denim this year – wear all the denim. Preferably at the same time.
What does your star sign have in store for you this week? Click on your star sign below and read this weeks prediction.
Aquarius (January 20-February18)
You have been struggling with self confidence this past week. Something or someone said something negative about you last week and you’re still bothered by whatever it was. It’s totally normal to feel that way, Aquarius, but if you keep dwelling on it, you will never be able to move on. You are an intelligent and beautiful person and there’s no reason to feel insecure. Insecurity will lead to more negative feelings so you must snap out of it. Practice some self love this week and you will surely feel better.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Feeling bored with life? Let’s make it more exciting, Pisces! You’re stuck in a vicious cycle of work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep. Do something fun and spontaneous this weekend! Grab a friend or your partner and go out and do something you’ve never done before. This spontaneity will encourage you to live a little and enjoy life more than you have been lately. Always make sure to make time for yourself, Pisces! Have fun this week.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Although you are romantically invested in someone, you are starting to have feelings for another person. It’s okay to think someone is cute, but it’s not fair to your partner if you are starting to develop actual real feelings for someone else. It’s time to get your priorities straight, Aries, and ensure that you are being 100% faithful and committed to your current lover. If you cannot seem to overcome these feelings, maybe it’s time to be single again.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You’ve been extremely hard on yourself lately, Taurus, and it’s time to turn that frown upside down. Take a step back and think of all the things you have accomplished in your lifetime so far. When you’re going through a rough patch, it’s easy to be critical of yourself but it’s important to be critical in a positive way. You are your own worst critic. Instead, brainstorm ways you can do something better and more effectively without being too harsh to yourself. You are a smart and radiant woman, Taurus- don’t forget that!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
An unexpected amount of money is in your future, Gemini. Although it’s not clear where exactly it is coming from just yet, it’s important to be prepared for this moment. You will be tempted to spend all the money on clothes and shoes but you should really think about saving most of it. It’s okay to buy yourself something nice but do not get carried away. Your bank account is suffering and this is the perfect way to get caught up on your finances.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You’ve been quite sensitive lately and have been taking things too personally. Your coworkers and friends are starting to wonder what happened to the confident, strong and outgoing Cancer that you used to be. Sarcastic comments and neglectful behavior will really get under your skin this week and will make you want to blow up at someone you care about deeply. It is imperative that you brush it off before you make matters worse. Stop over thinking things; you will feel much better.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Your family or friends do not approve of your current love interest and you can’t figure out why. You’re completely smitten by this person and they seem perfect in every way. Try to hear what your friends or family have to say before getting defensive- they might have a point. However, if you feel they are just being overly protective, brush it off and keep enjoying your relationship. It can be easy to get upset with your loved ones for being so protective but just remember they just care about you and want the best for you. Find a way to show them how great this person is and maybe they will change their mind.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
This week a friend or partner will attempt to pressure you into doing something you are uncomfortable with. You’re not sure how to cope with this feeling and will struggle with a way to tell them no. Just be blunt and honest with them and they should be respectful of your decision. However, if this person is still bugging you, perhaps it’s time to reassess whether this person is actually a good friend or partner. Bribery, mocking and negative pressure are not acceptable traits in a relationship, Virgo. You deserve better.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
You are starting to feel more comfortable with the idea of love, which is a really exciting moment for you. The word “love” used to make you cringe; now it makes you smile and daydream. It’s not so scary after all, right Libra? Remember that you are a beautiful and radiant woman and anyone would be extremely lucky to have the opportunity to fall in love with someone like you.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Your partner has been looking for a new job and really wants to apply for this amazing job… on the opposite side of the country. You’re feeling insecure about this potential job opportunity because you know it means that you either have to move with them or stay at home and begin a long distance relationship. They haven’t been offered the job yet so it’s no time to panic yet! Make sure you sit down with them and have a thorough conversation about both of your career and relationship goals. Together you will figure out a way to make this work, Scorpio!
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Last week you did something that you are really starting to regret now. Whatever you did, it’s crucial to remember that everyone makes mistakes. It sounds so cliché but it’s totally true! Try not to be too hard on yourself and look at this as a learning experience. Brainstorm ways that you can avoid making this same mistake so you don’t have to feel like this again in the future; you will thank yourself later.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Work is really starting to stress you out and you’re wondering when the stress is going to end. You worked really hard to get your current position and you haven’t quite been satisfied by it yet. Sit down and think about with a clear and open mind; if it doesn’t seem like it’s ever going to get better, perhaps you can try to cut down hours. If it still doesn’t get better after that, maybe it’s time to apply for a different position or move to a different company all together. You should love what you do and never settle for less, Capricorn.
