11 sophisticated A/W beauty trends to try now

Your beauty look book awaits

We’re in luck: the season ahead is looking far less bleak than 2020’s offering. This winter, after months of being deprived of restaurants, wine bars, thrilling theatre and pulse-racing dates, we’re finally ready to go out again. The result? Beauty product sales are booming.

At the height of the pandemic, eyeshadow sales rose as consumers clung on to some semblance of normality beneath their face masks.

Now, as masks can be (cautiously) put to one side, lip products, blusher, and everything in between are fair game. Incredibly, lipstick sales are up a whopping 80% from the same time period last year. Here’s our pick of the most tempting A/W beauty trends to embrace this season.

​The smoked-up eye

As seen at: Chanel, Dior and Etro

This season’s smoky eye is more carefully considered than its predecessors. There are lashings of black kohl as expected, but its application is purposeful and deliberate. The smoky sockets seen at Chanel were moody, but in a thoroughly modern way.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black, £23 – buy here

The knockout lip

As seen at: Erdem, Sportmax and Sandy Liang

Let's face it, lips have been missed and thankfully it’s time for the classic red pout to make a comeback. Mouths at Erdem were painted in vibrant shades of Nars’ Matte Lipstick, while Sandy Liang’s models sported varying tones of rich plum. Only one rule: the bolder the better.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

NARS Must-Have Mattes Lipstick in Ravishing Red, £22 – buy here

The painter’s muse

As seen at: Vivienne Westwood, Versace and Giambattista Valli

The universal message across the board? Now is not the time to be shy. Versace and Giambattista Valli swept bold bursts of colour across model’s eyelids. But our pick is the more painterly sweeps of rich tones demonstrated at Vivienne Westwood and Dior Haute Couture.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Dior 5 Couleurs Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette, £50 – buy here

The bright blush

As seen at: Molly Goddard, Paco Rabanne and Maison Mai

It may have once resided solely on the apple of one’s cheeks, but blush is the season’s breakout star. Sweep shades of peaches and pinks up towards the temples, out towards the ears, and even as far as the hairline, as shown at Molly Goddard. Flushed never looked so fresh.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo, £64 – buy here

The electric liner

As seen at: Mark Fast, David Koma and Moschino.

The chunky pieces of glitter placed atop eyelids at Mark Fast were positioned to catch the light whenever a model blinked. Brush pearlescent highlighter beneath the lower lash line (voila Moschino) for a subtle nod to the trend.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Illamasqua Beyond Powder Deity, £34 – buy here

The 90s make-under

As seen at: Victoria Beckham, Staud and Jason Wu

We have a treat for those slightly reluctant to relinquish the makeup-free evenings of the past year – effortless 90s makeup is back. A quick wash of suede brown or deep nude across the eyelid and a stroke of pencil liner in the lower waterline, and you’re good to go.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Camel, £20 – buy here

The new/old curl

As seen at: Isabel Marant, Paco Rabanne and Etro

The secret of this season’s curls? Avoid the tongs (and start practising with those '80s bendy rollers or a diffuser attachment). This is natural texture, enhanced by a good dollop of product. The waves created by Laurent Philippon at Paco Rabanne seemed to be caught in a perpetual gust of (very fashionable) wind.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Bumble and Bumble Curl Anti-Humidity Gel Oil, £24 – buy here

The ethereal complexion

As seen at: Burberry, Giambattista Valli and Ermanno Scervino

Many of the shows opted to give the illusion of a natural fresh face on their models, showcasing fresh, clean, dewy skin. The perfect base for a decorative element if you’re feeling brave – Bora Aksu placed petals beneath models’ eyes, while Burberry opted for a celestial gem or two.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Burberry Fresh Glow Gel Stick, £36 – buy here

The blunt bob

As seen at: Valentino, Victoria Beckham and Tod’s

Perfectly crisp cuts took centre stage at Valentino and Victoria Beckham. A onceover with a pair of GHDs followed by plenty of serum is recommended to save your do from the British elements. Extra Brownie points if you plump for equally blunt bangs.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Philip Kingsley Pure Colour Frizz Fighting Gloss, £26 – buy here

The delicate detail

As seen at: Simone Rocha, Rebecca Minkoff and Zimmermann

It’s time for loud, brash nail art to step aside and make room for teeny tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details. Those with steady hands could try tiny flowers as seen at Simone Rocha (designed by Ama Quashie) or play it safe with new moon flourishes of colour à la Zimmermann.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Christian Louboutin Beauty Nail Colours, £41 – buy here

The Headscarf

As seen at: Max Mara, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Dior

Locks lovingly wrapped in headscarves were seen storming up and down the AW21 runways. It’s an easy suits-all solution for last-minute parties and those who want to skip a hair-wash in favour of stepping out. Opt for luxurious silk to elevate your look.

The essential product to update your beauty bag:

Giorgio Armani Silk Printed Foulard Scarf, £390 - Buy here

Assisted by Clare Pennington

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