By Caitlin Brown
While most are still basking in the throes of the last weeks of summer, we all know the hot, sunny beach days are dwindling. This doesn’t have to be all bad though, Beauties. With each season, come new things to embrace. Once again, it’s time to consider, and prepare for, a little change-up in the beauty routine. And, as per usual, this makes me perfectly giddy (an excuse to focus on beauty in the name of self-care, which will never get old, even if I do).
This is the time to invest in a thicker moisturizer (it’s okay if you want to finish the lighter one for summer skin first) to keep our best and only canvas well hydrated and give that pretty mug a glow. Reach for warm and toasty neutral tones, maybe a deep jewel tone like hunter green or wine if you’re more of a color girl for a bit of pop (I, myself, am a neutral enthusiast).
After a year and change of getting to know our naked faces — without makeup —we are now easing into it slowly, in tandem with the loosening protocols for pandemic in safe environs. The trend of a more natural, buildable coverage remains, one that is lightweight and breathable, but still corrects and conceals — a barely there, fresh look that showcases your natural beauty (my favorite).
This fall, glamour is all the rage with glossy lips, breathable skin, and a big emphasis on mascara and brow care. Think of it as beauty’s back-to-school protocol — a lot more fun than stocking up on Mead notebooks.
With everyone getting out of sweats and into real fashion again, makeup is no longer on lockdown. Here are some top beauty products to give those lovely faces a subtle, but game-changing polish.
The Kitten Eye
No, this is not the “cat eye”, but its more subtle cousin. A trick is to use a darker, neutral shadow (wet brush and dip in), use as you would a liner and blend it up and out a little bit for that barely there extra something.
Loaded Lashes
Experimenting with eye makeup was big during the pandemic since your eyes were often the only part of your face that others could see when masks were required 24/7. This fall, lashes will continue to take center stage and will be even more voluminous and fluttery, with plenty of upper and lower lid mascara to define your eyes. (My favorite, truly a miracle product is Hourglass Cosmetic’s Unlocked Mascara; Sephora, $29. This mascara does not smudge, and you can wear on lower lashes without worrying about fallout. It comes off with warm water; lightly take fingertips to lashes with warm water before you wash your face and off it goes. Genius!)
Go Glossy!
With mask mandates mostly lifted, it’s finally time to show off that pout and what better way than to make your lips shine than with a satin or super glossy. Today’s lip glosses are also lip treatments, with natural oils and skincare ingredients to soothe and plump.
Intense Black Liner
A subtle but bold black line makes eyes and lashes pop. If you want a more subtle look, go for a pencil, and use a brush to blend out. For a sharper or bolder look, use a pot eyeliner and liner brush or a waterproof gel liner pen (Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Eyeliner, bobbibrowncosmetics.com, $28; YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking, yslbeauty.com, $34).
Glowy, Dewy Skin
This is not new, but do the dew. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. For that extra dewy look, pat in an oil once moisturizer has had a chance to get in there and let sit for a few minutes before putting on foundation.
Natural Brows
Also known this season as “soap brows” to indicate the brushed-up, natural, ample brow look, bold brows are the thing and there are so many products to give even the most meager of brows a big revamp. (Benefit Cosmetics, Gimme Brow Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, Sephora, $24)
