Look Wonderful Tonight: Make-Up Trends, Fall 2008

So I already gave you the nail polish trends for this season – now it’s time to show you how to get the makeup looks that are sure to be a hit this fall.We’ll be seeing a lot of spring’s trends linger, like grays and light purples/blues, but we’ll also see some other trends emerging. Some are quite extreme – like cat and raccoon eyes and vampy lips – while others are easy and natural – like the almost-nude look.

The hot colors for the fall? Bronzes and golds, earthy tones and purples will be on eyes, cheeks and lips all season long.

Vamp It Up

I must say, this is my least favorite look this season and something I personally feel should be left to the runways or costumes, but if you really feel you can pull off a black lip, both YSL and Lancóme are coming out with highly anticipated limited edition black glosses. If you’re on a restricted budget and really wanna go for this look, Manic Panic has a black matte lipstick you can wear with a clear gloss over it for just $8.95 or you can go with a more street-friendly version and do a deep purple rather than a black; MAC Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet is $14.50.

Baring It All

The nude look is set to be huge this fall; with barely there blush, eye shadow, and lipstick, you accentuate your natural beauty and are left with a neutral palette that goes well with all the fashion trends of fall. A couple tips: wear a shimmery powder (mineral powder works great for this) to highlight your skin and give it a natural-looking glow, and add some oomph in your lashes by curling them before applying the natural mascara.

Meow

Cat eyes are uber-popular this season and are a fun way to bring out your inner tigress. (Editor’s Note: Rarrrr.) To get the look, use liquid liner and with a very steady hand to draw an almond shape around your whole eye, starting from the inner corners and moving to the outer corners, then build upon that until you reach your desired line thickness. To get the best-looking effect, don’t forget to line your inner rims.

Earth Day

Earthy reds and purples are out and about, tying into the autumn look and also bouncing off of the purple trend we’re seeing run rampant in fashion. Doing a soft look on the eye with these colors will add a subtle, yet dramatic flare.

Mellow Yellow

If you’re still yearning for the warmth and boldness of summer, you can tap into it by using yellow eye shadow. The effect will be eye-popping and make you stand out. You can find several yellow shadow options at M.A.C., or for a more frugal option, Cover Girl’s got a couple of different yellow shades for under $10.

Smokin’ Hot

As is usually the case, the smoky/raccoon eye is back for fall and you have a few options. You can go with the traditional dark colors (grays, charcoals, blacks), or smoke it out with the new purples and bronzes that are sweeping the nation.

Make Me Blush

Women oftentimes overlook blush during this season, but you better not this year. Warm, rosy cheeks are a great way to add a little oomph to the more natural palate of the season. Cream blushes and blush sticks are a great and easy way to achieve a nice rosy glow. Avon’s Be Blushed Cheek Color is only $5.99.

Golden Girl

Not only are we seeing gold on nails this season – gold eyes and cheeks are also extremely popular. Gold eyeshadows can be used as an accent, an overall look or mixed with other looks from this season (purple anyone?) for a more dramatic effect. Gold cheeks look lovely and luminescent and require just a little bit of gold dusted above the cheekbones. Chanel’s fall collection is all about the gold and is stunning, but if you’re low on the cash flow like most students, M.A.C. has a few gold options as well.