Fall is the time to reset, revive and revamp for work and play. From hair to nails to makeup, freshening up the beauty routine is an easy way to update overall style without having to buy a new wardrobe. September is all about cleaning off the sand, polishing your look and smartening up.
Playing with nail colors and patterns doesn’t have to go the way of beach days and flip-flops. The runway-inspired cutting edge nails for fall are sporting three-dimensional accents like lace, crystals, glitter and geometric black-and-white patterns. Half moons are still going strong and metallics and deep shades like oxblood, purples and olive greens will be go-to color accents for cooler days. To achieve the statement look of angled, v-shaped half moon nails that have been appearing all over runways and red carpets, pair deep bold colors like red with white, or black and white. The steady-handed can try this retro-inspired look at home or have a salon tackle the two-tone application.
For understated accent nails, try Zoya Nail Polish in Maria-Luisa. The gold accent tone has a cellophane finish for the patterned 3D look du jour.
Other on-point colors are greens (especially emerald green) and pinks. From the Chanel Fall 2013 Superstition Collection, Elixir is a pinkish-red that is a wearable pink. For a chic drugstore fix, snag Essie Vested Interest, a sophisticated color that hangs out somewhere between cool gray and olive green.
The drama of the season also extends to the face. Fall’s hottest makeup looks are bold, whether it’s cat eyes with exaggerated eyeliner flicks that models wore at the Fall 2013 fashion shows or statement lips in red, wine or burgundy. Think matte, stained, vampy and a little bit theatrical. To achieve a heavy-lined eye, use a kôhl eyeliner pencil. To up the voltage, incorporate another hot color and create a deep purple cat eye with Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Purple Dusk. The look is edgy and not for the faint-hearted. For a subtler nod to trends, try a lightly shimmering eye shadow. ULTA’s shadow in Aztec Gold is a glittery golden hue that’s perfect for a lid-to-brow dusting.
Lips are decidedly darker this season. Keep the eyes and overall face light and paint on a classic red or experiment with a deeper, darker oxblood shade. The fall’s berry, purple and burgundy shades have a stained look rather than a glossy finish. Try LipMix in burgundy by Mac or Endless Purple Cream Lip Stain from Sephora.
When it comes to autumn’s hair, think cleaned up, cut and coiffed. The follicular equivalent of crisping up wardrobes, fall is prime time for fresh new cuts like bobs. But this season’s aren’t the sleek, severe looks of autumns past. According to Chase Ognibene, owner of Hairstories salon in Babylon Village, the 2013 model is more mussed up, imperfectly done and often with bangs. For shorter hair, the asymmetrical look continues. Donned by a legion of A-list celebs, the side-swept asymmetrical bang is the centerpiece for a newer take on medium and short-length cuts like pixies. For longer layers, think “lob,” otherwise known as a long bob.
Have a stylist create choppy layers from the chin to the shoulders. For even longer hair, sleek buns and sculpted high ponytails are classy pairings with fall clothes. To tame flyaways and add shine to these updos, apply a spray like Bumble and Bumble Bb Shine On (and On) Finishing Spray.
Stylish manes will still be sporting flair and flourishes like accessory braids, fishtail ponytails and teasing. Secure gathered, teased or braided hair with a glam oversized barrette for a sultry evening ’do. If heirloom Chanel clips aren’t in grandmother’s closet, check out this year’s vintage-inspired versions. The Clear Rhinestone Salon Clip from Elle is a delicate, feminine take on the trend. If you’re feeling edgy, foray into spikes, but make sure to contrast a prickly accessory like Forever 21’s Spiked Hair Clips with a softer, prettier hair style to achieve the tough but sweet look.
For hair color the forecast is for cool, diffused highlights, said HairStories’ resident color experts Tommy and Cher. Spring’s pastel palette will translate into cool browns and dark blondes for the colder months. Highlights will start at the root again, as in more traditional highlighting, letting the ombres of summer fade out.
If the fall 2013 runway shows were any indication, the year to come will only get more dramatic. These retro-inspired hair and makeup looks will continue to revive both the glam and the grunge, warming up the winter until spring’s trends change our direction.