Melanie Morris on how to create smoky, sultry looks for autumn
All about eyes
This season, anything goes - as long as it's smoky. Whether giving a bit of oomph to natural shading or going for all-out drama, slutty/smutty eyes are a must. Favourite shadows include Pout's Miss Ecuador (blue) with Miss Jamaica (brown) in the socket and Miss Aruba (cream) to highlight; YSL's Caviar and Champagne pairing, or BeneFit's I Pretend Not To Notice (a pink/charcoal combo).
Those who crave a bit of colour will find it in duos such as Dior's Diorwild (lime and olive) or the stunning kingfisher/gold shades in Nars' Misfit. Regardless of what goes on the lid, the upper eye area should remain neutral or slightly metallic. Check out Hard Candy's Lollipop for the perfect mix of sheer and shimmer. If you want a full metal hit - another big autumn trend - visit the MAC and Armani counters.
Finally, the only colour to line eyes and coat lashes with this autumn is dark green. Armani does a great kohl pencil, while YSL has a new luxury mascara in khaki that fits the bill.
Lip synch
The story for lips this winter is the return of the scarlet slash. It's a bit scary for those who never rouged up in the 1980s, but the good news is that, as the season progresses, the cosmetic companies will be launching products with different colour depths. It's not all about the full-on pillar box pout, but get practising.
In the meantime, those time-honoured berry shades make a return, as does lipstick - it's no longer all about the gloss. For those who want the best of both worlds, Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Lip Tints are glosses with greater coverage, which come in a variety of natural shades, and Lancôme's Juicy Wear is a long-lasting base that's polished up by layering on a shiny, clear top coat to give a full, vinyl effect. Don't forget lip pencil - vital for autumn 2004. Apply all over the lip area for a velvety, smouldering pout.
Skin deep
Flawless autumn complexions don't happen by chance. Well-moisturised skin helps, but the use of a good primer (Estée Lauder Idealist, Smashbox Photo Finish or Origins Perfect World) will ensure a smooth, even base. Concealer is essential to cover imperfections. Foundation this season is more matte than dewy, (add sheen where you want afterwards) and should appear seamless, so match colour to your real - not aspired to - skin tone. ERA spray-on foundation (Brown Thomas) is the perfect autumn base. Shake the canister, spray on and blot, for an airbrushed effect. Then powder, contour, shade and highlight - the latter being more important than ever in achieving an alabaster effect. Play with products such as MAC's Mineralise Skin Finish, BeneFit's High Beam and Armani's Fluid Sheers. Keep blush to a minimum.
TREATMENT OF THE WEEK
Chiropody session at Clery's Chiropody Centre, Dublin 1, ₭40, 01-8742052. This clean, minimal, city-centre salon is practical, speedy and thorough – low on pampering, but efficient in the removal of dead skin, clipping, filing and conditioning. The treatment takes half-an-hour, after which you'll float out – still wearing last week's nail varnish, but now able to look the pedicurist in the eye. For best results, make six-weekly appointments.
TIP OF THE WEEK
If stress is something you'd like a little less of in your life, head to Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin 1 on Sunday, September 26th for a little Peace of Mind ... that's the range of Origins products that bring instant calm to frayed nerves. Origins staff will be demonstrating their unique aromatherapy formula, designed to reduce angst, fatigue and tension. Originally a balm applied to pulse points, the range now includes gumballs, mints, candles, bath vapour and a ceramic diffuser.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
L'Occitane's honey collection, from stores in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The third of four special seasonal releases, L'Occitane's honey line has been expanded this month to include a massage nectar, cleansing fluid, milk bath and – our favourite – a honey bear soap. These products augment the existing range of candles, lip balm, face/body creams and soaps.
mmorris@irish-times.ie