Few would argue with the fact that 2014 was the year of the pout. Red lips were the core of many looks, with everyone, even those who usually shy away from make-up, turning to fuller and brighter shades of lipstick.
For thin-lipped women, creating a luscious, full lip has been made possible through the careful use of extra lipstick and lip liner over and around the shape of the lip to accentuate the natural pout. This is especially trendy right now after being popularised by Kylie Jenner of tv’s Keeping up with the Kardashians.
While celebrity culture celebrated exuberant shades of lipstick, the fashion industry countered with a more understated nude lip – bringing lipstick trends to a point of brilliant extremes.
In general, beauty trends focused on a shine- and gloss-free look, adopting a more natural matte look. As 2015 progresses matte lipstick will become more popular, while celebrities and fashionistas will no doubt continue to experiment with colour, such as aqua blues and greens, to give definition and allure to the eyes.
We’re going to see a focus on a light and a natural use of colour over the next few months as the minimal look works best to combat the blazing summer sun.
Keep your layers of make-up thin, letting the skin breathe easily, and allow your lipstick to give your style that vivacious pop it needs to set you apart. Tone down your blush powders and creams, and instead look to create a healthy, bronzed, beach feel. Make sure to express yourself through a vibrant, bright lipstick that works to highlight your smile.
If the heat begins to wear on you, pick up a few facial hydrating sprays that prevent your skin from drying out and add to the dewy, natural look that experts are turning to this year.
In 2015 we expect to see contouring, a method of make-up styling popularised by Kim Kardashian, becoming even more fashionable and popular. Contouring has been a well-kept secret in the fashion industry for decades, with techniques being almost exclusively used on runway models.
Typically, contouring is the clever use of darker shades of make-up to enhance the contours of the face by creating a very subtle contrast between light and shadow. With this technique women can manipulate people’s perceptions of light to accentuate chosen facial features.
Contouring can give us bigger or sharper cheek bones, thin the edges of our nose or give us a narrower bridge; or elongate the face while shortening the forehead. Contouring works best with matte colours that compliment your complexion and skin tone, and a careful use of brush strokes to blend the contour tone naturally into your skin.
Indiscriminately adding a bronzer is likely to make your style seem forced and amateurish, so make sure to look up the correct techniques on youtube or speak to a professional for tips and lessons.
As autumn falls we are likely to see a move away from bright colours, especially with lipstick, towards deep and warm tones that invite intimacy and tenderness. The warmer tones should complement your foundation routine without making drastic changes to the style you feel most comfortable and confident in.
For more tips and trends visit the Make-up Mob Boutique at Musgrave Centre in Durban. They’ve pledged that a percentage of profits made from individual consultations and product sales will go towards supporting the innovative 40Forty40 Initiative.
In just 40 days, 40 KwaZulu-Natal schools will welcome motivational speakers from all sectors to reach out to young girls in the province. Speakers will encourage young girls to dream big and motivate them to become active participants in their own learning.
l Follow the Make-Up Mob on Instagram @MAKE_UPMOBZA