Matte red lipstick, gold-leaf eyeshadow—7 beauty trends you need to know now

Day 1,484 of lockdown: you’ve binge-watched everything on Netflix, attended more Zoom parties than Truman Capote did real ones, and are very well versed in the lost art of baking. You’ve even found time to Marie Kondo your whole wardrobe. The only thing left to do in lockdown is to fantasise about life after lockdown: where you’ll go, what you’ll do and, more importantly, what you’ll look like.

In need of some beauty inspiration? Cast your mind back (if you can) to the autumn/winter 20 shows where some of the biggest beauty trends were about freedom, fantasy and fun—the perfect antidote to lockdown ennui. From youthful fringes and back-to-work winged eyes to sporty topknots and bold red lips, here are seven of the best beauty trends to try after lockdown.

1. Bolt from the blue

Straight out of an episode of HBO’s Euphoria, youthful shades of blue took centre stage at the autumn/winter shows. Shimmering lapis lazuli lids at Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, courtesy of Isamaya Ffrench; flashes of electric blue at Tadashi Shoji; and aquamarine hues punctuated by bold winged liner at Prabal Gurung, Moncler and Miu Miu.

The colour of the sky and the sea—a distant memory for those of us cooped up inside—has come to represent a sense of hope and freedom. In beauty, it points to a brave new world of nonconformity and the endless possibilities of youth. Take Euphoria’s mesmerising Jules, played by Hunter Schafer, who’s never without a various shade of blue lining her eyes. So with this in mind, celebrate the end of lockdown with a liberating blue lid. Wear it on an excursion to your favourite museum or your much-missed morning coffee run.

2. Big bang theory

Consider the fringe the hair equivalent of a facelift: it enhances the eyes, defines the cheekbones and takes years off you. No matter your age, cut yourself a bang and immediately cast yourself in the role of pretty ingenue—Audrey Tautou, Jane Birkin, Françoise Hardy. Emerge from lockdown looking fresher than ever with a shaggy 1970s cut, à la Celine.

For blunter alternatives that bring an air of sophistication, see Saint Laurent, and for a modern twist, head to Louis Vuitton, where choppy fringes and micro bangs were the order of the day. No special occasion needed here; this is your everyday, off-duty, go-to beauty look.

3. Paint the town red

Let’s face it—dating during social isolation comes with a handful of hurdles. Physical contact (or lack thereof) being the most obvious for singles, while limited location options such as your front room and kitchen don’t exactly inspire Friday-night feels for those isolating with their other half. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema or a romantic rendezvous at your favourite restaurant, mark the return of IRL dating with a sultry red lip. But not just any kind of red—think old-school Hollywood glamour red. For timeless elegance, go matte, as seen at Oscar De La Renta, Jil Sander and Givenchy. Or sex it up with high gloss like at MSGM and Lanvin.

4. Gold standard

Parties. Remember them? No, not the digital kind. I mean real-life parties where you can feel the heat of another body pressed up against you on the dance-floor. Where you can order a drink that didn’t come from your own fridge. It may be a while away, but party season will soon returneth. And when it does, make your long-awaited entrance with a Midas touch.

Take your cues from Tom Ford and opt for a celebratory smoky gold lid. Or look to Preen for a lesson in gold leaf. Those after something a little more modern should consider Prada, where Pat McGrath experimented with graphic strips of gilt. Think champagne hues to see you through to the early hours and accents of glitter (see Gabriela Hearst) to inspire a sense of much-needed joy and optimism.

5. Roll the dye

Give your hair a fresh-out-of-lockdown makeover with a poptastic splash of colour. Slime green roots at Dries Van Noten; streaks of scarlet at Alexander McQueen; fiery reds at Marine Serre. This is everyday hair for the Billie Eilish generation. It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s carefree. If you haven’t already done a Dua Lipa-style DIY dye job during lockdown, now’s the time. Or better yet, head to your local hairdresser. It’s been a while, they’ve missed you.

6. Winging it

It’s your first day back at the office; no more cameo appearances from a rogue toddler during Zoom conference calls or intimate bedroom backdrops. For the first time in ages, you will get to experience your colleagues in the round, which calls for an air of professionalism courtesy of an unapologetic eye flick. Think slick lines and bold wings. Manifest that promotion with a sharp feline flick as seen at Marc Jacobs and Moschino. Feeling adventurous? Opt for graphic lines with a touch of sparkle like at Valentino. Smoky two-toned wings soften the mood at Altuzarra.

7. Tie the knot

Lockdown is over and gyms are finally open worldwide. Hello darkness, my old friend. No longer confined to the privacy of your front room, your workouts have gone back to being out in the open. Cue wandering eyes, unflattering mirrors and obligatory gym selfies. Anticipate this shock to the system with AW20’s signature sporty updo. See Sam McKnight’s braided buns over at Fendi, inspired by Star Wars and cinnamon buns, twisted topknots at Badgley Mischka and slicked-back offerings at Altuzarra.

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