Forget what you know about the annual autumn beauty trends, because for AW14 punk rebellion ruled the runways, replacing those berry lips and smoky eyes with a refreshing injection of creativity.
Usually dominated by handsome androgyny, airbrushed skin and a quiet, uniformed beauty, this season’s best beauty looks surpassed all expectations with a (wonderfully British) sense of eccentricity. This punk spirit was globally prevalent, as designers rejected the rule book in favour of something a little more avant-garde, and a little less, well, autumnal.
Naturally, some of these looks rank higher on the wearability scale than others – we’ll probably leave Sarah Burton’s faux brows on the runway. However, the impossibly cool Rodarte girl has us enamoured with her grungy, teenage-y take on glitter lips. And, just in time to satisfy our AW14 cravings, niche brand Beauty Boulevard has launched Glitter Lips, a lip glitter with party-proof adhesive, allowing us to nail the trend without that nightmare glitter fall-out.
Alexander McQueen’s otherworldly creatures displayed gargantuan feathered eyebrows and corn-rowed crowns, whilst Chanel’s hypermart shoppers touted fabric dreadlocks pulled into ponies – perhaps the most dishevelled take on the house’s iconic codes yet. Emilio Pucci’s gilded foreheads may be best avoided in everyday life, but the idea is show-stoppingly gorgeous when repositioned onto the cheekbones. Belmacz Blitz 24ct Gold Leaf Eyeshadow (yes, it contains real 24ct gold leaf) is possibly the most decadent highlighter on the market, and creates an otherwordly shimmer. Carven’s wet-look glossed browns, once toned-down and teamed with a paired-back face, are sublimely suitable for an after-dark encounter. Groom and slick with MAC Lipglass for a wearable take on the trend.
And finally, a catwalk look to be avoided? Givenchy’s DIY take on the Croydon facelift – thanks, but no thanks.
Alexander McQueen
Emilio Pucci
Givenchy
Chanel
Rodarte
Words: Roberta Lister