Making beauty luxurious again
It’s never too early to start planning your party-season make-up looks. Brown Thomas gives a masterclass in how to achieve autumn/winter 2019 glossy glamour
Making beauty luxurious again is the mission statement of our editorial this weekend, which was executed by the Brown Thomas Beauty Style Team. “We’re getting back to polish,” says Aidan Corcoran of the Beauty Style Team, the artist who created these looks.
“Everything is a bit more perfected,” he says. “But we’re actually using a little less make-up. It’s less about using every single colour in your palette, more about choosing key colours, and knowing techniques.”
Irish people like a strong look. “We love putting our best foot forward. We’re not scared of make-up,” explains Aidan. “We’re also becoming increasingly fine-tuned in our knowledge. Customers need technique lessons, rather than information. They know the products.”
Before you go near your make-up bag, skincare is key. “Nothing will last well, and nothing will look well, unless you get your skincare right.” Aidan loves Sisley’s Black Rose Cream Mask, a hydrating mask favoured by Meghan Markle, as well as products by The Ordinary; The Inkey List; and Pestle & Mortar, all of which are now stocked in The Beauty Lounge.
When buying foundation, Aidan recommends approaching it in a similar way to your wardrobe. “If you think of your clothes, you’ll have work outfits, party outfits, and wedding outfits. So why would your make-up be any different? Your work foundation could be more matte, more of a tinted moisturiser. It is good to chop and change.”
All of the looks on these pages are strong, which is what you want for your party season make-up. The point is to know what suits your face shape. Slavishly following make-up trends is never wise, but there is no harm in taking something of what works for you each season. Autumn/winter 2019’s grown-up 1970s trend lends itself to a softly glamorous look, see Amber Alert, on page 21. “It’s really earthy, autumnal tones, a great bridal look,” Aidan says.
Pulling off a strong eye and lip can be challenging (see Ruby Passion, page 22). “The key here is the texture on the eye and the lip. It’s glossy, a soft texture, which makes it less scary,” Aidan says. “When make-up is matte, it’s a little more severe.”
Figuring out such high-impact looks is where lessons become worthwhile. Crucially, the make-up artists working in the Beauty Lounge are not affiliated to one brand (when they are, it can mean the product of the season being pushed on you, regardless of its suitability to your needs). Instead, Aidan explains they will work out what kind of make-up best suits your individual lifestyle. Bespoke beauty. What all make-up should be.