SS21 Make-up trends

 A study in scarlet

“Scarlet lips are a beautiful classic trend that seems to pop up from season to season, but with the rich colour of a beautiful pink or red shade, it really does dress up anyone’s make-up look,” explains Nguyen-Grealis. Seen at Balmain and Hermès, the bold hue adds a pop of colour to your clients’ video calls and is best worn with pared-back skin. “This season, advise clients to wear it confidently with natural skin and bushy brows,” she says. “This can be all that’s needed for a change up of a look for a quick Zoom call, but with so many long-lasting pigments and wearable moisturising lipsticks, this will be an easy go-to for everyone.”

Wing it

“The winged cat eye trend has become shorter and bolder, but as a classic liner look it can give a lift to any eye, and is set to be seen everywhere from the catwalk to social media and at home,” explains Nguyen-Grealis. “It’s a huge trend that will stay as there’s so many elements to it, from broken lines, to thin lines, to straight across or just a tiny triangle on the outer corner,” she says. From kohl-lined eyes at Dior to a more feline flick at Chloé, the trend was big at the SS21 fashion weeks and can be adapted to all clients. “This is an easy look to wear to create a statement and edge. With choices of bold colours and long-lasting products, it will be easy to find a look to suit,” says Nguyen-Grealis.

The big smoke

The classic smoky eye was reinvented at the Chanel SS21 show, where it took form in a single wash of colour with a matte finish. “The one-toned smoky eye is a trend that has come back to the forefront because it draws attention to the eyes,” says Nguyen-Grealis. “A basic shape and tone such as a black block colour can be smudged and softened to give a blended smoky eye. Paired with natural skin and nude lips it is a statement look that suits all eye shapes as it enhances and defines the eyes,” she says – a great option while clients have to spend a lot of time wearing face masks.

Glow for it

Victoria Beckham and Acne’s SS21 shows saw fresh, dewy skin; a trend that Nguyen-Grealis predicts will stay put. “It’s a big trend as most of it is about enhancing the natural beauty. With people staying indoors and working from home, they have allowed their skin to breathe and get used to more skincare in their routine, as opposed to a full face of make-up,” she says, explaining that some powdered highlights can be seen making a comeback, but in more subtle tones rather than the usual metallic sheen that was previously popular. “With so many hybrid skincare products available, there is no excuse not to adopt this natural look,” she says. “Fake it until you make it with subtle balmy and dewy finishes along the bone structure, along with groomed fluffy eyebrows and a nude lip or hint of tinted colour.”