We jumped on board the second matte lipstick became a thing, and we’ve been all over every single ’90s beauty look we can bring back, because, hello, the ’90s. Still, even the most dedicated beauty crusader runs into snags when trying to tackle particularly tricky trends. And that’s why we go to the pros for some help.
This fall, we saw a razor-sharp focus on basic beauty looks … on steroids. It’s key to know how to enhance the skills you already have—from statement smoky eyes to flawless liquid liner. We’ve enlisted some of the best makeup artists in the biz to teach us exactly how to do just that.
Elie Saab. Photo: Imaxtree
Statement Smoky Eyes:
This fall, the eye is the focal point, so it’s time to conquer any fear of a dark smoky look. Celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter taught us the easiest trick in the book when it comes to creating a dramatic look: When you’re using a dark color, don’t go too far with it. Stop at the hollow of your eye when you’re blending so you don’t create a faux black eye.
Donna Karan. Photo: Imaxtree
Sleek Hair:
Middle-parted, sleek, straight strands are back, and it’s not as hard to take the look off the runway as one might think. Scotty Cunha, Kim Kardashian’s hair guru, often re-creates this style on the reality star, but with an everyday approach. Cunha told us to coat a brush in hairspray, and then brush the area of hair that you want to slick down. Note: You don’t have to go all the way to the crown (Cunha likes to leave some volume in the back). But to ensure that the style remains street-friendly, just tuck hair behind your ears and let it fall instead of shellacking them into place.
Monique Lhuillier. Photo: Imaxtree
Jewel-Tone Manicures:
A jewel-tone manicure is nothing new for the fall season, but this fall welcomes a bevy of metallics. Nail artist Miss Pop recommends trying a matte top coat for a new spin on the old standard; it brings out the texture and glitter in your metallic polish.
Anteprima. Photo: Imaxtree
Graphic Liner:
An eye-catching liner look is the other trendy way to make your eye the focal point of your look this season. But even if you’re a master of the cat-eye flick, there is another secret to truly making your liner pop. Linter tells us to never forget to line in between all your lashes—really get in there. If you’re good, you may not even need mascara.
Just Cavalli. Photo: Imaxtree
Tousled Texture:
For that super-sexy yet so lived-in hair, add dry shampoo to individual sections of hair as you’re styling. If you want a curl but you’ve damaged your hair from too much color (i.e. bleach!), try curlers—they’re much more gentle than an iron. Then finish with a touch of dry shampoo for matte hold, says hairstylist Louise O’Connor.