With androgyny being a regular inspiration for designers’ recent collections, the ‘Boyfriend’ trend has been a coinciding key theme of several past and current seasons with its boxy blazer jackets and moody “I slept in his clothes” oversized tees. It is no surprise, then, that the trend has begun to emerge in makeup both on and off the runway. If you’ve decided to shed those floaty dresses and don your masculine attire for the day, you may be asking where to begin. Well, Put that red lipstick back in the draw for starters, the androgynous beauty trend is all about subtlety. Shades of browns and nudes applied sparingly define and highlight chiseled features, but remember that Pretty Boy - not Tracksuit Tomboy - is the look to strive for.
Eyebrows
The eyebrows are the key features in this beauty trend so pay them some attention. We want full brows with impact so if you haven’t already grown them out then do so now. Although this may take a couple of weeks it will be worth it because, remember, bushy (in this case) is best. Use an eyebrow wax to apply light shaping once you have achieved your desired length - Benefit Brow Zing, £22.50 is perfect for the look we are going for. If upkeep isn’t your strongpoint then eyebrow tints are at the height of popularity and can last up to six weeks depending on which ones you go for. Choose from four main shades of black, blue-black, brown and grey to match your hair colour and add fierce definition to your brows. Home kits are available as well as professional treatments if DIY is more your flavour.
Skin
Flawless skin is a must, but apply that foundation sparsely –the idea is to look fresh rather than caked. Add a pinky or golden highlight glow to emphasise features such as underneath the eyebrow arch, the nose and the top of cheekbones. Try Benefits Moon Beam Iridescent Complexion, £16.65, it may seem expensive but it will last forever. Finally, to finish the look, define cheekbones with a dark dusty pink or brown blusher such as Benefits Dallas Face Powder £23.50. Chisel out and define from the hairline, following the contours beneath the bone but make sure you stop before you begin to look skeletal.
Hair
Quiffs, although huge on the runway for AW11, pose a difficulty for those 8am starts in everyday life, so save this do for the evenings. For a casual day-look avoid curls or waves and keep hair naturally straight and unkempt in style. Loose but groomed ponytails add to the slouchy aesthetic, but keep it more Cameron Diaz and less Paris Hilton.
Images backstage at Alexander Wang AW11, NowFashion.com
