This year has hardly been a year for subtlety when it
comes to make-up, with the likes of Lady Gaga, La Roux and Rihanna going for all-out glamour. Delicate looks have made way for eccentric looks that aim to razzle-dazzle. Sales of
false lashes have risen by 110 per cent, with 4,000 packs of lashes being sold every day in the UK.
Girls Aloud have a lot to answer for; they are serial offenders
when it comes to false lash overload, and have fittingly created their own
range in a crafty collaboration with Eylure - Britain's leading falsh lash
brand.
Ironically, the large quantity of make-up being bought in the UK is due to the economic downturn; it appears, quite literally, that women are
putting on a brave face while braving the recession. With this in mind, a key investment piece for Autumn/Winter 2009 would
be a good-quality eyeliner. Dark, smouldering eyes are all the rage - as seen on celebrities such as Emma Watson in the latest Burberry campaign
and Scarlett Johansson for Mango's recent ads. Interestingly, 2009 has been the year to break conventional make-up rules. Many have been
influenced by outrageous celebrities when flouting the
one feature-only rule, sporting bold eyes and bold lips at the same time. Whilst fun and
daring, it can prove disastrous if you don't get it quite right. To make sure you get it spot-on, make the eyes intense and striking but keep the lips neutral with some nude lip gloss. Try MAC's glitter at £13.50 per pot, or a cheaper
version at Barry M at £4.50 per pot. This year, dare to be different.
