IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BROWN SUGAR
Looking for an instant beauty refresh for winter? We asked some of Dublin’s most respected beauty experts for the lowdown on the key trends in hair, make-up and nails this season. Here’s everything you need to know …
Hot Lips
“Lips are bold again this season, with statement red gracing the catwalks and the red carpets,” says Brown Sugar make-up manager Dearbhla Keenan. “A bold red screams confidence and gives a lift to an otherwise pared-back make-up look. Another lip trend that is all over social channels is the ‘just bitten’ effect. Create this using a lightweight lip stain as opposed to lipstick. It leans away from the usual opaque lipstick application and embraces a softer, lighter touch, with a blurred lip line. YSL Nu Lip and Cheek Tint is a perfect choice to create this look.”
Brave Blush
Strong blush is also staying around, notes Keenan. Cream-based, buildable products work best for this, such as the Poco Beauty Cheek Haze “Crème-based products are winning out as the texture of choice as it’s buildable but keeps a youthful glow. One of my favourites is the recently launched Cheek Haze by Poco Beauty. This innovative design allows you to play gently with colour or go wild by experimenting with placement and strength of tone.”
Highlighter Reimagined
It’s not metallic or harsh highlighter we want, but something with less sparkle and more of a glassy sheen, notes Keenan. “Highlight has re-emerged onto the beauty scene. Our resident Brown Sugar Blackrock make-up artist Jen Mulvey recommends Super Loaded Tinted Highlight by Westman Atelier for a silky application. It gives a hint of luminous colour and a healthy-looking glow.”
Colour Pop
“Although earthy, autumnal shades are prominent on catwalks, pops of colour are also being embraced – see Dior, for example,” notes Keenan.
“Don’t be scared of colour on the eyes this season. From pastel tones applied in a block technique to jewel tones of emerald and amethyst glided over the lid, it’s all working!”
Choose something striking and vibrant – rather than a multi-palette of shades that might not get used, plump for one key shade and go for it. We love Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Lid Lustress in shades such as copper, silver and rose-gold, and new Emerald (launching on December 6), a fabulously decadent shimmering green.
Pinot Noir Nails
Bring on the burgundy this season. It’s the shade of the season in fashion, and in beauty too – dark, glossy cherry shades are the business for the party season. Jennifer Vaughan Sharp, senior nail technician at the newest Sugar Coated nail salon, in Glasthule, Co Dublin, says that the most requested nail polish at the moment is The GEL Bottle shade Manhattan – it’s flying off shelves. “This rich and elegant tone is perfect for any nail length or shape and is also being personalised by incorporating tortoiseshell French tips, as seen here,” Sharp tells us. “Also popular is the tortoiseshell effect on nail tips, for a modern spin on the traditional French manicure.”
Our tip: keep an eye on @sugarcoated_ie, and @caoilfhionn_sugarcoated to keep up with the latest nail trends and looks.
Sparkle Tips
Caoilfhionn Tighe at Sugar Coated in Glasthule says that embellishment is where it’s at for winter – think earthy tones, such as chocolate browns, with golden gems and sparkling adornments. “Bejewelled and adorned nails are big this season with small embellishments added on top of a classic set. This adds serious opulence to get you ready for the festive season! Wear with a pared-back make-up look – your nails can be the talking point.”
Shades of Autumn
Style director and colour specialist at Brown Sugar South William Street, Graham Santelíz Molloy, pinpoints ‘Terracotta Copper’ as the hair colour shade of the season: “This is all about blending earthy terracotta tones with vibrant copper hues. This warm palette evokes the richness of autumn, making it flattering for all skintones. Versatile in styling, it can be worn as soft balayage or a bold all-over colour, reflecting light beautifully and adding depth. As celebrities showcase this trend, it’s clear that terracotta copper is the must-try colour of the season, inviting everyone to embrace warmth and individuality.”
Chunky Highlights
Christian Shannon, manager at Brown Sugar South William Street, Dublin 2, is seeing a big return to “chunky highlights”. “This is a bold revival with a ’90s nod,” he tells us. “Chunky highlights are making a striking comeback, reviving the bold highlights and layered textures that defined the nineties. This trend emphasises vibrant streaks and playful contrasts, allowing for personal expression and a fun, carefree vibe. Perfect for adding dimension to any style, chunky hair offers a modern twist while paying homage to the iconic looks of the past. Whether you choose dramatic highlights or textured layers, this trend can refresh your look with its bold energy and a nod to nostalgic flair.”
The Tucked Bob
Hair specialist at Brown Sugar, Lara Moody, is seeing the tucked bob quickly becoming a favourite in the hair trend scene. “The tucked bob is celebrated for its sleek, modern appeal. Characterised by hair tucked behind the ears, this style highlights the jawline and adds a touch of sophistication. Versatile and flattering, the tucked bob can be worn straight for a polished look, or tousled for a more casual vibe. Suitable for various hair textures and customisable in length, it suits any occasion – and it’s easy to maintain with regular trims.”
Long Bangs
Bangs are making a stylish comeback, offering a fresh take on face-framing hairstyles. This trend features bangs that extend well past the eyebrows, creating a soft, romantic look that can be worn sleek or tousled. Ideal for adding dimension to any haircut, long bangs can complement various face shapes and hair textures, making them versatile for all. They effortlessly blend with longer hairstyles while providing an air of effortless chic, perfect for those looking to update their look without a dramatic change. This is becoming a go-to choice for the fashion-forward.
Our tip: Keep an eye on @brownsugar_ie for the latest looks.
VISIT THE EXPERTS:
Brown Sugar, 50 South William Street, Dublin 2: 01 616 9967
36 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin: 01 210 8630
68 Ranelagh, Dublin 6: 01 485 1988
Sugar Coated, Frascati Shopping Centre, Blackrock, Co Dublin: 01 2834 6721
1 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin: 01 919 8972
