IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BROWN SUGAR
Stuck in a style rut? Or want a refreshed look 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 …
Contrasting Colour
“Contrasting colours are on trend for autumn/winter 2023,” says Brown Sugar’s Graham Santeliz Molloy, style director and colour specialist at the South William Street salon. “This can be as subtle or as extravagant as you want. Choose from brunette and auburn, chocolate and caramel, or my personal favourite, honey and platinum. Using contrasting shades gives your overall colour a rich density and then bright pops of texture.”
Colour by @laramoodyhair
Cowboy Copper
“The autumnal shade of the moment isn’t just any old copper – it’s more bespoke, with the perfect amount of auburn and copper mixed to suit all skin tones. Its richness and warmth is the autumnal dream shade,” says Lara Moody, Brown Sugar hair specialist. “These tones work especially well on fairer skin tones to radiate and lift after summer tans have faded!” This shade is called “cowboy” copper as it’s a mix between leather tones and redhead tones, somewhere between copper and auburn.
Bobbing Along
Brown Sugar artistic director Christian Shannon (pictured above) is clear about this season’s hottest chop: “The bob is still the hottest hairstyle if you don’t want long hair, but this season it has evolved in many different directions. It’s gotten shorter, with the “bixie” being a cross between a bob and a pixi – the perfect cut if you’re still on the fence on how short you’re willing to go. The long bob is here to stay but has more movement and texture this winter, from beachy waves to sexy sets. Then there is the classic – think Anna Wintour, Saoirse Ronan … Bob heaven!”
Layer It Up
“It’s all about layers this season – whether on long or short hair, it’s all about movement and texture,” says Christian Shannon. “Think ’90s supermodels with big, sexy, bouncing blowdries, through to the Rachel. The wolf cut [a blend of the shag and the mullet, with a mix of layers and a fringe] is still going strong into winter; also the modern shag [choppy, textured and layered, with blunt ends]. All of these haircuts can be modified and tailored to every hair type – just speak to your stylist. Big sets through to flicking blowdries will get you through the festive season – it’s definitely the time to invest in some rollers this winter.”
Strong Lip
“From blood-red to deep maroon and even black, there were lots of statement lip looks on the catwalks for autumn/winter,” says Brown Sugar make-up artist John Bowes (pictured above). “To embrace this look and make it really wearable, I recommend Nars Powermatte or MAC Locked Kiss 24hr lipstick as two long-lasting, durable options to try. If your lips are not suitable for a matte finish, due to dryness, try adding a drop of gloss or balm to hydrate.”
Bold Blush
“Dare to be brave with your blush application,” urges Dearbhla Keenan (pictured above). “Applying high on the cheekbone, low sweeping in towards the apple of the cheek (which would normally be seen more as a contour application) or strong pops of colour are all accepted this season. Whether it’s soft cream blusher blended towards the temple, or a highly pigmented statement, experiment with confidence.”
Soft Goth
“‘The eyes are the window to your soul’ springs to mind with this trend,” says Keenan. “Bringing the focal point to the eyes is big this season, with elongated and playful liner placement. Cooler, colder tones are making a comeback, changing direction from the warmth and golden tones of previous trends. Adding metallic pigments create a softer feel to a dramatic, gothic eye. Charlotte Tilbury’s Hypnotising Pop Shots are always a winner for adding a sparkle and sheen to any eye make-up look.”
Charlotte Tilbury Beautyverse Palette, limited edition, €75.
Minimal Skin
What’s the story with skin make-up this season? Dearbhla Keenan says less is more. “With everything going extra on the eyes and lips, skin is taking a back seat – we’re seeing less and less coverage being used across social media channels, catwalks and the entertainment industry. Hopefully, we’re embracing skintone and type, and simply concealing and evening out tones using minimal product. The light and glowy Sculpted by Aimee Tint and Glow is a firm favourite.”
L-R: BIAB by @nailsbyrachelk_x; French BIAB by @jeneration_nails_; Glazed Nails by @bitsbyhan; all at @sugarcoated_ie.
Builder in a Bottle (BIAB)
“Builder has become more and more popular,” notes Jennifer Vaughan of SugarCoated, “as clients love that it’s your own natural nail while being a breathable product. BIAB helps strengthen and grow naturally weak nails. Without having to remove and reapply at every appointment, BIAB is refilled, allowing the natural nail to grow. The range of base colours are clean and natural. Clients are now adding a French twist, reinventing the classic, timeless original French manicure.”
Glazed Nails
“Glazed nails typically have a sheer milky base with an iridescent chrome powder buffed in to give nails the ‘glazed doughnut’ effect,” says SugarCoated’s Hannah Thorntan. “Very simple, but it’s an effective and trendy nail look. It can be used over any gel polish colour as well, to give the nails an extra lift!” Follow @sugarcoated_ie on Instagam for more tips and ideas. www.sugarcoated.ie
NOW VISIT THE EXPERTS:
Brown Sugar is at 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 is at Frascati Shopping Centre, Frascati Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin; 01 2834 6721.
Instagram: @brownsugardub.
