Some S/S Beauty Trends I'm Looking Forward To...

Hurrah! Summer officially begins in 3 days - so it's time to say good bye to burgundy hues and porcelain skin, and say hello to bright coloured lipsticks and tanning mits.

 The S/S 12 catwalks displayed an array of different makeup trends, ranging from an avant-garde, colourful, doll inspired look at Meadham Kirchoff, to a slightly more wearable coral lip at Erdem. If you are feeling slightly out of sync with what trends to wear this season, take a look at my top three looks and see what tickles your fancy.


Bright Coloured Lips

              

A prerequisite for S/S each year. Why? Because it's so versatile and easy to wear. Use

the lipstick as a stain or paint on the layers for a powerful coral punch.This look goes 

perfectly with a sun kissed tan, bushy brows and a sweep of black mascara.

Try:

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in 'Gay Geranium' £10.00

MAC's 'Lady Danger' £13.50

Barry M Lip Paint in shade '151'  £4.49

Pastel Nails

Satisfy your sweet tooth by choosing one of these pastel shades to keep your bare nails company this summer. Don't be afraid to mix it up with two or more shades, the more resemblant to neapolitan ice cream, the better!

Try:

Revlon Nail Enamel in 'Minted' £6.49

Barry M Nail Paint in 'Peach Melba' £2.99

Essie Nail Polish in 'Lilacism' £9.95

                                                                              

Bronzed Skin

If the Michael Kors s/s show was anything to go by, it's time to get down to your nearest Boots and pick up a bottle of St Tropez. The models looked like they had just stepped off the plane from a week in the Greek Islands. WARNING: Try not to get too carried away, we are aiming for a natural shade of brown - not a TOWIE orange spray paint job.

For an everyday gradual tan, try St Tropez Naturals Self Tan Lotion £26.59

For an instant tan, try Rimmel Instant Matte Tan £6.99

So there you go, three of the hottest beauty trends for Summer to get you started. Don't be afraid to get experimental, have fun with them!

Alex hearts Menswear

Hopefully by now, you all will have noticed that I have a bit of a 'thing' for Menswear. In the past couple of years, I've found it more and more difficult to dress like a girly girl - hence the reason I lean towards a more androgynous style. Don't get me wrong, I still love to paint my nails and will continue to purchase a hundred more lipsticks for my excessive collection. I'll just do it sporting a pair of tanned leather brogues and some YSL inspired tailored trousers. 

When I stumbled upon this book in Urban Outfitters, I trawled through the pages for a good 7.5 minutes before the staff started looking at me suspiciously. It started to become a regular occurance each time I visited a different branch - I'm not quite sure why I didn't just commit and buy the book. Luckily, it became known to me that a friend owned a copy, and I was quick to ask if I could borrow it for a few weeks.

The book covers 7 sections ranging from tailoring to underwear, each giving a detailed background history and a relevant image alongside. 

A slightly dishevelled Daniel Craig modelling (very, very well) a Baracutta jacket, Image still taken from Quantum of Solace (2008).

Who better to showcase the blouson than James Dean in 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955). Worn almost undone with a plain white tee underneath showing through - debatable if anyone can pull this look off as well as the man himself.

I really recommend this book to any of you who share a love for menswear, or if you just enjoy staring at photos of Steve McQueen and Gregory Peck.

Even thought I found this book for £19.99 in UO, you can get it from Amazon at a much cheaper price. Here's the link: Icons of Men's Style

Pyjama Party

I can safely say that my bedtime attire has never been on the glamorous side. It usually consists of an unshapely, men's sized t-shirt from a past family holiday and some baggy flannelette trouser bottoms that spend the most part down by my ankles - not exactly 'on trend' material. Luckily for me, the s/s 12 catwalks were filled with an array of seductive, exciting and most importantly, flattering pyjama inspired designs to stimulate my brain cells. Being a fan of a woman in a suit, this modern take on the classic silhouette became an instant favourite of mine. Check out some of my top picks...

                                                             Jill Sandler

J.W Anderson

Stella McCartney

Richard Nicoll

If you're feeling slightly intimidated by some of these catwalk creations, then do not fear - this look can be pulled off by every day folk like me and you. Here are some examples of brave, fashion trend setters making this style seem effortless and doing it well.

One to feed my Chung obsession.

I suddenly feel the urge to go and burn the entirety of my pyjama drawer, just as an excuse to purchase some of these paisley printed pants for Spring. I know what I'm going to be doing in the Easter break, what are your views on the trend?

Fuchsia Capris

Take a good look at these babies. They caught my eye in the window of H&M and could not resist the temptation to go in and try a pair (even though I really really shouldn't be spending, story of my life). I was wearing a plain grey tee at the time and the two went perfectly together! I think they'd go nicely with my cream sheer blouse too, look forward to using that combo. This colour statement is great for spring/summer, all we need now is some of that sunshine!