SS17 make-up | trend report

I always feel that beauty trends should be taken with a pinch of salt: adopt the ones you fancy, but don’t be a slave to new styles at the expense of looking good and wearing make-up that actually suits you. That said, catwalk trends can be a fun source of inspiration and a great way to experiment and shake up your everyday look. There’s a definitive nod to the 80s this season, but I can confidently say you won’t catch me near a crimper – instead, here are the trends I can’t wait to wear.

Lipstick with staying power

For long-wear, water-resistant lipstick that stays where you want it – not your coffee cup, not your teeth, but your lips – it’s all about the liquid lipstick. Try Smashbox’s Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick (£19, Boots). Available in a huge 20 colours, you’ll be hard-pushed to find one that won’t suit. Deep, dark, cool tones are set to trend, so we’re loving their shade Chill Zone for brave girls ready to make a statement. New to Debenhams, the Kat Von D beauty range offers insane staying power throughout the range, and hands down the Everlasting liquid lipsticks (£16, Debenhams) are some of the best I’ve tried. Less drying than some, with a beautiful colour range. Try Witches to follow the trends, Bauhau5 for a pop of vibrant colour, or Lovesick, for a pretty pink.

Skin perfection
It’s all about baby-soft and perfectly polished skin this spring. But don’t worry if you weren’t blessed with a beautifully airbrushed complexion; Smashbox has just launched the mother of all dynamic products in the new Radiance Primer (£30, Boots). Aiming to recreate that beautiful glow of the golden hour, this little pot of magic also hydrates, minimises the appearance of pores and blurs fine lines, wrinkles and everything in-between. Amber and bronze pearls give a hint of colour, and hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates. Use it under foundation for a seamless base, or on its own – but for skin with powdery perfection, Kat Von D’s Lock it Foundation (£27, Debenhams) is my favourite foundation for crazy-easy perfection. This beautiful formula blends so effortlessly, leaving skin ready for blush and bronzer with barely the need for powder – and it promises to deliver 24-hours of wear. As for contouring and highlighting – yes, it’s absolutely here to stay, but go easy and keep it subtle – try Charlotte Tilbury’s FilmStar Bronze and Glow (£49) for a natural glow.

Tools of the trade
Remember when GHD hair straighteners were only the tools of professionals? The more beauty-obsessed we become, the better tools we require, and pro-kit is becoming even more available. If you splash out on one thing this year, let it be a decent set of brushes. This stunning Zoeva Rose Gold Vol. 2 Luxury brush set  (£65, cultbeauty.co.uk) provides everything you need for perfect face and eye make-up application, but if you’re looking for something a little more affordable the new Real Techniques MultiTech Collection (From £10, Superdrug) has been developed with a unique point cut, designed specifically for detailing and blending, meaning your look will always be flawless. Talking of tools, the crimper is back with a vengeance! Get your 80s on with the Babyliss Pro Ceramic Crimper (£24.99, hairtrade.com).

Edgy eyes
The catwalk has been throwing us some vibey eyes, with lashings of colour swept across lids and faces like a new-age art attack. I’m totally on board with this style, but for an everyday look try coloured liquid eyeliners, like the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Eyeliner (£5.50, boots.com) available in nine amazing shades; it’s an easy way to shake up your look. Try Fire for a hot new style, or Sapphire to keep things cool. Another glimpse of 80s/90s glam, sassy blue eyeshadow is making a comeback. Pop to your nearest MAC counter and grab yourself Pigment pot in Naval Blue (£16) these rich powders give an intense hit of colour, or go for In The Shadows Eyeshadow (£13) for a pressed powder that’s easy to pop in your bag with no spills.

Brows to wow
Gone are the days of the over-the-top Scouse brow, and these days it’s (thankfully) more about well-preened, defined, but natural eyebrows. Brow pencils are great, but can often give a harsh line making them look drawn on. Opt for a pomade or powder for a softer appearance. I’m loving Freedom Pro Brow Pomade (£5, Superdrug) which is £10 cheaper than the famed Anastasia Beverly Hills version, and to be honest, just as good. For an all-in-one option try the Sleek Makeup Brow Kit (£8.49, Boots) which contains a powder, wax, brushes and tweezers. Now, those more advanced in their brow regimen may have heard of microblading. Unlike traditional permanent make-up, microblading is nicknamed brow embroidery thanks to its delicate, artistic effect. Individual hairs are painstakingly drawn on, taking around two hours, and should last from one to three years.

Do you follow me on Bloglovin? Let’s be friends!