Fashion Done Your Own Way

Fashion Done Your

Own Way By Molly Dutton

Another month has come and gone and I’m really starting to believe that these days don’t actually exist. This, of course, means that we are getting closer and closer to those long summer nights spent with friends and family, having BBQs, and basking in the good weather (that was a subtle hint to the weatherman if he’s listening). Now, you all are undoubtedly expecting a summer run-down of all the trends that I am expecting to pop up over the next few months but, whilst I am predictable in many things, I have decided to switch things up this time around; this month we are going to delve into the beauty world, a world that I quite frankly forgot existed until I had to raid my makeup box for a bit of back to school glam. Makeup is a term that seems incredibly alien to me after months of fresh-faced days and no social outings, but the time has come to grab the brushes and pop on some colourful eyeshadow ready for the summer of all summers (can you tell I’m desperate for a good one)? I have drastically changed my makeup routine over the past year to fit the new routine that I have become so familiar with, mostly due to the fact that the weather has been fairly kind (at least during lockdown one) and I have preferred to experiment with different looks every now and again, instead of one typical daily routine. Since I have lost touch with the beauty trends of today, I thought that this month’s article would be the best opportunity to explore the popular items that I have seen filling my social media feeds; they certainly seem much more exciting than my usual mascara and concealer combo. As I’ve mentioned before, this is a space for fun and experimenting, sprinkled with complete honesty as to whether certain items are worth your time, so let’s get comfortable with makeup again. I think it’s only appropriate that I discuss the most important part of my routine with you which is, of course, the brows. I am certainly no stranger to a fierce brow (in the best and worst sense of the word). I also feel that the ideal brow style has changed the most significantly out of all of the makeup products, making it extremely difficult to keep up with! Now, to save us all from getting overly confused about what brows are ‘in’, I have conducted some research into the most common trends at the moment and they have all pointed me towards one style: the soap brow. This brow style took me hugely by surprise when it came onto the scene in lockdown number one, mostly because for once, my eyebrows were actually compatible with it. As someone who has always had very dark and unruly brows, I found it hard to mould them into the well-shaped, sharp brows of the early 2010s, a fact that made my younger self quite sad actually. But, as with many trends, there is always one that will be perfect for you and the soap brow has allowed many bushy-browed girls and guys have their chance to shine. The ‘soap brow’ is quite literally what it says in the name. All that is required is a bar of soap (or men’s hair gel) and an eyebrow brush. You rub the brush into the soap and transfer it onto the brows, brushing the hairs in an upward motion and sticking them down. If you prefer the no-hassle approach, many beauty salons offer lamination which gives a more semi-permanent soap brow

look without ruining your mum’s Dove bar. You end up with gorgeous fluffy brows that last all day. This effort-free approach to flawless brows is a winner for me and I recommend that you try it just once to see how you feel about it, I think you’ll be surprised. As for our glowing summer skin, a new contender has weaselled its way into my top ten beauty products (which currently consists of three, given my neglect of my makeup products). A good cream blush is something that would have scared me to death in my early teens but has now been actively embraced as I have grown to appreciate the idea of healthy-looking, glowing skin. Whilst my previous motive would be to cover as much of my face as possible with an ill-matched foundation, it has become essential for me to try and reflect as much naturalness as possible through my beauty choices. The main fear associated with blush is over application; many people picture bright red circles taking over their cheeks, when in fact this can be very easily avoided. Typically, you only need a few drops of cream blush to unleash your inner goddess (not dramatic at all) and, controversially, I would throw out the brush for this one and resort to your hands for a flushed glow. I would advise that you try and pick a colour that matches your skin’s undertones, so if you have pink undertones try not to purchase orange shades that will create too much contrast with your complexion. Makeup and beauty are entirely personal so whilst it is good fun to play around with the trends, it is especially important to find what works for you and experiment with colours that highlight your character and features. There is a definite science behind the colour choices of makeup products, and I have yet to become accustomed with all the rules, but I can tell you confidently that summer is the best time to embrace your artist and really go to town with your looks. Whatever you choose will look beautiful when worn with confidence and a smile. I haven’t got the hang of the blue or green eyeshadow looks yet but when I do, makeup chaos will be unleashed, and signs of subtleness will be far out the window. Always be bold, and when you’re ready, be brave.

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