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Gray makeup trends for Fall 2009: how to work the new fashion trends
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A SURREALISTIC ARCHETYPE
Photo courtesy of Anna Tiedink
All Rights Reserved
Gray Makeup: Fashion Phenomenon
Translated for the Face
Approaching the second decade of the century, we experiment with a contemporary beauty referencing the looks from the first decades of the 1920’s.
A resolutely modern, geometric and metallic approach to roar into the 2020’s. In shades of silver and gold.
In recent years the color gray has paved a prominent reputation for itself on runways, draped as cozy sweaters, strutted in sexy ankle boots, and dressed up as a tailored suit.
Fall of 2009 Ushers In Gray In A Big Way
For Fall of 2009 the color gray will be leaping from fashion to face, updating a woman’s look with the simple sweep of the lid.
While makeup’s foray into gray might be a subtle reflection of a new economy, it more positively serves as a soothing force, revitalizing neutrality for beauty’s sake.
In fashion, we’ve seen gray’s ability to adapt. But the color’s versatility beyond the wardrobe is giving it staying power among beauty gurus as well.
Emmanuelle Linard of Edelkoort Inc / Trend Union remarks about The Industry, "is making gray its new timeless basic, to be mixed with accents or other brownish neutrals. Well-being and beauty…will opt for the meditative and elegant sophistication of gray."
She also said "for the Fall/Winter season, eye shadows adopt concrete hues for a refined city look, charcoal powders for a mysterious allure, or a metallic silver shine. Gray is an appeasing long-term story in times of centering on seductive essentials.”
Emmanuelle explains that gray is a neutral color which signifies calmness and balance. “In a new democratic era of sharing, networking, and balancing, it's only natural that the color gray imposes itself as the color of osmosis. Merging extremes, offering relief to our hurt souls, blending in neutrality, gray will be the response for a changing generation in search of fairness and equilibrium.”
Who Can Wear Gray Make-Up?
Hair and make-up artist Assumpta Clohessy believes gray makeup is rather difficult to work with because of its tendency to only flatter particular skin tones.
She explained “women with warmer, yellow or olive undertones look best in this color.” The contrast in undertones softens the gray from appearing too stark. Regarding hair color, she noted brunettes look best in the shade."
When asked if gray-haired women could participate in the gray makeup trend, she feared "it could be a bit much." She said "don’t be discouraged if your coloring doesn’t fall into the above preferred category. For women with fair skin, she suggests trying light gray or shimmery silver on the eye."
For "darker skinned women or women of color", Assumpta recommends "charcoal and dark gray". She recommends "stay away from too much contrast resulting" in a “raccoon” look.
When choosing a versatile gray, she recommends "a moist, smoky, cream-based eye shadow since the texture adds depth and the tone offers versatility over extreme gray hues". She also believes "the shade most likely to compliment the majority should contain brown undertones, lending it to a broader audience of women".
How To Wear Gray?
Assumpta explains "the most adaptable way to wear gray makeup is such that it opens the eyes, as opposed to drawing them inward."
How To Create Gray Eyes
She recommends the following steps for gray makeup:
1. Begin with a light gray or shimmery silver at the corner of the eye, swept across the lid.
2. Shade the brow bone with a soft gray.
3. Line the eye with navy eyeliner, sweeping up at the outside corner of the eye.
This visually lifts the eyes, in turn opening them.
How To Create Smokey Eyes
She said "for smoky eyes, use more charcoal, either swept up from the outer lash line to the crease, or brushed through the crease of the eyes."
The gray look (detailed above) is a softer look which can be enhanced by a pop of color on the lips— a red or fuchsia pout brings life to a face of soothing, neutral eyes.
She warns "but keep the lips simple when batting smoky peepers". She explained "a glossy nude or light pink will soften deep gray shadows on the lids. Rebellion against this advice could land one a role as a dancer in a Robert Palmer video.
No longer living in the shadow of black or constantly competing with navy, gray is urging beauty and our mindsets towards neutrality this Fall.
Amidst today’s stress and uncertainty, gray encourages staying calm and moving forward. Take advantage of the hue’s invigorating appeal to update your look. Its non-obtrusive facade makes for a simple and truthful, clean and polished appearance.
For more info: Hair & Beauty Trends At Hairboutique.com
Credits:
Photo: “A SURREALISTIC ARCHETYPE”
Reference: Trend Union Beauty Forecast Spring/Summer 2010
Photographer: Anna Tiedink
BeautyPress.com
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