Shock news: our heads and faces are attached to our bodies and can be seen at the same time as them, so we should make at least some effort to ensure that our makeup and fashion are vaguely complementary.
Stylist Nadia Albano has seen some clashes – she cites women wearing a copper-orange lipstick with their pastel outfit as a particularly egregious example. And clashes aren’t the only assault of beauty on fashion – Albano says matchy-matchy (blue eyeshadow and a blue shirt) is overkill too.
The reason for these mismatches may be that we tend to experiment with our clothing, but have only two makeup looks – day and night – so we have no idea where to start with matching fashion and beauty.
Albano says it’s good to contrast the makeup with the outfit. “For example, if you are wearing an elaborate outfit, downplay the makeup to a clean eye and perhaps, at most, a strong lip. And vice-versa: if your outfit is casual, play up the makeup to elevate the look,” she says.
Alternatively, you can swap it round by starting with the makeup and letting the fashion flow from there. Here are three classic beauty looks and their perfect sartorial partners.
Red lips
Albano believes red is a neutral colour that goes with everything. “I like red lips with a metallic rose-gold eyeshadow, cute flowy mini skirt, long tank and ankle booties,” she says. Wear Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Red ($28, at Holt Renfrew, Sephora and Murale), a classic fire-engine red, with RED Valentino’s Point Desprit Mini Dress ($622.16, at Nordstrom).
Smokey eyes
Maybe this is your go-to for evening, but Albano thinks you should try it during the day. “It goes with a flawless complexion and strobed skin. I might even do a baby pink lip colour with that,” she says. “I’d also wear an extremely feminine outfit, for example, a fit-and-flair floral print dress and pumps.” Pair H&M’s sleeveless dress ($14.99) with ARTDECO Most Wanted Eyeshadow Palette in Smokey ($29, at Shoppers Drug Mart).
No makeup look
We’re all masters of this, paired with jeans, T-shirt and sneakers, but it takes more to make it work for work. “The key to nailing it is perfect skin and well-groomed, defined brows,” says Albano. “It works with a minimalist, boho chic or avant-garde outfit, and requires confidence to pull off.” Your fashion/beauty team comprises Estee Lauder’s Double Wear All Day Concealer ($30, at Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom), Sephora Brow Builder ($18), and Woo to See You’s nun-like linen dress ($120).
