On Beauty: The berry best shades from the autumn crop

Nature strongly influences make-up trends and colours. In autumn, as orange and yellow leaves fall from the trees and the light becomes bluer, our natural instinct is to choose warmth and comforting hues.

And so it comes to pass every autumn that magazines, cosmetic houses and make-up counters present a tempting array of burgundy, berry and rich red cosmetics.

Berry works well for most people when it is used subtly. If your skin is dark you can get away with deeper colours, but if you are pale and the shade is too dark- and purple-hued you might end up looking like Lorde. If you want to look like Lorde, that’s all well and good: she is stunning, and her limited-edition deep-plum lipstick for Mac, Pure Heroine, was very popular. But if the goth look is not for you, there are plenty of other ways to use berry tones.

Don’t berry everything at once. If you’ve got a blackberry or plum shade on your nails and lips, then use a neutral colour on your eyes and the smallest amount of blusher.

Although you can get away with a wash of eye colour in this tone, make sure it’s understated or it can be difficult to pull off. Lips, on the other hand, are glorious in these shades. We’re spoiled for choice with lip colour: it is available in an enormous range of textures from matt to vinyl shine and everything in between.

Soft balms and sheer tints (try Revlon ColourBurst Lacquer Balm or Clinique Chubby Sticks) are excellent choices if you want a nod to the trend, while matt lipstick and lip stains will lend themselves to an uncompromising, bold lip. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres is a stain that will last and last.

If you have picked up a berry shade that, upon mature reflection, is way too dark, use the “bitten lip” technique and mute the effect. Dab colour from the bullet on to your fingertip and pat it on to your lips. This provides a soft and modern take, and also means you don’t have to worry about using lip liner, or lipstick bleed.

Nails are probably the easiest way to change your look; go as dark as you fancy. Deep, rich plums and almost-black burgundies are sophisticated and will make short nails look great. You’ll need a good base coat and top coat, though, as dark colours stain the nails and the slightest chip will be noticeable.

Use the whole works: base coat, followed by two coats of colour plus a top coat (try Seche Vite) to keep it all rock hard. It’s the perfect excuse to get out of the housework, as obviously there’s absolutely no way you can ruin your manicure by doing the washing-up. Well, it’s worth a try anyway.

More at beaut.ie Twitter @aismcdermott beauty@irishtimes.com

THE PRODUCTS

Burt’s Bees Lip Shine

, Smooch (€9.79)

I’m telling every woman I know to get this. It is richly moisturising and has great colour payoff. A glorious blackberry scented lip slick.

Rimmel Provoc

alips

A double-ended tube with a colour wand at one end and a fixing gloss on the other. Skip the fixative if you find it drying; the colour is very long-lasting by itself.

Est

ée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Brazen (€29)

If you want maximum drama, this shade is as deep and rich as they come. It has a creamy formulation.

Bobbi Brown Lip Colour Shimmer Finish in Berry

(€26)

This softly shimmering lip colour will give you an understated berry lip, and it feels soft and nourishing.

AISLING LOVES ...

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction range

The iconic film was released 20 years ago, and I’m feeling nostalgic: viewing this in the Savoy was my first date with my husband. This collection is an homage to Mia Wallace. The eye palette (€22) and vampy lipstick (€19) are good picks, but the all-important nail shade is not quite right.