The 7 best beauty trends right now

If you feel like you need to take your makeup look to the next level, meet the latest spring/summer 2017 hair and makeup trends to fall in love with.

#1 / Colour blocking

The yellow ear makeup at Proenza Schouler? Quirky and strictly runway. The arty streaks 
of rainbow eyeshadow everywhere else?
 Beautiful and real-life wearable. “This look is about taking a primary colour and extending the traditional winged eye,” explains Ross Andrewartha, YSL Beauté’s Australian Director of Artistry. Positioning is key: “stick close to the lash line for an office-friendly look, and take colour further above the crease and outward for something more daring – but stop when you hit two finger widths away from the hairline”.

Try this: Andrewartha’s favourite iteration is vibrant yellow with lashings of black mascara, or red for those that truly want to embrace the trend.

Product picks: shu uemura Pressed Eye Shadow in Vivid Yellow; Maybelline New York EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow in Painted Purple; NYX Primal Colors Eyeshadow in Hot Red

#2 / Deep side part

Where a middle part is romantic (see trend #3),
 a dramatic side part has “a sexier vibe – one eye peeking through a mass of hair always looks seductive”, explains stylist and RAW Salon founder Anthony Nader. Deep parts give a fuller shape around the face that works a treat on fine hair, while those with thicker strands can pull off the more textured styles.


Do this: “For added impact, keep the side with the least amount of hair tucked back super-tight,” suggests Nader. Use a bobby
 pin, hair slide or ample amounts of strong-hold hairspray.


Get the look: “For the fuller style seen at Michael Kors, start with a volumising foam or mousse with medium-hold, part, then blow-dry as usual,” says Nader.

Product picks: L’Oréal Professionnel French Girl Hair French Froissé; Gliders Bobby Pins; L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Normal Strength

#3 / Romantic beauty influences

Soft hair and sheer makeup will always have a place on the runways, and this season was no exception. Pink was a popular shade, and Gucci took things up a notch with rosy brows and eyeshadow (for the latter, “blend pink powder from the base of the lashes to the crease using a fluffy brush,” suggests Andrewartha). Hair was equally sweet, with fly-aways framing the face for a halo effect.

The key here is a weightless leave-in spray... and that’s it. “Hydrate the hair, and don’t over-brush which will only flatten what should be seen as intentional frizz,” explains Nader.

Get the look: Blend a cream blush in a warm pink hue on the apple of the cheeks and out towards the temple, and press the excess on to lips for a radiant finish,” says Andrewartha.

Product picks: Sephora Wonderful Cushion Healthy Glow Cream Blush; Endota Spa Colour Instant Brows; Davines This Is A Dry Texturizer

#4 / The ‘80s throwback

Blue eyeshadow wasn’t the only 1980s trend that was resurrected on the runways. Side ponytails and draping, aka bright blush applied high on the cheekbones, both appeared at CHANEL. Nader thinks the side pony could be tricky (“I’ve never seen a grown woman pull this off”), but “the coloured hair ties are fun and you could even double-up with different shades”, he says. For the sculpted cheeks, “use a cocktail of powder blushes in matte dusty rose and caramel tones on and above your cheekbones”, suggests Andrewartha.

Get the look: For retro slick hair, wax works on shorter hair; on longer strands, “apply liquid gel into damp hair and blow-dry smooth with a brush, then use a hot tong to shape your hair so it falls easily into place”, says Nader.

Product picks: Sebastian Professional Shine Crafter Moldable Wax; Revlon Sculpt + Highlight Contour Kit; CHANEL Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Hyperfresh

#5 / Serious shine

Matte took a backseat this season as skin and hair glistened with a mirror-like patina. For all-day radiance, start with a primer and dewy foundation, then tap an illuminator on the high points of the face including
“the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and Cupid’s bow – women often skip this spot, but it adds a youthful glow and showcases any lip colour”, explains Andrewartha. Thicker hair types in particular can 
pull this look off, as “it shows dimension and texture more so than fine hair”, says Nader, adding that hair with multifaceted colour will also appear extra healthy and lustrous.

Products to try: Zoeva Strobe Gel in Halo; Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil; Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray

#6 / Peach tones

Subtler than orange, but with more bite than apricot, peach took out the award for “colour we want to wear everywhere”. “It’s a very youthful shade, helps warm sallow skin, adds freshness to dull skin and looks beautiful against blue eyes,” says Andrewartha. Warmer skin tones can pull off almost any shade of peach, while those with rosy undertones will find neutral blushes with peachy undertones complementary.


Try this: If you’re pressed for time, use a peach cream blush on cheeks, eyes and lips.

Product picks: OPI Nail Lacquer in Freedom of Peach; Napoleon Perdis Dévine Goddess Lipstick in Niki; Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Nectar

#7 / Sharp hair

Precise ponytails, parts, braids, buns and bobs were seen in every city, spotlighting healthy strands and ends. This requires rigorous maintenance: “You’ll need to have your ends cut every six weeks,
and invest in a shampoo and conditioner that has a little silicone for extra smoothness,” says Nader. For sleekness that lasts, it’s all about the blow-dry. “Apply a straightening lotion, use the nozzle attachment, and choose a large, flat paddle brush with cushioned boar bristles,” explains Nader. Finish
 with a blast of cool air, gliding the dryer down the hair shaft.


Do this: “If your ends are looking
 frail and you don’t have time for a haircut, go over them with a blow-dryer and a narrow, bristle-heavy round brush – this will temporarily ‘bandaid’ the ends,” explains Nader.

Get the look: Those with fine hair who want a razor-sharp bob should keep the length at the jawline or higher; those with thicker strands should avoid altogether, otherwise you run the risk of the dreaded pyramid effect.

Product picks: TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray; Silver Bullet K2 Hairdryer; ghd Style Straight & Tame Cream

Want to know which trends are topping the charts around the world? These are the 11 beauty trends loved around the world right now.

For more beauty inspiration from marie claire, check out marieclaire.com.au

Image credits: Edward Urrutia; Getty