NYFW Fall 2015: 5 Beauty Trends To Wear Today

Fashion week beauty isn’t for the faint of heart. Most of the time, the looks are absolutely unwearable, albeit totally imaginative and artistic. In the words of Cher Horowitz, fashion week beauty is “like a Monet… From far away, it’s OK, but up close, it’s a big old mess.” That’s not to say that there isn’t inspiration to be found in these fantastical faces, but wearing the looks for everyday life isn’t really realistic.

But enough with originality that will never, ever look appropriate – or pretty – on the average face. We want wearable trends! That’s why we’re highlighting 5 beauty trends that you CAN actually wear… today. So, while you’re pouring over the clothing to covet come fall 2015, implement these simple beauty trends into your look ASAP.

(follow along by clicking on the slideshow above)

The Exaggerated Cat Eye: For the past few seasons, graphic eyeliner has been a runway staple, and that’s not changing. But there’s also the exaggerated cat eye – as seen at Badgly Mischka and Alice Olivia – which is sexy and wearable. The key to this look is flipping the wing high and allowing it to extend almost to the brow bone. Choose products that offer a seamless application, like MAC’s Fluidline in Blacktrack ($16) and Stila’s Liquid Eyeliner ($20) that is as easy as using a felt-tip pen.

Contour: Kim Kardashian has made contouring an art form, and while many of the runways are showcasing hollowed cheeks and chiseled chins, take it down a notch by lightly contouring under the cheekbones only, as seen at Suno, Derek Lam, and Zac Posen. Or do a bit more and work the double 3 contour technique; click here for a recap. The key to a naturally contoured face is in the application: Choose a brush that blends easily, like Becca’s The One Perfecting Brush (an absolute must-have tool) ($49) and a powder that isn’t overpowering, like Nars’ Contour Blush ($42). And skimp out on the blush; let the contour shade act as your sole cheek hue.

Rosy Cheeks: In stark contrast to the more monochromatic contoured cheek, the rosy cheek of Fall 2015 is proving to be rather colorful and bold, as seen at Prabal Gurung and Rachel Zoe. A flushed cheek tends to liven a face, creating a healthy complexion, even in the bleakest of weather. The key to this specific flush is to layer product as to make it noticeable. This isn’t about blending into the crowd! Layer a bold pink cream blush like Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Creamy Glow in Liquifushcia ($26) under a powder like
Charlotte Tilbury’s Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blush in Love is the Drug ($40) for added staying power.

The Red Lip: So, the red lip is no stranger to a runway, but we typically see this classic beauty staple on red carpets. However, shows like Naeem Khan, Phillip Lim, Monique Lhuillier, and Alice Olivia are showcasing the crimson lip as the focal point of the face, a throwback to Old Hollywood glam, if you will. What sets this specific lip apart from red lips past? Not much, except it’s an absolute necessity to choose a darker, blue-red shade (as opposed to this season’s orange-red) and a matte formula like Nars’ Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($26), which was actually used at Naeem Khan. Another matte red worth investing in is Bite Beauty’s Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Fraise ($24), the ultimate in shine-free lip paint.

The Slick Ponytail: When it comes to fashion week hair, there is no shortage of fantastical updos. But, as the runways of Derek Lam and Carolina Herrera are proving, the classic slick ponytail is back in business. The fall 2015 pony is adorned with a pony holder accessory that wraps around the rubber band, creating an even sleeker vertical line; try Metal Mania’s ($8) or Jennifer Behr Lambskin Thin Ponywrap ($65). The slick pony falls lower than this year’s trendy high pony. In fact, it’s a nape-of-the-neck type of pony, coupled with super sleek, straight hair and slicked back bangs with zero flyaways.