beauty trends a/w 2006/7
If you thought that Autumn/Winter '06 make up collections would bring a welcomed relaxation on the perfect skin theme, you'd be wrong. Flawless skin (that radiant's youth) is still prerequisite for any of the “looks” you decide to wear however, the greatest faux pas that you can commit is, to exhibit skin that looks caked-up with make up. Clothes maybe layered but, make up shouldn't appear to be.

Foundations continue to take on a barely there existence, a veil that neither accumulates in crevices nor has a tone of a past summer-holiday tan. Instead, the “look” should look effortlessly fresh with cheeks reddened from cold winter winds.

As for the make up for your eyes and lips, the resounding message is, you either accentuate your eyes or your lips, but not both at the same time. Less overall dramatics, more accent on the feature you wish to enhance. Eyes should smoulder, under the seductive weight of: heavily kohled lines, black mascara and beautifully groomed eyebrows — in strong shapes. In turn, lips should possess the sexiest of pouts but quite naughtily, be in the nude.

But, if nude is too rude for you (and you still cannot resist a bit of lip colour) then perennial favourites, winter berries in sumptuous matt shades, are widely available. Likewise if, you are concerned that wearing strong kohled eyes will be too extreme for you, then you can take a leaf out of Anna Sui, YSL or Gucci's book. In their shows, eye-lids exuded a warmth, through the use of red tones, that yielded just the right amount of colour to chase away the winter blues. Perfect for the festive season. Team colourful lids with short, nails varnished in vampish reds, berries or blacks, for an ultra modern look.

Hairstyles on the catwalk for winter 2006, came in two camps. The parted, flowing kind (which allows the wearer to decide which side of the scalp the hair will be scraped apart — to frame and flatter the face), or the modernised beehivesque styles that give the wearer height. Whatever you choose, the condition of your hair is crucial. So, it would be wise to invest in having your hair (and scalp) treated with an intense repair treatment, that will ensure your overall look is effortlessly gorgeous.