I want to update my look. What makeup and hair trends can you recommend?—Hazel G.

 

Sometimes all we need is a fresh perspective and a new tube of lipstick. Makeup can instantly change our look, but the best thing about it is, we can also wash it off. It allows us to try different looks depending on the occasion so we won’t have to do anything drastic to make a change.

 

I was recently at the Look of Style Awards, a fashion show and competition that featured eco-chic-inspired works from 10 designer finalists. Of course, I was there to see the work of the 10 finalists, and was awestruck with the designs I saw.

 

But being a beauty writer, my instinct was to look at the makeup and hair. And I have to say, there was a lot to take in. It was obvious that these talented designers thought of the entire look for their models, complete with accessories! Most of them were really on trend, and I had to take notes.

 

I thought they all did an amazing job, especially the big winner, Roland Alzate, who won an all-expense-paid course at the Central Saint Martins in London. The collection of UK designer Jane Bowler was also a visual treat, as she gave us a new perspective on sustainable fashion.

 

Everyone also took notice of the collection of Look of Style Awards winners Pablo Cabahug (2010) and Geof Gonzales (2011); they each had their own take on eco-chic fashion.

 

I found plenty of makeup looks for you to try. Here are some that can help you update your look for this season.

 

Defined brows

 

The trend for eyebrows this season is about creating fuller eyebrows and not darker ones. The first thing you have to do is to fill in your brows with a neutral brow powder or eye shadow (make sure it is matte), then brush them with an eyebrow manicure or gel in a light color, like dark blonde or taupe. This will give your brows volume and will keep the hairs in place.

 

Jane Bowler

 

Try coral lipstick. Coral lip color lends a fresh look as it can make skin look amazing. What’s important is finding the right shade for your skin tone: for mestizas, choose pale to bright orange shades, while morenas should go for oranges with brown undertones; for chinitas, it’s peach, tawny and apricot.

 

Hanz Coquilla

 

Experiment with gray shadow. Gray eye shadow is an easy color to wear. It can be found in matte, shimmery and metallic shades, and is versatile enough to be worn during the day and in the evening. A trick I learned when applying gray shadow is to start on the center of the eyelid and blend outward toward the edges. This will give you a nice gradation of color.

 

Rey Villegas

 

Wear oversized sunnies. Your sunglasses protect your eyes from harsh UV light and gives you a modern look (depending on the shape of your sunnies). Putting on an oversized pair will work for days when you don’t feel like wearing makeup, and will also stop you from squinting, which you know can lead to premature wrinkles.

 

Vania Romoff

 

Keep makeup monochromatic. Monochromatic makeup, meaning using one tone for your eyes, cheeks and lips, can look quite sexy. Usually, neutral colors work for this look, with shades of brown as the most versatile. To make your eyes pop, apply brown eyeliner and black mascara.

 

Mike Yapching

 

Add inner eye shimmer. It’s amazing what a dot of shimmer can do to make your eyes more defined. This makeup trick is so easy: after applying your favorite brown shadow, use a thin eye shadow brush to apply shimmery powder (try silver, gold or white) on the inner corners of your eyes.

 

Jun Artajo

 

Put on a chic headband. This is the best hair accessory yet, as it saves you from a bad hair day and is an instant style boost. Choose wide headbands that you can wear like a mini turban. Bright colors are a must!

 

Ivan Raborar

 

Apply nude lipstick. Nude lip color is a makeup staple, and is best worn with defined eyes. It’s sultry and understated and there’s a shade that works for everybody. To avoid a look that’s washed out, choose nude lipstick that’s two shades darker than your skin color.

 

Geof Gonzales

 

Go for a bright red lippie. There’s nothing like a bright shade of red lipstick to give you a fresh and modern look. Opt for a blue-base red color, as this suits most skin tones and can make your teeth appear whiter.

 

Pablo Cabahug

 

Plait your hair. Braids are back, and this time, they beautifully frame the face. Doing a braid all the way through may be a bit time-consuming, so plait the hair along your hairline instead.

 

The Look of Style Awards was brought to us by Inquirer Lifestyle, Look Magazine and the British Council, and held at the Rockwell Tent Plaza Garden in Makati City. Makeup was by Shu Uemura and hair by L’Oreal Professionnel.

 

PHOTOS BY JOVEL LORENZO