Has the year really passed by that quickly? Right before I left for New York this week, the tropical sun was still shining brightly. Next thing I knew, the esteemed houses in fashion had already rolled out their Couture F/W 2017-2018 collections.

There seems to be a rise in monochromatic pieces, boxy silhouettes, and adorned limbs and shoulders for the season. However, while contrasting trends have appeared, the need for a fresh face as a canvas for all this artistry seems to be a shared trait among these labels.

The red lip has always been around. In the next season, though, expect a candy-red version of this timeless shade. Models donning Giambattista Valli and Ulyana Sergeenko have been spotted sporting the hue.

This is now our cue to give dark and nude lipsticks a rest and try on a more vibrant and cheerful crimson on our lips.

Subtle attention

Complementing the red lip is bright eye makeup. Gone are the days of smoky and glittery lids; it’s all about luminous inner corners that catch light any time of day. It doesn’t only make you look awake, it also contours—or should I say, strobes—the eyes in a way that catches attention subtly, unlike a strongly made-up pair.

Models strutting in Elie Saab flaunted white, silvery eye shadow and eyeliner on the runway, giving off a soft, innocent vibe that complemented the designer’s romantic gowns.

Of course, if there are bright eyes, there are also smudged eyes to balance out the trend. Think about how cheap mascara transfers down your eyes, disperses around it, and turns you into a raccoon before the day ends. Make it high fashion with the proper tools: Use and blend velvety eye shadows—they don’t have to be black—around your eyes to frame them in color.

If you need pegs, look no further than Chanel. Models donned a potpourri of shades that didn’t look tacky against the label’s muted pieces.

If any of these experimental looks scream too couture for you, don’t worry. Dior and Schiaparelli are fighting for the no-makeup makeup look to keep trending till December. A clean-looking slate of a face is a great complement to the dramatic garb you’ll be wearing to Christmas parties.

Start off by perfecting your base, whether it’s with a dewy, hydrating foundation or a matte one. Prevent it from looking too flat by swiping on smooth highlighters for a glow that’s perfect for the season.