What We've Learnt: Neon Lips

If there’s one image from the shows that the world remembers it would have to be photographer Luca Cannonieri’s shot of Fendi model Julia Saner via style.com.



Take a look at the 70s blow-wave, full brows, pared-back matte complexion and, of course, those neon lips perfectly executed by Chanel make-up extraordinaire Peter Philips.

Jil Sander and Marni also set bright lips to be the next cult trend. Beauty editors from around the world took note of standout colours including the hottest of pink and the brightest of tangerine.



Jil Sander model from style.com



Marni model from style.com

They’re ideal for summer and manage to give every face suffering dullness an instant pick-me-up. A word of warning: keep your base and eye make-up relatively netural to avoid an overload of clashing colours.

For a pucker with a punch, try:



YSL Rouge Volupte in Extreme Coral, $55

For those of you who don’t dare ditch the classic crimson, I've found a rouge that reaffirms why every woman’s beauty staple should be the seductive red lipstick.

When I recently attended Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, every person I passed commented on the lovely beauty editor Sigourney’s lip colour. Her pout was graced by the presence of Chanel’s Rouge Coco in Cambon, $50.



For those of you still looking for your sexy shade of red, Cambon is ideal for those who can’t get enough of a creamier textured lip colour. Rouge Coco is a personal favourite of mine and I always have it at the ready for an instant hit of glam.

What We've Learnt: Dewy Complexion

One of the biggest beauty winners that emerged from this season’s shows have to be the perfected complexion.

Flawless faces were highlighted by dewy complexions with matte make-up taking a side role to its fresh and glowing counterpart. Channel Jen Hawkins and take this on as it's ideal for summer and it comes hand-in-hand with sunscreen and the trusty bronzer.

Luca Cannonieri's shot of model from Bottega Veneta

The matte base didn’t go completely abandoned and for those of you with oilier skin who like to keep their face from showing signs of shine - this is for you!


Luca Cannonieri's shot of Calvin Klein model

The concept of understated glamour transcended minimalism and the jersey dress, which I’ll get in to another week, to the skin. It achieves a pared-back look and allows you to make bolder statements with other features.

Whether you prefer a dewy base or a shine-free complexion, you can’t go wrong this season. With the help of a product that suits your skin, you’ll be set for summer.

How to dew it right:
- First thing's first, be sure to use a sheer liquid foundation.
- In addition, using a highlighter and bronzer to contour will add glow and definition.
- Remember to use a glossier lip colour to bring out that super fresh look.
- Be wary that adding too much moisture will cause your make-up to melt, so invest in a top primer (more about primers later).

What We've Learnt: Heels With Socks

Miu Miu’s Miuccia Prada has the uncanny ability to constantly create new forms of icon and excitement through her designs. At the first sight of the label’s embellished cable-knit socks, we all knew that the world would soon embrace heels with socks.

Jak & Jil's amazing Tommy Ton's shot from Paris SS11 Fashion Week

An honourable mention must go to last season’s Burberry Prorsum which incorporated the look into their collection making the label an even bigger household name for its use of knots, drapes and socks.



The word for winter? Socks and pumps. With this erratic weather making us question, ‘Is it Spring? Winter? Monsoon season?’ – we can value the brighter side which is that we’re able to embrace this trend and layer it up.

Personally, I'm a below-the-knee girl while others, like Burberry, exemplify why above-the-ankle is just as seamless. With over-the-knee boots still in trend, this concept is sure to be adopted as a staple of many style-savvy women. Pair them up with your shorter skirts or shorts for the best take on this baby and don't be afraid to pull 'em up or scrunch them down.

Remember: The rule of thumb here is to wear thicker knits with more cumbersome heels leaving tight-knit socks to the thinner heels.

Not sure you can pull it off? Ease in to it by popping knee-high boots over your socks with the tops of them peeping out from the boot. Same rules apply here with the type of knit you go for, cumbersome boots to thick-knits and slimmer/tighter boots are best accompanied by tightly-woven socks.

Louis Vuitton gets it right

How To: Turning It Up A Knot

Remember the days of the dishevelled and, more often than not, limp strands? It was more than ok to leave your layers a little untamed; it was actually cool. The global financial crisis made "undone" fashionable as we saved our pennies by spreading out the hairdresser visits.

Ladies, the time has come to dust off your shopping shoes and get to a salon as we’re seeing more being spent on indulgent products and looks that exert more control.

The effect? Think Louis Vuitton’s perky ponytail, Prada’s beehive and a series of classic chignons and top-knots.

The beehive: Greg Kessler's shot from last year's Prada fall show

The ponytail: From that gorgeous Louis Vuittton campaign

If last season’s shows aren’t proof enough, take a peek at the sleek lines and minimalism from this year’s Lanvin show. Longer length gowns partnered with low and sleek ponies showcased femininity at its best.

Slick 'em: Yannis Vlamos' shot from Lanvin via Style.com

Every style that leaves your locks looking ladylike, polished and perfected is all glamour this season.

So finesse your backcombing skills ladies and whip out the blowdryer, the GHD is taking a backseat on this one.

Get that top-knot down pat

1.) Start by working in a heat defence spray like John Frieda Heat Defeat and then blow-dry the hair using a paddle brush to sweep your strands away from your scalp.



2.) Give your hair a once-over with a holding mist like Sebastian Re-Shaper hairspray, follow by brushing your locks into a high ponytail and fastening with an elastic band.



3.) Twist the ponytail outwards and take it into a knot, using pins to secure it to the base.

For a bigger knot: Backcomb your ponytail, brush it out and then loosely twist it in to place.


And voila, it’s chic at its very best.

What's New: Only Skinning The Surface

Sunscreen makes some shudder and others scream.

It’s notorious for being sticky and oily, with the texture sparking a flood of childhood memories.

Remember being rubbed and shoved while having sunscreen slapped on?

Sun Exposure Risks
With one of the highest incidences of skin cancer, Australians need to be conscious of sun protection.

Yet over 1.8 million Australian women are still unprepared to cover up in summer.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can’t be felt or seen but are showing their presence in Australia’s skin cancer rates.

With two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they’re 70, it’s time for Australians to start covering up.

‘UV rays cause the outer layer of our skin to release chemicals that cause our blood vessels to swell and leak fluid, which causes sunburn’, says Professor Ian Olver, CEO of the Cancer Council.

UV rays are a combination of UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate deep into the skin’s dermis causing irreversible damage and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.

The Effect
Accelerated appearance of wrinkles and ageing spots causing irreversible damage to the skin’s structure.

These rays, in addition to regular environmental pollution, constantly bombard the skin, accounts for 70 percent of the signs of aging.

Despite the importance of skin protection throughout the year, with summer just around the corner it should become part of our daily routine.

Protect Yourself
For added protection, tightly-woven fabrics are great for shielding the skin from unwanted sun exposure, with hats and sunglasses perfect for additional sun defence.

Professor Olver suggests covering up in five ways including ‘slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a hat, sliding on sunglasses and seeking shade.’
Reapplication of sunscreen every two hours is recommended by the Cancer Council as ideal when out in the sun.

Advancements in sunscreen mean that the lighter texture, in combination with stronger preventative ingredients, have seen women prioritising sun protection.

So what are the best sunscreens for summer?

Olay Complete Defence SPF 30+ $14.69

It’s the perfect size for popping in your handbag or glove box while the lightweight formula won’t leave skin feeling clogged and oily.
For more, go to olay.com

L’Oréal UV Perfect SPF 30+
$24.95



A combined sunscreen and moisturiser with a fine fluid that is quickly absorbed into the skin. This product also provides intense hydration - ideal for preventing premature ageing.
For more, go to loreal.com

Kit SPF 30+ Face Sunscreen
$31.95



A broad spectrum protection option that’s smooth and is suitable for acne-prone skin. Pop it on after you moisturise and its matte-finish leaves a great base for your makeup.
For more, go to kitcosmetics.com.au

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25
$36


An alternative to everyday sunscreen that provides a tinted and sheer finish. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin as it is 100 percent fragrance-free.
For more, go to clinique.com.au

Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector SPF 30+
$35

Hydrating while neutralising aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. Invisible mineral reflectors are used to physically repel UV rays instead of the commonly used chemical filters which absorb UVB rays.
For more, go to invisiblezinc.com

Get Involved

National Skin Cancer Action Week, between the 21st and 27th of November, raises awareness of skin cancer. With a male emphasis this year, the Cancer Council and ambassador Australian cricketer Michael Clarke are urging you to remind the men in your life to be more proactive in their approach to skin cancer awareness.

For more information
• Cancer.org.au
The Cancer Council’s website suggests great ways for you to protect your skin this season.
• Sunsmart.com.au
Take a look at this website for preventative ways that can lower the risks of sun exposure.


NB Thanks to Ash, Steph, Tara, Brook and Paul for their help.