Autumn beauty trends to trial

I thought for this blog post I would share with you some of the wearable trends I've been seeing around and what products I would use to achieve these fab looks. I have to admit I am a summer girl through and through, so a part of me dies a little inside when the weather changes in October (especially with all this rain we've been having in England). But I'm looking beyond this dull weather at the beautiful trends we have to play with this autumn.

Some of them are easy to pull off and others may seem slightly scarier. 

If Halloween isn't a great opportunity to trial these looks then I don't know what is! I reckon let's just be bold and just go for it! Share with me your pics on Instagram @pennyw28

Trend #1 - Dark grey / blue nails

Difficulty rating - Easy-peasy

The colour of the season is Chanel's Orage, which is a mix between a dark blue and dark grey. Chanel seem to always navigate the trends when it comes to nails but we must remember there are other great nail varnishes out there for a fraction of the cost. Barry M for example are fab for a glossy mani and for just £3.99 a paint pot, it's a bargain! My top pick to achieve the dark nails look is Barry M (Grey). While they may lack imagination and creativity with the nail colour name, I promise they make up for in highly pigmented, long lasting colour.

Or you could adapt this trend to suit you more and opt for an elegant pastel grey tone - I reckon this would look amazing against pale skin tones. My fave for this look is Bourjois So Laque in 003 BCBeige

Trend #2 - Mauve eyeshadow

Difficulty rating - OK, this could be tricky

I love this look because I have brown/green eyes so it really brings out the green in my eyes. But what I love even more about this trend though is it literally suits everyone.

Chanel Illusion D'ombre in 83 Ilusoire is a beautiful deep purple with specks of glitter in to make your eyes pop. This shade suits everyone and is so light that you can build up the look to suit what you want. The first few layers go on as a grey / purple shade and then as you build it up the purple really starts to present itself.

Or you can try Stila shadow pots in Iris. This is a really plummy shade and immediately gives amazingly pigmented colour on the lids. Pair this with a smudging of black kohl liner to give the eyes some definition and lashings of mascara.

Stila (left) and Chanel (right)

Stila (left) and Chanel (right)

Trend #3 Black cherry lips

Difficulty rating - Oh em gee, I couldn't ever pull this off!

I admit I can be scared of bold lip colours, I just feel that everyone is staring at my lips. I remember one time I wore a bold red/orange colour and one of my guy friends came up to me half way through the night and said these killer words: "Alright there smudgie?!". I rushed to the loos and spotted the horror of all horrors, my lipstick had smudged all over my top lip, great!

But fear not, I told myself I will continue to persevere! So, back on the lipstick horse I rustled through my collection to find colours to suit this trend and came up with the following: Rimmel's Kate lipstick in 04 (a deep cherry purple colour), Revlon's Super Lustrous lipstick in Berry Couture and Rimmel's lasting finish in 128 Starry-eyed. The latter is probably the most black cherry-esque, but I think when it comes to dark colours on your lips find one that you feel comfortable with and that lifts your complexion. When testing lipsticks use your fingertips as experts say this is the most similar part of your body to your lips.

From left to right: Rimmel Starry-eyed, Revlon Berry Couture, Rimmel 04.

Of course, the ever popular trend of full eyebrows is here to stay for the autumn as well. I've taken a while to get on board the thick eyebrow train, but now I'm on I'm never getting off. I love the definition they give to my face.

Other trends showing themselves are high ballerina buns, low voluminous ponytails and lips coated in colourful glitter. If you're testing any of these out please share with some photos with me, I'd love to see what you're up to!

High flyer? More like dry flyer

Reading this week's Stylist magazine online, one particular article caught my eye - How to get upgraded on a flight. The article shares top tips in the form of a handy infographic (who doesn't love an infographic?) on how to guarantee an upgrade on your next flight. The advice includes buying treats for the cabin crew, dressing like a business woman and booking the flight using your titles should you be a Dr or a Judge etc…

I can't speak for everyone but I am highly unlikely to do any of those things. I have also tried to get upgraded before on a trip to NYC and failed miserably. It was on a flight just after the Iceland volcano so our flight was so empty. I thought I'd take my chances and ask in the nicest possible way to be upgraded to business class as there were empty seats, but sadly for me the cabin crew were having none of it. On the plus side, the flight was so empty that my boyfriend and I had our pick of the seats and could sprawl out along an entire aisle, so I can't really moan too much. For those of you who like me won't be trying any of these tips out anytime soon, I thought I'd share with you my own top tips for being as comfortable as you can be down in the tin can that is most economy flights.

How to treat your skin

We know that flights suck all the moisture out of your skin so it's important during the flight to keep your skin hydrated, so you don't get off the plane and start your holiday looking like a little prune.

My ultimate number one product, won't get on a flight without it, is Eau Thermale Avène water spray - it's genius. You can spritz away throughout the flight and it leaves a dewy glow on your skin and soothes any dryness. Also, on the plus side it's very subtle so you don't look like you’re a sweaty mess to the passenger next to you *thumbs up*

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask is also a winner for flights. Apply this to bring life back to the thirstiest skin. It will leave a white layer on your skin, but you'll be surprised how quickly this sinks into the skin desperate for moisture. You can leave this on for as long as you want to, and when you've had enough soak a tissue / cotton pad with your Avène water and gently remove the residue.

Another hero would be the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. It's perfect for any flaking, dryness, peeling… need I go on? I actually only use this on my lips for a much needed moisture seal, but I know a lot of people who apply a thin layer over the entire face to prep for flying.

Easy make-up post-flight

Although I think it's important to try and go make-up free during the flight, we all want to start our holiday looking and feeling our best so here's my favourite, low maintenance make-up to perk-up your face post flight.

Apply Rimmel Wake me up concealer under the eyes and buff in Chanel Les Beiges sheer powder into the skin for a healthy glow. Dot Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick (I love Formentera) onto the apples of your cheeks and blend up and out for a flushed natural glow. Coat your lashes with Benefit They're Real to open up your eyes and if you're feeling like you need extra oomph then opt for Charlotte Tilbury's Colour Chameleon sticks, I use Bronzed Garnet. Finally, add a pop of moisture and colour to your lips with Dior Lip Glow, which is a balm that brings out the natural colour of your lips. And you're good to go!

If you're going on a winter sun break, or perhaps skiing, let me know how you get on with your flight beauty regime.