Nude.

Here at Ponystep, we are great believers in the old adage, that less is more. Conversely, we also adhere to the concept that more is more. It’s all about functionality – especially when it comes to make-up. When night falls, a heavier, higher impact look beacons. Daytime, though, calls for something a little more subtle, more sophisticated. ‘Nude’ colours and tones are selling like hotcakes right now, and understandably. When it’s -10˚c outside, who doesn’t long for a little colour? A natural glow?

Long gone are the days of orange ‘perma-tans’ and the like. Fake tan is about as fashionable as Ugg boots right now. Women are learning to embrace their natural tones, acknowledging the links between good skin hygiene and younger looking, healthier skin. Phew! Add to this the fact that the runways were dominated by healthy looking skin… and well, its safe to say we have a beauty trend forming! 

So how, exactly, does one work the ‘nude’ look? Well, it’s about playing down make-up, rather than banishing it completely. Texture, rather than colour is key. The days of lumpy foundations are no more – nude make-up is designed to give a flawless, natural complexion - to enhance the skin. As Ponystep pointed out months ago, the thicker, heavier brow is as hot as ever, and really works to pull this look together. It may be a low-key effect, but the process is slightly trickier… You’ve got to know your products. M.A.C’s Tom Pecheux explains, “It’s about using every single product that give the skin an upgrade.” Got that? And what’s more, the trend looks set to stay – it’s pushing the beauty boundaries. Terry Barber, M.A.C Director of Makeup Artistry, agrees. “The trend for reality back in make up shows beauty moving forward. There will always be a place for strong statements and but also a trend for this hi-tech reality.” 

So, we did our research, and here are some of the best products to help achieve the look:

M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Fawntastic 

M.A.C Paintpot in Groundwork

M.A.C Lipstick in Blankety 

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Make-up

Working to the principals of the ‘Nude’ look, the ‘Amazon’ was another look that reigned supreme on the runways this season. The long-term 'Amazon' poster-girl is still Gisele – a woman that embodies every enviable feature of an Amazon goddess (stranger still, given that she is of German descent!). Earthy tones and light layers of bronzer buff up the most natural of complexions. The key, again, is subtlety – think natural, not paled out. “It’s a lot about make-up this season, even if it’s a small effect, it’s a big amount of product on there to achieve it” points out make-up legend, Val Garland. So, you want the ‘Amazon’ look? Here are the key products we recommend to achieve the look yourself:

Dior 2 Colour Eyeshadow in Nude Look

M.A.C Pigment in Tan

Dior Vernis in Nude Chic  

M.A.C Gloss Texture (clear)

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Make-up

GB.