Splurge vs. Save: Fall 2016 beauty trends

Bold, adventurous, and in-your-face: as a huge makeup fan, I feel a sense of relief that these words perfectly describe this year’s Fall beauty trends. It seems the beauty world has had enough of the woke-up-like-this, minimalist philosophy and celebrated the return of makeup with looks that steal the spotlight. It’s all about bold lips, dramatic eyes, bright cheeks, shimmer liner and untamed brows this season. And whether you’re up for investing in these looks or just looking into dipping your feet in it, we’ve culled the best products for your budget!

Nicholas K (via theimpression.com)

Bold and beautiful

Brave souls can revel in the deepest of aubergines and oxbloods. For the uninitiated, plums and purples are a good start for adding an air of drama and mystery to your look, without being too intimidating. Do make sure to use a lip liner first to avoid feathering or bleeding, and apply lip color with a brush for precision. Want to make it more daytime-friendly? Wear it as a stain by dabbing it on then spreading the color with your fingers for a more casual, lived-in effect. And if you’re still iffy about sporting such an intense color, we’ve got tips on how to get the courage to wear dark lipstick.

The Make Up Factory Magnetic Lipstick in Ultra Plum (left) and Ever Bilena Advance Lipstick in Tyra (right)

Splurge: Make Up Factory Magnetic Lipstick in Ultra Plum (P1,250), MAC Rebel (P1,200), MAC Cyber (P1,200), Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Black Plum (P1,400), NARS Audacious Lipstick in Silvia (P1,650), 3CE Lipcolor in Burnt Red (P1,040), Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in New Orleans (P850)

Save: Ever Bilena Advance Lipstick in Tyra (P195), Wet ‘n’ Wild Megalast Lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy (P299), Snoe Rouge Deluxe Complete Lip Care X18 Purple Orchid (P399), Pink Sugar Lip and Cheek Tint in Purple Pleasure (P349), L’Oreal Color Riche Collection Star Red in Pure Garnet (P400), Maybelline Burgundy Blush (P299)

Hugo Boss (via hugoboss.com)

Get cheeky

Bright-colored blushes may look clownish in the pan but they’re actually great for creating a naturally flushed look. Coral shades are especially flattering, and they look great on both mestizas and morenas! The key to pulling it off is starting with a clear, well-prepped base and pairing with understated lips and polished brows. You can even skip the contour to keep the focus on your vibrant cheek color.

Ever Bilena Advance Cheek Color in Poppy (left) and NYX HD Blush in Crimson (right)

Splurge: MAC Matte Blush in Burnt Pepper, Becca Jaclyn Hill Collection Champagne Splits Shimmering Skin Perfector Mineral Blush in Champagne Pop-Hyacinth (P2,273), theBalm Instain Blush in Lace (P1,422)

Save: Ever Bilena Advance Cheek Color in Poppy (P175), Ever Bilena Advance Cheek Color in Mandarin (P175), NYX HD Blush in Crimson (P520), Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Cheek Color in Tokyo Rush (P499), City Color Intense Blush Quad Collection 1 (P365)

Chanel (via glamour.com)

Smoke gets in your eyes

Whether sultry, smokey, or heavily-lined, charcoal and kohl liners bring your eyes into focus. Use the soft pencil to line as usual then smudge it out with a cotton bud or your fingers. Check out our tutorial for tips on applying complementary eyeshadow and how to keep your peepers from looking like you just bawled your eyes out. Now if you’re feeling more adventurous, go for graphic liners and show off your creative side! You can even use less common shades like khaki, bronze, or midnight blue to dial the down the intensity and keep people guessing about what looks different about you!

Splurge: The Make Up Factory Smoky Liner, Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil (P990), Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color (P1,250), Burberry Eye Color Contour Pen (P1,772), Eyeko Me & My Shadow Waterproof Shadow Liner (P,1040)

Save: Catrice Velvet Matt Smokey Eyes Pencil (P249), Nichido Girls Night Out Eye Contour and Gorgeous Eye Pencil (less than P120), L’Oreal Super Liner Blackbuster (P400), Zoeva Graphic Eyes +Good Karma (P386), Fashion 21 Twist Eye Pencil (P99)

Zero + Maria Cornejo (via livingly.com)

Fully brow-tiful

Kilay really is life for most of us, and we’re glad to be moving away from the thick, strong brows that look too drawn in and fake. The preferred shape is still full and lush, but with a softer appearance. Smokey brows look flattering for both everyday wear and dressier occasions. If your arches are already properly shaped with no bare patches, simply swipe on a brow mascara just to keep the hairs in place.

Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Pens

Splurge: Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow (P1,500), K-Palette Lasting 2-Way Eyebrow (P895), Suqqu Balancing Eyebrow (P4,685), Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil (P1,400)

Save: Maybelline Fashion Brow Duo Pen (P299), Nichido Tinted Brow Gel (P238), Daiso Brow Pencil (P88), and even more under P200 picks

Marissa Webb (via glamour.com)

Glitter in the air

Nothing says “party” more than a bit of shimmer! To keep your look clean and not covered in glitter, this shiny addition is best applied to your peepers. They pair well with your reliable fave nude eyeshadows and instantly give a more glamorous appearance. Apply as usual or only on the lower lash line for a wide-eyed, refreshed look.

Sephora Colorful Shadow and Liner in Beige (left) and Etude House Play 101 Pencil (right)

Splurge: Sephora Colorful Shadow and Liner (P603), Pixi by Petra Silky Eye Pen (P690), Eye of Horus Liquid Metal Eyeliner (P990), Pixi by Petra Eye Bright Liner (P840)

Save: Etude House Play 101 Pencil (P348), Holika Holika Jewel-Light Eyeliner (P295), NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (P300)

Which of these looks is your favorite? Will you be trying it out? We’d love to know!

Header image: Rodarte (via refinery29.com)