Trend Watch: Romantic Goth

Perfect for autumn/winter makeup and a key look on the catwalk, the Romantic Goth trend is open to interpretation. Think barely-there eye makeup with only a faint touch of mascara paired with totally vamped up berry lips; matte effects work well for this look giving a sultry stained finish. Alternatively, go for dark eye liner smudged for a worn look, teamed with a nude lip colour. Play up eyes or lips; this look is about either / or, not both, keeping it romantic and soft but gothic and edgy all at once. The trick is balance to make this look work.

Take inspiration for your nails from this trend and go for a super dark polish, like 1.Zoya Nail Polish (£10.50) in shade ‘Rihana’. A metallic plum purple mixed with both cool and warm tones will flatter most skin tones.

If you choose to play up the eyes, frame them with 2.Terre d’Oc Eye Kohl (£13.95) in shade ‘705 Noir Bengale’. Apply directly to the lash line or using a liner brush, or apply to the lid and smudge for smokey eyes. The creamy, highly pigmented formula should make this look effortless to achieve.

A note on the complexion: for a soft and pretty edge, consider adding a touch of soft pink colour to the face. 3.Ilia Multi Stick (£29.95) in ‘Tenderly’ is ideal, soft and demure carrying light pink as a base. This could also be used to add a wash of soft colour over the eyelid if you choose to play up your lips- this product is an excellent multi-tasker.

To finish off the dark smudged eye, an eye shadow like 4.Dr Hauschka Eyeshadow Solo (£12.95) in ’04 Taupe’ is a good option if eye liner alone isn’t enough for you. The shade is easily blendable and should work with most skin tones.

If you go all-out on the lips, then of course the lipstick is the absolute essential piece of makeup. 5.Vapour Siren Lipstick (£18) in ‘Bold’ is a classic cool deep red, delivering a rich berry tone to carry out this look to perfection. 

Whatever way you wear this trend, wear it with confidence.

Shop here: Naturisimo

Hot Autumn Nails

Nail colours are big, and reflect the season’s hottest catwalk fashions. Here are 4 of our favourite trends, and examples of nail polishes that showcase them perfectly, to keep your nails looking their absolute best.

Deepest Blues are very on trend. Blue is a big colour on the catwalk this season; cool deep hues are so gorgeous. Zoya Nail Polish in shade ‘Song’ (£10.50) is the ultimate shade, vibrant and striking with just the right touch of shimmer.

Earth Tones add a little more colour than Nudes, whilst still maintaining a tried and tested classic look. Khakis and greens work well in both bold and muted shades. Scotch Nail Polish in ‘Ceasefire’ (£13.50) is a winner, and looks effortlessly chic.

Reds are simple but always sexy. The ultimate classic, go for something captivating. Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in ‘Come to Bed Red’ (£11) is THE red shade, with a sultry name to match the stunning colour.

Rich Nudes always look classic and elegant. This autumn, nudes take on a richer tone whilst still being subtle. Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in shade ‘Tea with the Queen’ (£11) is understated sophistication in a bottle, and will keep your fingers looking perfectly groomed.

Remember, as always, to make the most of any manicure a basecoat and topcoat are crucial. Try a basecoat like Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat (£14) or Scotch Nail Polish Base Coat (£13.50) to prep the nail, then use a topcoat like Zoya Armor Topcoat (£10.50) to really help your colour last.

Shop for nail polishes here: nails

Natural Nail Polish for A/W 2012

Nail colour is now the easiest way for an instant fashion update. We've handpicked the key natural nail polishes to meet all your Autumn/Winter 2012 wardrobe needs.

Purple is the new black this season and Zoya Suri creates the perfect royal purple nail with a smooth metallic finish.

Dark blue is another huge trend and Zoya Song is really, really blue. And not just blue but a deep blue with smooth glitter.

You can get into the military trend with Zoya Ray, a dark green frost. It's a dark blackened green, but not too dark and with a silvery frost that makes it really glam and smoky.

Finally onto classic reds. Zoya Elisa crimson red is intense with a good balance between vibrant, rich colour and a shiny, metallic finish. A timeless classic.

Buy the range here: Zoya Nail Polish (£10.50). Ready, steady, shop...