Louise McSharry: The autumn shade that suits every skin tone

I’m not a huge believer in certain make-up looks belonging to certain times of the year but, lately, I have become obsessed with berry tones and I would be stupid not to acknowledge that it must be to do with the autumn.

The colder weather evokes an image of flushed cheeks and, yes, pumpkin spice (it would seem we’ve adopted that Americanism). Aside from the time of year, though, berry is a colour which works on almost every skin tone, from darkest to fairest.

It’s rare that something works for everyone, and the universality of make-up shades has been a hot topic in the world of beauty lately, thanks to the launch of a new range of blushes.

The liquid products were marketed towards multiple skin tones, and referred to as ‘universal shades’. The photos for the campaign included women of different races looking pretty in the various shades. When beauty influencers received the product, however, they found that many of them did not work at all on darker skin tones, with the palest shade resembling white face paint upon application.

This led to much discourse about the ongoing struggle many make-up wearers face when it comes to shade availability, and the way they are being let down by the industry. Whatever about not making enough shades, leading the customer to believe that a product works on their skin only for it to look entirely different to the brand’s photography is a mistake at best and deception at worst. ​

Clinique’s Black Honey range is one which truly does work for everyone. It might not have ‘berry’ in its name, but it is a collection based around a berry tone, hence its popularity. The reason the OG lip product 1. Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (£24.50) has such a reputation is that these tones really do work for everyone. Now, after selling out the first batch, the brand has brought back its limited-edition Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in the same shade. This is a gorgeous product which looks beautiful on a make-up-free face or as the last step in a full look.

2. Rimmel’s Kind & Free Multi Stick in 005 Berry Sweet (£7.99) is a great option for those dipping into berry tones for the first time. It’s reasonably priced, can be used on the lips and/or cheeks and its creamy formula is packed with pigment.

If you prefer something a little less creamy and more glossy, 3. Milk Makeup’s Mini Lip + Cheek in Quickie (£22) is a handy little guy to have in your bag. This berry shade is gorgeous and works equally well on lips and cheeks, leaving you with a healthy, natural flush as well as a dewy finish. Aside from that, it’s infused with nourishing ingredients which will hydrate your lips and cheeks.

Finally, 4. KVD’s Good Apple Blush Balm Duo (£26) works beautifully on dark skin. Secret Thicket contains two berry pink shades which can be applied with a brush, sponge or finger and melt beautifully into the skin.

With so many brands getting it right when it comes to inclusivity, it’s disappointing to see brands marketing products to dark-skinned women which will never actually work for them. The beauty industry has a lot of work to do.

Buying Irish

Starting your own cosmetics brand is no joke, and make-up artist and influencer Keilidh Cashell has managed to do it with style. Kash Beauty launched just five years ago, and now the brand is launching its first foundation and concealer. Famously tricky to formulate, these products have been in development over the last few years, and the result is Aura Skin Radiant Foundation & Concealer (£26). The foundation is lightweight but delivers medium buildable coverage, while the concealer is slightly thicker and offers more coverage. Knowing the standard set by Kash Beauty, it’ll be a huge success.

Something old…

There is something really gorgeous about a luxury body product. They’re not essential by any stretch of the imagination, but they can make you feel special in preparation for a big night or occasion. A body cream which matches your fragrance can definitely deliver that luxe moment, plus it will extend your scent’s longevity, ensuring you smell exactly how you want to over the course of your day or evening. Jo Malone’s Body Creams (from £26 for 50ml) are great for this, allowing you to double up with the same fragrance or layer them to create your own individual scent. The cream itself is rich but absorbs easily, leaving you with beautifully moisturised skin. My preferred Jo Malone fragrances are the fresh and woody Wood Sage & Sea Salt, and the warm and luscious English Pear & Freesia.

… Something new

While the buzz around ‘millennial-pink’ brand Glossier may have died down, its fragrance is still incredibly popular. Glossier You launched seven years ago amid much excitement. Marketed as a “skin smell enhancer”, the story it sold was that it would smell different on everyone. Of course, all perfumes smell slightly different on everyone, so I wouldn’t get too excited about that.

Still, the warm and cosy fragrance is still very popular, and now you can buy a matching body cream. Crème de You (£40 via glossier.com) is a rich but fast-absorbing body cream which promises to leave your skin moisturised for 24 hours. Enriched with jojoba oil and shea butter, it definitely works as a moisturiser, and the fragrance is just as creamy and fresh as the original perfume. Personally, I love the packaging — a solid red jar which would look chic in any bathroom.