Who is popular today?

Ringing the changes might seem pointless right now, but a slash of fresh colour can be cheering, even at home
It’s around this time each year when beauty houses release their autumn makeup looks, deepening the summer colour palette, adding a little more polish, laying the groundwork for party season. All of which has about as much relevance in 2020 as a record attempt for the most people in a hot tub. Is there any point in ringing the changes when life for many people currently seems to be one interminable Sunday spent in a hoodie and pants?
Predictably, I think there is. A new colour, an extra bit of effort, a nudge out of one’s comfort zone is cheering for many of us, and it’s good to feel as if you’re still in the game. Lipstick may now be tricky outdoors, where it’s hidden or made fuzzy by the on-off-on hokey cokey of face masks. But I’ve been enjoying a slash of autumnal colour in my own home. MAC’s Marrakesh (£17.50) – the ultimate iconic 90s shade, relaunched – is an orangey-brick hue that’s perfect if you fear a true red but are bored with safe nudes. It’s technically a matte, but not by modern standards; it feels silky, looks vibrant, not flat, and manages to straddle the line between flattering and cool. It’s one of those rare shades that looks good on every skin colour. I love it with a brown eye pencil and some peachy blush. Continue reading...