The dark nights return: Inspiration for your beauty regime this autumn

Look to the catwalks for atmospheric and geometric inspiration in your beauty regime this autumn

Striped Eyes

If they're the windows to your soul, then eyes come with snazzy curtains for autumn – they were the focus of many a make-up artist's imagination at the shows.

Stripes and geometries decorated eyelids at Prada and Altuzarra; tone down the look for everyday, but take inspiration from the cartoon colours at the former and dust on neon shades to give blocked, matte coverage. At the latter, double-pronged liner reached from the inner corner to the brow – try an unusual shade (such as Illamasqua's aubergine offering) and keep skin plain.

Gothic Romance

The word "gothic" might have you reaching for your black eyeliner, but heed the "romance" factor. The look is softer, more baroque than it is Hallowe'en scream queen. Think pretty, with light and golden metallic eyes and dewy skin (try Dermalogica's excellent tinted moisturiser, or Revlon's Perfecting Primer underneath your foundation). Lips are the focus – but reach for berry shades warmed up with rose tones rather than anything too theatrically purple. Save that for your nails, and get on the waiting list for Chanel's latest "Vertigo" hue.

Colour Weaves

The dip-dye is dead, long live the dip-dye! Ombre roots and bleached ends have had their moment in the sun – the new way to wear colour in your hair is with carefully woven extensions that blend brave, primary hues (such as cobalt and crimson at Yohji Yamamoto) throughout the bulk of your own shade.

The best thing about them? The fact that you can take them out if you change your mind – and that no peroxide is necessary.

Greatlengthshair.co.uk, 0113 216 3071

Bold Minimalism

Lush prints and rich shades on clothing invite subtly statement make-up this season, with faces almost nude but for a slash of lipstick as at Jil Sander or a heavy brow as worn by models at Marni. Skin must be perfect to carry this off – so not much to ask – but Dr. Perricone's No-Foundation Foundation revives even the dullest of complexions. Keep eyes simple but striking with Chantecaille's wonder-working Longest Lash mascara (false eyelashes in a tube), then finish with a slick of lipstick – on the catwalk, scarlet reds had a touch of pink to them so the look was modern and girlish, rather than vampish.