Ten beauty trends for fall

If you have any local shopping experience under your belt, you probably already know that Seattle department stores like Nordstrom, and outposts of national chains such as Sephora and Aveda, are great resources for cosmetics. But you may not be aware that many of Seattle's boutiques, such as Carmilia's in West Seattle and Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique in Ballard, feature smaller makeup counters that offer a more intimate experience than you'll find at the bigger stores. And like the big stores, some of the small shops even have makeup artists on staff to offer a more personalized brand of beauty to their customers.

This fall, those Seattle boutiques are poised to help you look and feel great, with an array of products for your eyes, lips, skin and nails. We've scoured these local stores and selected our 10 favorite fall beauty trends. From shimmery eye shadows at Olivine in Ballard to fire-engine-red lip color at Adam & Eve on Bainbridge Island, these top picks will have you happily embracing the brisk chill of fall.

FACE

What it is: Mineral makeup
Best for: Sensitive or acne-prone skin
Freelance Seattle makeup artist Megan Bingham names mineral makeup as a major trend for fall. Free of talc, perfumes and other additives, mineral eye shadow, blush, shimmer and foundation are offered in both pressed and loose powder. "Mineral makeup works by sitting on the surface of your skin," rather than sinking into your pores like non-mineral cosmetics, explains Bingham. You'll find Jane Iredale's high-quality mineral makeup collection ($18-$46) at Burnt Sugar.

What it is: Bronzer
Best for: Fair to medium skin tones
It happens every fall in Seattle: Sunny days disappear and, soon after, so does our summer glow. And with gray promising to be this fall's hot color, Seattle women are going to need all the golden help they can get to avoid looking washed out. Add radiance to your complexion with High Noon Freshface Glow from Fresh ($42 at Essenza), a sheer liquid bronzer that can help hide imperfections.

What it is: Multitasking blush
Best for: All skin tones
If an all-over bronze doesn't fit into your beauty regimen, counteract the gray days of fall with a swipe of subtle color instead. ColorMe by Susan Posnick ($34 at Burnt Sugar) is a loose mineral face powder that can be used to add a dash of color to your cheeks, eyes and lips. The tiny pot of multitasking powder, in five shades of corals, pinks and plums, comes with a petite puff for on-the-go touch-ups, perfect for your packed fall schedule.

What it is: Facial moisturizer
Best for: Anyone with an epidermis
Pampering your face's dry skin is hardly a trend, but it's well worth a mention year-round. Makeup artist Megan Bingham recommends using a rich, water-based moisturizer every morning. Try Megan Eileen Hydrating Cream ($32 at www.meganeileen.com) from Bingham's own locally crafted line of skin care, or splurge on Crème Ancienne ($135 at Essenza), an extremely rich moisturizer from Fresh. The cream is made with anti-oxidant meadowfoam oil and handcrafted in small batches in a remote Norwegian monastery -- which helps to explain the high price.

LIPS

What it is: Red-hot lipstick
Best for: Everyone -- as long as you find the right red
Take inspiration from this season's glossy red patent-leather accessories and apply that fiery look to your lips. For best results, choose a pure shade of red with no hint of orange. We love Chanel's Rouge Hydrabase in Fire ($32), but since there's no such thing as a universal red, enlist the makeup artists at Bainbridge Island shop Adam & Eve -- the only boutique in town with a fully stocked Chanel counter -- to help you find your perfect shade.

What it is: Plum lip color
Best for: Brunette beauties
Replace summer's light, bright pinks with subtle shades of plum. Head to the top of Queen Anne and hop on the retro rose barbershop seat at Adelita, where staff stylist Vanessa Phipps will apply plum liquid lip color from Nouba. Ask for Nouba Millebaci #6 ($16), a deep plum wine that perfectly complements dark locks.

EYES

What it is: Metallic eyes
Best for: Daytime drama queens
"A smoky eye with a shimmery bronze shadow will be big this fall," says Olivine owner Julie Merriman. Add toned-down metallics to your daytime look with a gauzy bronze eye shadow from Lulu Beauty. You'll find it at the Ballard Avenue boutique in 16 shimmery shades ($18 each). We love the subtle champagne glow of Icon and Bungalow.

What it is: Dusky gray eyeliner
Best for: Red-lipped sirens
The ruffled blouses and ladylike swing coats of fall beg for a glamorous, 1940s-inspired look to match, and eyes lined in smoky gray are the perfect nighttime accompaniment (along with elegant red lips, of course). Try Eye Lingerie from Diane Brill in Black Peacock Lace, an iridescent black that smudges to shimmery gray. The shadows range from $18 to $22 at Burnt Sugar and Vain.

What it is: Eyelash extensions
Best for: Low-maintenance types
Mod, 1960s-inspired dresses are hot for fall, and so are the dramatic eyelashes that complement them so well (think Twiggy at her waifish best). For eyes that are spectacular, but not a spectacle, pop into Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique in Ballard for a Lusty Lash eyelash application ($40 and up). Spa technicians apply each lash individually to give you just the right amount of bat-worthy lash glamour that can last for up to six weeks. A perfect fit for no-fuss Seattle women, extensions lend your eyes just the right amount of drama without the hassle of liners and mascara.

NAILS

What it is: A coffee-colored manicure (or pedicure)
Best for: Anyone who needs a little pick-me-up
The dark browns that grace your closet this fall will also show up on fingertips and toes around town. "Chocolate nail polish is very elegant and perfect for fall," says Jane Park, owner of Julep Nail Parlor. Sip a choco-tini at Julep near University Village while they add a shot of espresso to your manicure ($17-$42). Select from Julep's selection of custom commissioned polishes, such as the dark brown Hillary -- a shade Park calls "a hip, urban mocha" - or, for home manicures, pick up OPI's lighter brown Chocolate Shake-speare ($5.75 at Frenchy's.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company