Key Beauty Trends by Harvey Nichols

Never peel the same again?

It's that time of year where ridding our complexion of dead skin cells (caused mainly by enthusiastic sunbathing, drying fake tan, and the dramatic changes in weather)becomes a daily obsession. One day the central heating is back on and the next the air conditioning is blasted to just below freezing point, so it's little wonder that our skin looks slightly lack-lustre and in need of some extra help.

So with this in mind, what better time to update your skincare routine than in autumn? Scheduling in a new weekly treatment to maintain a smooth and flake-free appearance is just one way to make a noticeable difference to your skin. And when a gritty scrub just won't cut it, here's our pick of the best, and safest, skin peels around - and all can be carried out in just a few minutes in the comfort of your own bathroom...

Clinique Turnaround Radiance Peel £35: This potent exfoliator provides the same results as a glycolic peel, without the discomfort. Expect a luminous and even-toned complexion.

Rodial Glamtox Peel, £70: A seriously satisfying treatment which you remove with your fingertips - this peel relaxes facial muscles, reduces fine lines, and brightens the skin.

Bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum £46: Gentle enough to use morning and night, the serum perfects the skins texture, minimizes pores, and lightens discolourations such as age spots or pimples.

Giles SS09 Beauty Trends

Top Heavy

We've not yet seen the back of the heavy black eyeliner flicks, seen on celebs and catwalks alike. For rock'n'roll girls, this season, designers have taken a new twist on this heavily emphasised eye make-up.

At Lanvin, models emerged as if on the morning after the night before, with a heavy line drawn on the top lashes drawn and deliberate smudging over the lids. Hair had a wet-look and was swept back into a neat bun, made softer by a touch of subtle fly aways, leaving lips soft and natural looking with a tiny touch of gloss. Purposely dishevelled make up perfectly complemented the chic collection of sculptural, brightly coloured satin cocktail dresses, which were feminine and oh-so-chic, as only a Parisian fashion house knows how.

A more sophisticated look was adopted by YSL, whose chic 1940's ladies wore their hair in bouffant up-dos and accessorised with small hair bands. With attention on the eyes, a neat flick of eyeliner on the top lash gave an ultra feminine and classic look to the models. Skin was kept to an even tone, with nude matt lips to complete the understated look. To achieve this, choose a good base. We love YSL's Perfect Touch (£29), Clarins Instant Smooth Foundation (£22), and finally the Cover FX Mineral FX powder (£28).

For the more fashion forward, Giles Deacon didn't disappoint with eyeliner artwork, swept from the inside corner of the eye right up to the eyebrow in a sweep of black and underlined on the lower lashes to finish the look. Cheeks were accented with a sweep of pink blush, whilst faces were given an all over white powder finish and the outfits accessorised with futurist looking Pacman helmets. Models dressed in bright yellow and PVC gave a burst of cartoon style sunshine to the catwalk as once again Deacon offered something totally unique.

Zac Posen SS09 Beauty Trends

Pearly Queen

One of the hot new trends for this summer welcomes a come back to the 80's favourite; iridescent colours. Favoured by makeup artists for their instant lift and shine appeal when added to lips and eyes, iridescent shades and shiny metallics made an appearance throughout the shows.

At Zac Posen, a modern take on an 80's look was adopted, with pearly lips that shone in light purples and pinks. Skin was dusted with bronze for a healthy glow and eyes were accented with golden shades for an all over radiant shine. Achieve the look with a high gloss lip shine from Lancome's new Pink Irreverence collection and create that perfect pout with La Laque Fever number 312 (£17.50.)

Dior showed an altogether pared down look this season, with bronzed, beautiful models, and high shine skin. Use the Laura Mercier Golden rose Glow highlighter (£24) to accent cheekbones, or to use on eyes and lips. This versatile product will instantly uplift your look to bronzed, sun kissed beauty in now time.