Are Fall 2014's Makeup Trends Wearable IRL?

Beauty trends off the Fashion Week runway tend not to be simple adjustments you can make to your daily routine, and Fall 2014's crop is no exception. From lashes so long they may touch your eyebrows to dramatic neon eyeshadow, these trends are best approached in the comfort of your own home, when you can easily remove an offending look if it turns ghoulish. However, my inherent curiosity regarding all things beauty-related lead me to experiment with five of fall's biggest trends from last fashion week — and I was pleasantly surprised by most of the results.

A bold, plum lipstick allowed me to step outside my comfort zone of nudes and pastel rose shades, the dramatic winged liner which the fashion industry is currently enamored of was both attention-grabbing and supplied me with a miniature ego-boost, and I fell in love with haute pink eyeshadow. Of course, the latter should be reserved for post-sunset activities, but it's always important to have a few statement looks up your sleeve lest you become bored with a simple smoky eye or classic red lip. So if you're feeling set in your cosmetic ways this fall, it may be time to dip a toe into some of the season's bolder beauty trends. You just may find a new signature look.

1. VOLUPTUOUS LASHES

At Versace Fall 2014:

On My Face:

Though these luscious lashes lare a touch more voluminous than a look you might achieve with volumizing mascara, they became a bit of a safety hazard for my peepers after the first twenty minutes. The Betty Boop effect effect drew one or two double-takes on my morning commute, but sadly my weighted down eyelids could barely register what was happening outside a three-foot radius. If you choose to try a fake lash this fall, make sure to choose a length which enhances your gaze instead of hindering it.

2. DRAMATIC WINGED LINER

At Rag & Bone Fall 2014:

On My Face:

Perhaps one of my favorite fall beauty looks is '60s-inspired dramatic winged eyeliner. A steady hand and a handy supply of makeup remover are assets in creating this particular effect, but the result is worth effort when you finally perfect it. If the eyes are the window to the soul, then this modish liner trick is the perfect seductive accent. With a quick-drying liquid liner extended just outwards of the corner and a healthy coat of lengthening mascara, the look is one part Bardot and two parts Sofia Vergara.

3. GLOWING, NATURAL SKIN

At Ralph Lauren Fall 2014:

On My Face:

I adore makeup of all kinds, and therefore the notion of venturing into the outside world without a stitch of cosmetics is simply not something I support. I just don't trust my naked skin to achieve the type of #IWokeUpLikeThis glow that Miranda Kerr's miraculously does. However, fall 2014 is all about bare-faced beauty and glowing skin, so I set about making mine appear inherently luminous. After blending an SPF-laden moisturizer and hyaluronic acid serum into my skin, I layered on BB cream and a touch of contouring bronzer. Next came a pop of matte blush for my cheeks, a dot of taupe shadow on each lid, and luminizer where I felt my skin needed it. I may have been wearing an arsenal of cosmetics, but the barely-there effect made me feel utterly exposed as I went about my day.

4. POP OF COLOR EYES

At Julien Macdonald Fall 2014:

On My Face:

I expected to detest wearing a wash of fuchsia eyeshadow across my lids, but this actually ended up being my favorite look of the bunch. I left my skin and lips in shades of nude, and concentrated a matte, hot pink shadow in a line across my lid a la David Bowie or Kristen Stewart. Though I'm certain bystanders don't quite know what to make of the trend, it gives one a shock of confidence knowing that there are few people who could— and would — rock the look.

5. BOLD PLUM LIPS

At Katie Gallagher Fall 2014:

On My Face:

I recently deepened my hair color from a dusty, sun-kissed brunette shade to what my colorist labeled "chocolate brown," and ever since I've found that my normal, minimalist makeup gives me a wan, ghostly visage. However, this fall's rich, berry lip stands up to my dark hair. After tapping on a layer of rich, matte burgundy lipstick, I added a moisturizing balm in a deep cherry color on top, and was pleased to discover that I no longer appeared to be battling some sort of horrible sickness. It was totally elegant, not vampire-ish.

Final verdict? Fall 2014 was a pretty tame year as far as makeup trends go, so feel free to go wild testing them out.

Images: Tyler Atwood