Stepping into a dream

For AW14, Aveda introduces Romantic Grandeur.

For AW14, Aveda introduces Romantic Grandeur, a limited-edition makeup collection that steps into a dream. Not unlike the heavenly Kate Bush, these products blur the lines between fantasy and reality, past and present.

Romantic Grandeur is all about smoky hues and gorgeous smudgy shades. The mood is ephemeral and nostalgic, with a softly elusive quality. I'll cover the eyewear next week. Today, we'll explore lipstick and focus on the startlet vibe.

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'I was inspired by how things change with the passage of time - how they can start out with a strong shape that can later turn hazy,' says Janell Geason, the Aveda global artistic director (makeup). 'Use fingers or brushes to blur the lines to make the makeup really soft but at the same time really strong. This technique gives the looks a definite romantic bent, which makes them really beautiful and wearable for all women.'

Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color is infused with plant and fruit waxes to hydrate and plump. It also refreshes, with a fantastic new Organic Peppermint, Vanilla and Ginger aroma. I tried the boldest shade first: "Goji Berry" is a bright bluish-red smoothing lip colour that delivers a very respectable creamy coverage.

If your prefer natural daywear, you might go for the "Sheer Fig" mineral shade, which is translucent with a hint of shimmering gold. Nobody should actively eat lipstick, but these are very pleasing to wear, as you inhale as much as taste the natural formulas, which enrich and smooth fine lines (£13.50 each).

"Mangosteen" Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip glaze delivers a silver-screen siren vibe if applied at max strength for a black cherry cupid's bow and you can smudge it around for a bruised cherry pop to pretend you've been caught behind the bike sheds. It is infused with plant emollients and includes the signature aromas - ideal for dates or parties, as the drama of the rich glossy sheen wears down to a pretty, plum-stained blush (£16.00).

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Illamasqua always push the boat out, and their sheer lip gloss in Opulent doesn't disappoint (£16.50). Part of the new Once collection, Opulent scatters peachy rainbow hues that look amazingly shiny on nude lips or doubles as a wonderful highlighter if you want a gleamy pout beyond the darkness of Mangosteen Glaze. Just dab on the centre of your bottom lip to add dazzling depth.