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Two things immediately come to mind for this summer’s makeup: pink — feminine, pretty and flattering — and how to wear it — minimal and believable. Remember ... less is definitely more!
Undeniably, the mood and spirit for the season has been translated into a passion for pink and all things girlie - effervescent, translucent or sheer - shimmery pinks, fluffy gelatos, sugary, soft classics and icy pales move to lavender and striking violets.
We are all colour and product obsessed and on the verge of beauty junkie status, so to help us through we called on the experts for tips and techniques and took a sneak peek into what we are seeing in collections this summer. Although we are in full bloom pink, we couldn’t ignore optional colour stars for the season.
We spoke with Kate Mahon, Beauty Editor, New Idea for her previews for a super summer look. “Natural nude shades are the mainstay of the new season’s colour palette, and can be worn by all women regardless off age, hair and skin tones. Eyes are treated to neutral hues of vanilla, taupe, cinnamon, ivory and chocolate to create a light, open-eyed looked. Cheeks are given a lighter, fresher touch with sheer cream blush in soft peach or apricot, or even a smear of shimmering bronzer.“
“Lips get glazed with clear gloss or translucent coral and mocha. Femininity reigns with pink at the top of the colour list. It’s soft and pretty for both blondes and slightly stronger hues for brunettes, and is a great match with the romantic summer fashions in store. Combine neutral shades with pink accents on the eyes and give yourself a total rosy blush with candy hues.
On the lips you can go to town with anything from pearlised baby pinks to more vibrant cherry tones. Look out for a range of pastel tones in everything from shimmering blue to pistachio, lemon and mauve, which are fun for nails and eyes - if you dare. They certainly blend beautifully with the flirty, fresh clothing that’s making a playful statement.
For summer evenings you can’t go past a little sparkle in glimmering gold, silver and pewter tones that can be used on eyes and cheeks for a glamorous festive touch. Don’t forget to give your body shimmering nuances with sparkling body lotions and powders.“
PREPARING THE CANVAS
Before we get to colour, let’s think about a beautiful canvas, the skin - clean, radiant and freshly moisturised, it’s the base for a flawless, polished finish - be sure it’s in peak condition. Look for a tinted moisturiser or one that contains an SPF.
Ditch that old heavy foundation that has been long wearing through winter and experiment with new lighter, more natural formulas and follow the makeup artist’s mantra - blend, blend, blend!
Let’s see what we can achieve with Pink for the season: Nothing too loud, think subtle not showy. Let the beauty shine through, not the makeup! Don’t reinvent, the idea is to enhance what we have using softer colour to accentuate features, not hide them.
A dash of bravado can be translated to toenails - be daring here and use the dazzle me pinks or for a warmer shade use tangerines and peaches and keep with the sugary, girlie, rosy shades for eyes, lips and cheeks.
A light spray tan for a sun-kissed, bronze look will give a definite advantage.
Opt for a sheer, pink- toned lip gloss, that looks fresher and more natural. Blush is something everyone can wear - sheer, not shocking - apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend.
During the hottest months, eye makeup is often the first to fade. For staying power apply a base or concealer to give extra mileage and keep the colour fresh. For summer, a warmer shade is best - a smidgin of bronze or a sheerer coral, but easy does it, the lightest of coverage, almost transparent. Another option is to move into violet that can be very flattering. Whichever way - try applying with the finger and blend for a wash of softer colour.
For star looks in a flash and the finer points in creating the perfect summer face we caught up with celebrity makeup artist Fiona Corrigan, for her insider tips! “Dewy, sheer, illuminating shimmer are on my mind when it comes to makeup this summer. You can be tickled pink or barley bronzed, with so many wonderful shades in-between. To liven up your foundation, add some loose shimmer eye shadow, blend well on the top of your hand with your finger tips, then apply on a well moisturised face.
Wear eye shadows alone this summer as a colour wash over the entire lid, with lots and lots of black mascara. Add kohl for evening. Cream blush is the vogue this season applied on the apples of the cheek and a deft sweep across the nose for a sun-kissed hue.
Luscious lips, glazed glosses in a palette of sheer nudes or a milky way of star spangled shimmers…umm…the choice is endless.”
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