Overdressed

Lots of you have been asking, "Kalisah, what sort of make up routine do you follow in the summertime that gives you that flawless, sun-kissed face?"

OK, not really, but let's pretend like a lot of you have been asking me that.

Colors will mostly vary depending on your skin tone and hair color, but when a certain shade is preferred I've taken the incentive to name it for you. I sometimes recommend using your finger to apply rather than a make-up brush because I think it allows more control, especially when you're going for light coverage. However, always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying anything to your face with your hands to avoid spreading bacteria and causing breakouts.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - allows for a more natural appearance than foundation in the summertime while still smoothing out your skin and provides 20 SPF sun protection. Even if you tan your body, you should protect your face and get your summer glow this way. Also available in oil-free.

2. Concealer - use Secret Camouflage with a concealer brush very sparingly on blemishes. Benefit Lyin' Eyes is a great undereye concealer, but again - use sparingly. Apply with ring fingertip rather than the brush.

3. Prep - A thin layer of Lemon Aid applied to upper eyelid provides a soft, smooth and even-toned finish. Great, too, if you're not planning on wearing any eye shadow. Brush a light layer of T. LcClerc loose powder in Banane over your face with a large powder brush. This powder eliminates shadows and creates a glowing finish without adding any color. Hollywood make-up artists favorite.

4. Add a sheer sun-kissed glow with Benefit Dallas. For a more natural look, use your big powder brush and not the little flat one that comes with it. Apply to forehead above each eyebrow, sweeping down over your temples and high on your cheekbones.

5. Use your finger tip to apply a thin wash of metallic cream eye color to the lid only (below the crease). I like Laura Mercier's in Ally or Burnished Copper. I have some that I like from Stila but I believe they must have discontinued them.

6. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply a mushroom shade of powder eyeshadow to the crease. Sonia Kushak has one at Target in "Latte" that's perfect (and cheap). Highlight under browbone with Benefit High Brow. Blend well with ring finger.

7. Apply a thin line of Bobbie Brown gel eye liner to upper lash line. The color you choose depends on the color of the cream eye color you've applied. I especially like her new iridescent "shimmer ink" tones.

8. Use a dampened eye brow brush to brush brows and upper lashes. Wetting the brush will allow it to pick up loose powder that's deposited itself. Use a lash curler on upper lashes. Apply a single coat of your favorite mascara.

9. Lipstick. Oh, the possibilities are endless. Bobbie Brown has some great sandwash colors as well as these SPF 15 Lipshines. If you prefer something a little more sheer and glossy for the summer, her Lip Tint SPF 15 is tried and true. (Great for wearing to the beach.) I have them in Tea Tint, Tea Rose Tint, Blossom Tint, Melon and Cherry Tint. Another great gloss option is Mac Lipglass which is thicker with a high-gloss, glass-like sheen. I have then in Lust, Chai, Spite, and Pink Lemonade (a favorite of Jennifer Aniston's). I even like Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb, but I would caution against going for any of the lighter shades as they'll appear very white on your lips. I also recommend using a lip liner in a very natural shade - it helps to keep your lip color inside your lips. I use Mac Lip Pencil in Cedar everyday. Find one that very closely matches your natural lip color. Remember, it's not the color but the wax that keeps your lipcolor in place.

Don't forget to send me your "before" and "after" photos! I'll try & take a few of my own but I'm not that good at taking self-portraits.

Labels: fashion and style, make up

Posted by Kalisa on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 4:40 PM | Permalink