Makeup Awash in Color

Put the colors of nature -- gorgeous greens, beautiful blues, pretty pinks, and cool corals -- to work for you this summer.

Produced by Carla Engler; Text by Patricia Reynoso

Greens

Mesmerizing Eyes

Photograph by Alberto Tolot Your eyes are your face's star attraction, and you can make them more exciting with the season's array of blue, purple, and green eye shadow. Not only do these shades brighten your eyes in a new way, but they're remarkably easy to wear. No matter what your skin tone, you can take part in this summertime color fling. But first, a few guidelines:

Greener Days

The secret to using shades of green lies in applying them lightly, without complicated contouring and shading, and by choosing colors that are transparent and slightly shimmery, rather than opaque and matte. Also, look for shades that will complement your skin tone. "The soft green used on the model (at right) works because of her skin's warm undertones," says makeup artist Tommy Joiner. On the opposite end of the spectrum, women with lighter, cooler skin tones (such as blondes with blue eyes) would look best in a more vivid shade of green. If you're not sure whether you have "warm" or "cool" skin, go to your favorite makeup counter for advice.

Blues

The Best of the Blue

Blue shadows are also making a big comeback, but in a new, sophisticated way. "Apply a 'whisper' of color, not a 'shout,'" says Maria Verel, Diane Sawyer's makeup artist. Many eye shadows look bright and intense in the pot, but don't be put off -- they actually brush on very lightly. If you're still worried about too much intensity, start slowly, say the experts. "Try dipping your brush into a bit of translucent powder first, then into a palette itself," advises makeup artist Troy Surratt. Or, says Verel, soften the look by dusting gold or silver highlighting powder over the eye. A fan-shaped brush is the perfect tool, says Mally Roncal, Sephora's national makeup artist, who also works with singer/actress Beyonce. "It allows you to sweep on just a stroke of color exactly where you want it," she says. Eyeliner Smarts Save really vivid hues, such as cobalt blue and electric green, for lining the eye, very close to upper lashes, in very thin strokes. That way, you'll get a dose of eye-brightening color without making a big commitment. "It's also a lot more wearable that way," says celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose. Love Your Lashes Once your pretty-as-a-picture shadow is securely in place, don't go anywhere without a hearty helping of mascara. Reach for no-fail black or dark brown, or try colored mascara, which subtly enhances your eye color. Like this season's shadows, colored mascaras are never as bright as they appear in the tube. "In fact, purple is the easiest to wear," says Barose, "probably because it's so close to brown." Cheeks Three Cheers for Cheeks This season's preferred palette of peach, coral, pink, and bronze shades are just the ticket to achieving a healthy glow. And while the endless array of blush shades and textures (powder, cream, or liquid?) can be dizzying, there's never been a better time to bring your best flush forward. Start by priming your face. Dip a big fluffy brush into a pot of bronzing powder and dust it all over your face, concentrating on your forehead, chin, and the tip of your nose. This will warm your complexion and makes it an ideal backdrop for bright color. "Smile and apply the blush with a soft brush to the roundest part of your face, blending up to the cheekbone and toward the temple," says Surratt. As with eye makeup, there's a place for cheek shimmer products, too. Blend on shimmer, in either a liquid or cream form, and use it after applying foundation and before powdering; follow it with either powder or cream blush. A bronze or copper shimmer will enhance the look of the bronzing powder, while a paler shade of white or pink will give you a fresher, bright look. Both are beautiful and give your complexion a gorgeous glow. Lips Lip Appeal Where would a makeup look be with lipstick? Nowhere! And this summer, the selection of shades is delightfully delicious. With rich coral, juicy strawberry, and cotton candy pink, there's more than one right tint for everyone. Best of all, many of the new formulas promise to deliver younger, fuller lips, too. Pretty and Pink Pink lipstick is omnipresent right now; it's in every shade from hot to nude. When choosing a pink lip shade, Barose recommends that you stick to a shade that's a bit darker than your natural lip pigment. Otherwise, you risk looking too pale and washed out. "Think pink but also fruity," he says. Cool Corals An easy way to add pizzazz to your makeup look -- without having to do much else to your face -- is to slick on a coat of coral lip color. Look for shades that verge on pink (not orange) and wear this vivid color against an otherwise neutral face -- since it shouldn't share the stage with other bright hues. "Look for colors that are bold even in the tube," says Surratt. "They'll diffuse to a perfectly sheer shade."

Source: http://www.lhj.com/