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Wearing Honeysuckle: How to pull off the color of 2011

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You might have already heard that Pantone, an internationally-recognized company in the field of printing, fabric, and paint color measurements, has declared honeysuckle as the color for 2011. From 2010’s relaxing turquoise, we now shift to a bright, reddish-pink hue. It’s somewhat difficult to imagine what honeysuckle looks like if you’re not very familiar with the botanical equivalent, so try to think of it as being more intense than your usual cotton-candy pink but a little less piercing than hot pink or fuchsia.

Since it is after all the color of 2011, incorporating it into your wardrobe is a must if you want to keep yourself updated. It isn’t really supposed to make you luckier this year (if you don’t want to get all metaphysical about it), but it may be bright and stimulating enough to give you more energy. Color experts claim that since honeysuckle belongs to the red family, it is a good color for getting one’s adrenaline going. It also makes the wearer seem more alive, or as the expression goes, appear to be “in the pink of health.”

If you’re fashionably fearless, going for a wardrobe overhaul in favor of this bright hue isn’t really a problem. In fact, you may already have several articles of clothing in this shade. If, however, you don’t have a lot of pink in your closet, or if you’re not sure about how to add it to your collection, don’t worry. After all, many designers and brands have already come up with their designs and product offerings in this bright and cheerful color. You’re bound to find something that suits you perfectly.

Sweet like honey

Honeysuckle, according to Pantone, is a “brave new color for a brave new world.” Well, isn’t that just a great attitude to adopt for the new year? If you want to imbibe the vibe, this is the best time to do it! Spring is fast approaching, and this season is poised to usher in loads of new designs, whether it be for dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, and every manner of accessory.

Why not start off by getting yourself a flirty little honeysuckle dress? If you’ve been feeling a bit down all winter, you can break away from that dreary frame of mind by shocking your wardrobe to life. And have you noticed how well honeysuckle compliments green?

Speaking of green, if you’re the active type who enjoys the great outdoors, then add some spring to your step by donning a pair of brightly-colored trainers. On rainy days, you can still go out and brave the puddles in a pair of honeysuckle rain boots. It’s a great way to have some fun with your outfit. Besides, all the confidence you exude in your playful get-up might just attract other people to you like little hummingbirds.

Keeping the balance

Okay, so while you may be open to wearing honeysuckle, you may be afraid of having too much pink on. Well, wearing the color doesn’t mean that you have to start looking like Penelope Pitstop. There are still a million other colors out there! The best for the coming season (and I daresay for the entire year) are warm colors. Pantone’s spring and summer forecast makes mention of metallics such as bronze and gold. In addition, the recommended palette for spring includes nice greens, ethereal silver and light pink shades, as well as an earthier russet. Have fun with these colors!

In the professional setting, you might have to go for a more understated look. You can choose to go for a more muted color scheme and, following the example of Olivia Palermo, add a bit of life with a nice pair of honeysuckle heels. If you like wearing gray and black, either for work or for casual events, you can simply tie a bright pink scarf around your neck. Scarves are wonderful for subtly adding life to outfits because they are so versatile. If you’re wearing pants, the scarf can even double as a belt. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find one that you are comfortable with.

Little bursts of color

Incorporating honeysuckle into your look doesn’t just mean buying a piece of clothing. You can add a bit of eye candy here and there in many different ways. For instance, why not spice up an otherwise plain outfit by getting a chunky piece of jewelry in this year’s color? One of the great things about this is that finding earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other such accessories does not have to be expensive. Cherry quartz beads, for example, are quite reasonably-priced and come in shades which are as close to honeysuckle as you can get.

The next time you decide to get a manicure or pedicure, while you might not be able to find a polish called “honeysuckle” very easily, you will certainly be able to find a shade of reddish-pink which comes pretty close. For a clean and classy look, have your nails trimmed and filed before painting them. Really long nails in such a bright color may be too much, depending on your outfit and make up.

Lastly, pucker up and smooth on a juicy layer of color on your lips. For everyday use, you can simply put on a sheer pink gloss. It may not always be wise to pick an intense pink shade for your eyes, unless you are going to be in a fashion show or  stage performance. Stick to a lighter, more neutral color for the eyes and go for a more natural, peachy shade of pink for your cheeks, such as Orgasm by Nars.

Real men wear pink

Just because women have more things to think about and more options than the men doesn’t mean that men can’t be a part of the trend for 2011. Men can incorporate honeysuckle into their wardrobe and still look very manly. It’s quite easy to find casual shirts in different shades of pink, so go out there and find one in a design that you like. Office wear should not be a problem either. You can get a plain pink tie as an accent, or if that’s a bit too much pink, choose a striped design which offsets the bright pink with more “masculine” colors such as navy, gray, or brown.

2011 is certainly bound to be an exciting and interesting year. You can definitely make it more fun for yourself by being bolder and braver — even in (and especially in!) fashion. So go out there and check out the new finds, or rummage into your closet and rediscover the bright pieces you have either forgotten or were too afraid to wear. At the end of the day (and of the year, for that matter), it doesn’t really matter how much honeysuckle you wore but really how much you’ve been able to reinvent yourself and create your personal style.

The Makeup Series (Part 5): Pucker Up!

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In previous posts, we talked about preparing our skin, picking out the right foundation, as well as making those eyes look pretty. All of these things may seem quite complicated to the beginner, but what could be simpler than swiping on some color on those kissers?

Putting on a bit of lipstick is probably the fastest and easiest way to bring some color to one’s face. It can instantly brighten up one’s look, but that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to take it for granted. It can, after all, also be the fastest way to ruin one’s overall look. This is why you have got to pay some attention to your lips – because they’ll probably catch everyone else’s.

 

It all starts with lip care

First things first: Never apply lipstick to dry, flaky lips. Chances are, you’ll end up with a very feathered look, or the product won’t be distributed evenly. Avoid clumpy-looking lips by using a lip scuff and some moisturizer on dry lips. If you want, you can even make your own recipe from ground oatmeal and honey. Use this mixture to exfoliate your lips gently before rinsing off.

It’s also a good idea to have lip balm with you at all times. You can either go for the colorless variety or pick out one with some sheen or color. There are so many varieties out there, and in yummy flavors, too! It’s also a good idea to pick out one which provides sun protection. After all, your lips get exposed to the elements, too.

 

How to use lip liner and lipstick

Now comes the tricky part. Many women underestimate the importance of using lip liner with lipstick. While it isn’t always necessary, depending on the look you’re going for, it can certainly help define your lips and give you a more polished look.

It’s usually a good idea to use a liner which is a shade darker than the lipstick you intend to use. If you have full lips, draw an outline within the lip itself. Thin lips will be given an extra boost if you line just outside the lip, while still following the contour very carefully.

You can then apply the lipstick within the outline you’ve just drawn. I would recommend using a lip brush to do this, just to make sure that you have applied the product evenly and precisely. To keep the color on for a bit longer, blot with a piece of tissue paper then reapply the lipstick.

 

Essential colors

It’s always a good idea to have a number of choices for your lip color, so that changing your look becomes easier. A few neutral shades are necessary, especially for the day and while you are in the office. Regardless of what you think, though, your collection can never be complete without a few darker ones. At the very least, you MUST have a red lipstick. MAC’s MAC Red is perhaps one of the most classic colors ever, but go ahead and see which variant of red you like best. You’ll never know until you try them, so don’t be afraid to test anything from red-orange shades to plum and blood-red hues.

Next to the eyes, it’s probably the lips that will define your look the most when you wear makeup. Make sure you make a good impression, whether you’re caught pouting or showing off that gorgeous smile!

 

 

Photos via maccosmetics.com and eyeshadowlipstick.com

 

The Makeup Series (Part 4): Open Your Eyes!

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When it comes to makeup application, perhaps the trickiest and understandably, the most intimidating, is eye makeup. Perhaps it is because of the limited space the eye area allows (which means you shouldn’t be making big mistakes), or maybe it’s the fact that there are so many products and colors that can be used for this area. It could also be because our eyelids and browbones are so different from each other’s, which makes it impossible to prescribe and employ just one technique for all the eyes of the world.

The thing is (and as cheesy as it may sound), the eyes are indeed the windows to one’s soul. When we look at someone’s face, the first thing we see is a pair of peepers looking right back at us. The eyes can speak volumes and say so much about a person, so this is why we should learn how to enhance them. In fact, the rest of the face can be completely bare, but if the eyes are striking enough, then the whole look is made.

 

Beginning with beautiful arches

Before even applying your makeup, make sure that your eyebrows have been properly groomed. Never underestimate the importance of beautiful eyebrows! If your arches are well-done, look neat and clean, and are shaped appropriately to the rest of your features, then you automatically look more attractive. Bushy unibrows can be somewhat scary, and sky-high, ultra-thin brows can make you look perpetually alarmed. Overplucked brows can also make you look years older, so go easy on the tweezers.

To make sure that you have the correct eyebrow shape, you can use the good old pencil trick which requires you to hold a pencil against the adge of your nose to help determine the length of the brow. However, I would personally recommend that you go to a professional brow architect at least once or twice before you attempt anything on your own. Then, you can start plucking on your own once the tiny hairs start growing out.

Now that you have nicely-shaped brows, you can make sure they look neat and manicured with the help of cosmetics. If you have full brows, you usually won’t need to use anything other than a brow gel to make sure everything stays in place. However, if there are some sparse areas or if your brows are not exactly of the same length, you will need to color these areas in. Even if you have black hair, it is usually not a very good idea to use the same shade for your brows. Try going a couple of shades lighter for a more natural and less severe appearance.

One of the easiest products to use is the e.l.f. Brow Kit. The tinted gel gives you the color you need while keeping everything where it should be. The powder helps set it and gives a clean and polished look.

Seeing in Full Color

Now as long as you have a guide to follow, the brows shouldn’t be that difficult. What happens when you get to the eyelids? This just might be the most challenging part of applying eye makeup. There are so many colors to choose from, so a lot of women don’t really know which colors to choose, how many to use at one time, and how to achieve the desired effect. Well, first of all, the secret to applying eyeshadow is blending. You don’t want to make it look as if you just plastered on some color. What you want is a subtle fade-out effect from the area closest to your eye going up to your browbone.

So, if you have a palette with you, use the lightest color fro your brow bone. Apply it just so it serves as a highlight. You can then use the darker shade on the eyelid. If you wish, you can apply an even darker shade just around the outer corners of your eye, or you can use this to outline the shape of the lid. Think you’re done? Not quite. Take a soft brush and use this to blend and soften the delineation between the darker and lighter colors.

The smoky eye is one of the most popular looks, but this doesn’t really work well during the day. Try to use lighter, more natural colors first, then simply layer on the darker, more dramatic shades right before you move on to your evening rendezvous.

Shimmery colors are great, but you will need some basic matte colors to make sure your look stays classic and clean. Bobbi Brown’s Day to Night Cool Eye Palette is a great choice! If you’re not so used to using eyeshadow yet, you can be sure that this set is a great one to start with. It will allow you to experiment with safer looks and eventually get bolder as you become more confident. It’s a must-have for those who already wear makeup all the time, too.

 

Opening up with eyeliner

Now, the eyes can easily get drowned out with eyeshadow, especially if you use a lot of light or shimmery colors. Make sure that your eyes still pop by using a good eyeliner.

I always say that eyeliner is one of my best friends. True enough, I rarely leave home without it. It can really make a difference between a sleepy look and one that appears fresher and more alert. As such, if you want to go for a really barefaced and natural look, you can get away with just a light foundation, lip gloss, and eyeliner.

Eyeliner comes in a variety of forms. You can choose pencil, liquid, or gel eyeliner. My personal preference is gel eyeliner, because I don’t have to sharpen anything, and it’s easier for me to apply than liquid eyeliner. There are some liquid eyeliners which get really runny, and it can be quite hard to cover up the mess. If you want to use a gel eyeliner though, you will have to get a special brush. Eyeliner brushes pick up the product better and give a more precise and defined look.

When you apply the product, start from the inside going out. You may have to use your other hand to stretch your eyelid out to help you draw a clean and even line. If you want to open up your eyes a bit more, just go a tiny bit beyond the edge of the eye to create an upward curve. Don’t go too far, though! Subtlety is still the standard here. If you want to use eyeliner under your eyes, do so sparingly to avoid looking too harsh. Apply the product along the waterline of your eye for a more striking look. To soften things up a bit, use a brush to apply a tiny amount of eyeshadow along the outline. Just try not to spread it out too much, or you might end up looking like a raccoon.

If you want to try using a gel eyeliner that glides on smoothly and gives a clean outline, try Makeup Forever’s Aqua Creamliner. The consistency is just right. Of course, it’s not a good idea to leave the jar open fro extended periods of time. Aside from exposing the product to contaminants, you are also drying it out and making it difficult to work with.

Go ahead and bat those lashes!

Last but not least, remember that nothing makes a girl look more mysterious than beautiful lashes. You can choose to get extensions, but if you’re not up for all of the maintenance that comes with these, then just use good mascara or put on the occasional falsie.

The first thing you should do is use an eyelash curler. There are some brands which heat up to hold the curl, but I wouldn’t really recommend those, especially since the eye area is very sensitive. Shu Uemura has a really nice curler with a sturdy rubber pad. You can use something like this – just remember to release the handle and not to pull on your lashes!

There are many mascara brands and types out there, so choose one based on the effect you need most. Do you need length, volume, curl, or all of these? Try to get a brand and type which is easy for you to handle. For instance, Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Expression Mascara is great for adding curl and volume, and since the brush is tilted, it is easier to handle.

On the other hand, if you don’t want any smudges or if you’re up for a more dramatic look, then try using false eyelashes instead. I’ve found these really useful during weddings and occasions which present the possibility for a bit of sentimentality. No mess! You can get full lashes or individual accents. Just apply the lash glue on to the edge, let it set for a few seconds, and, using tweezers, stick them on to the base of your real lashes. It may take some practice, but it’s worth it!

Shu Uemura has an entire line of amazing lashes in different colors and designs. For a natural look, go for their Flare Eyelashes. People will barely notice that you’re wearing falsies!

The eyes are certainly the most noticeable of all our facial features, so don’t try to hide them behind too much product. Use the tools you have properly, and then just allow those beauties to sparkle and shine!

 

 

 

 

The Makeup Series (Part 3): No More Flaws with Concealer

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It may be because you are always in a rush and can’t be bothered to take this extra step, or it could just be because you’re not quite sure how to work with them, but you may be one of the many women who veer away from the use of concealers. Now unless you have incredibly luminous and flawless skin, you are missing out on something if you do not try adding a good concealer to your list of makeup essentials.

More often than not, we think that concealers are only useful for covering up obvious blemishes, such as pimple marks and redness. However, using a good concealer can also help hide the effects of those sleepless nights by diminishing dark circles under the eyes. This gives a fresh effect and helps avoid distracting raccoon eyes which can really take a lot away from the efforts you put into applying makeup on your face.

 

Just a dab goes a long way

One of the most important things to remember though, is that concealer can be your best friend or your absolute worst enemy. If applied incorrectly, it can make you look even more splotchy, which is exactly what you wanted to avoid in the first place. It is therefore important to use very little product with each application. You may want to use a concealer brush, as this picks up the right amount of product and is able to apply it precisely to the areas which need attention. An alternative, and one that I personally prefer, is the tip of your pinky finger. This is useful for blending, since your body heat helps incorporate the product more evenly.

If you are applying concealer underneath your eyes, start from the inner portion going out. Try not to use outward strokes, because it might spread the product unevenly. Instead, use a tiny amount each time and pat the area until the product has been well-blended into the skin. If you are using a cream product and intend to set it with a powder-based one, don’t wait too long, as the color may not come out very evenly.

If you are using a cream foundation, you can apply the concealer first and then layer the foundation over it. However, if you are using cake or liquid foundation, you will have to apply the concealer after. Personally, I always apply the concealer after foundation because I feel like I have more control over the evenness of the application and the final effect. I also don’t end up ponging or brushing away the concealer with my foundation.

 

Great concealer picks

The kind and consistency of concealer you buy will depend on your skin type as well as the kind of blemishes you intend to cover up. One of the most versatile buys is Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit. The product blends well and keeps the skin adequately moisturized, which helps avoid caking. It also comes with pressed powder to allow you to set the product evenly and quickly.

Another crowd favorite is Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage. It covers up minor discolorations effectively.

Perhaps the most popular of them all, Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat is not really a concealer in the conventional sense. If you use it like a regular concealer, you might not be able to take advantage of its benefits. It actually works more like a highlighter as it brightens the face and erases dark circles and shadows, making your skin look even and giving you that beautiful glow.

 

There are many other brands and types for you to experiment with. Don’t be afraid of using concealers, but don’t try to “conceal” your entire face with the product, either! You may find that a tiny, almost invisible dab is all that you will need to perfect your look.

 

 

Photos via bobbibrowncosmetics.com, lauramercier.com, ysl-parfums.com

The Makeup Series (Part 2): Setting the Stage with Foundation

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We’ve talked a bit about cleansing and priming the skin in one of our previous articles. Now comes the fun part… We’ll be talking about “actual” makeup. This starts with foundation and concealer. These two products can make or break your look. After all, you can have all the color you want, but if you don’t have flawless-looking skin, then you won’t achieve whatever effect you’re going for. In fact, you just might end up looking worse.

This is probably why I have, for years, been left stymied by these two products. I had used a lot of guesswork in the past, and my old pictures are an embarrassing testament to that. After a few years of hits and misses, I finally understood how to make these products work for me. While I can’t claim to be the authority on cosmetics, I hope these tips will help you do the same… And since the simplest things can often be the most complicated, let’s focus on foundation for now.

 

Liquid, cake, and other dilemmas

With countless products in the market, it can be so easy to get lost. One of the first things you have to decide on is whether to get a liquid or cake foundation. Since liquid foundation started becoming popular, I have become a convert. I love how easy it is to apply, and how I don’t have to use a sponge dipped in water when I use it, but that’s just me.

There are some guidelines you may want to be aware of before you decide for yourself. Cake foundation, for example, is supposed to give more coverage. It is also more likely to give you a matte finish for a longer period of time. This makes it a better option if you have oily skin. Of course, with new products coming out every season, exceptions have been created, and there are now liquid formulations which promise to give a matte finish that lasts.

There are also products which offer different benefits, such as added SPF. While it’s great if you can find a good product which can double as a sunscreen, it’s not really wise to depend on this alone, especially since the effects won’t necessarily last for very long, especially if you are exposed to sunlight (yes, even through your office window) or bright lights for extended periods of time. The verdict? Go for it if you want, but use a separate sunscreen with the right SPF anyway.

The same goes for products which promise to double as foundation and skin treatment. They’re great, but they’re not really substitutes for getting actual treatment for any condition you may have.

Of course, there are always exceptions. If you have a very specific condition or allergy, then you simply MUST opt for a hypoallergenic product. Your dermatologist knows best when it comes to these things.

 

How do you know which shade of foundation is best for you?

One of the most common mistakes that women make when choosing makeup is testing the foundation on the back of the hand or on the wrist. Ladies, foundation is quite different from perfume, so don’t even try the wrist technique! Unless the color of your skin is perfectly even all throughout your body, which is highly unlikely, this won’t work. Chances are, the color of your hand or wrist is several shades away from the actual color of your facial skin. (Here’s a quick tip: If you’re Asian, chances are, you will need a foundation with yellow undertones. Don’t worry, it won’t make your skin look sallow – instead, it will lend your skin a nice, natural-looking glow.)

Now all you have to do is take a very small amount of the product and blend it along your jaw line. The product you want is that which seems to disappear completely into your skin. Don’t choose a color that seems a bit too light, unless you’re okay with looking like a china doll, and don’t choose a darker shade, because you just might end up looking burnt. If you want a bronze effect, well, you’ve got bronzer for that.

Some people have more acidic skin than others, though. Now this is the exception, because if you’re highly acidic, there will be a tendency for the product to darken on your skin after some time. If you think you might be acidic, try the product and let it sit for a few hours. If you notice that it has turned a bit darker than your actual skin tone, then you might have to test a foundation which is a shade lighter. Again, wait and see if the color changes. This may make foundation selection seem like such a pain, but trust me, it is well worth all the effort.

 

Less is more

Once you’ve chosen the right product, it’s time to put it to good use! Don’t rely on your fingertips for this task. Aside from the fact that it will probably take longer for you to finish, you could mess up your clothes and end up with a less-than-polished look. Depending on the product, you can choose to use a foundation sponge or a foundation brush. Some cake foundations work better with sponges, but the creamier formulations are easily picked up by the brushes, too.

If you decide to use a sponge, choose the triangular ones over the round sponges. The corners can be very useful whenever you want to blend the color on smaller areas, or when you want to clean up smudges caused by eyeshadow or eyeliner.

I am personally a fan of brushes, and I think a good foundation brush is the ultimate must-have (okay, good eyeliner is the ultimate must-have, but you get my point). It makes makeup application more pleasurable as it glides on smoothly on your skin. Of course, the shape allows you to reach smaller spots, as well.

When you apply foundation, make sure to use just a tiny bit with each application. Don’t pile on the product immediately, or else your face is going to look cakey in the end. Just like salt, it is easier to use just a little and gradually add more than to use a lot and find it difficult to reverse the damage. Apply the product using downward strokes, following the direction of facial hair growth (yes, you do have facial hair!) to allow the product to glide seamlessly on your skin. If you’re new to makeup, this may seem tedious, but with a bit of practice, you should feel more comfortable with it quite quickly.

 

A few of our top picks

Since there are so many products out there, it is impossible to come up with a definitive list of the best products. To help you get a headstart, here are some which have been tried, tested, and loved!

Who says liquid foundation is not for those with oily skin? Nars’ Sheer Matte Foundation is specially-made for those with normal to oily skin, and has been formulated to fight shine all day. This is a great product to use on a daily basis as it keeps the skin looking bright and fresh.

 

On the other hand, those with dry skin can take comfort in the fact that something has been created especially for them. One of the best brands ever when it comes to foundation, Bobbi Brown, has come up with the Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation. Aside from providing full coverage, it also contains oils from jojoba and avocado which nourish the skin all day long. It’s a great choice for young ladies who have naturally dry skin or who live in very dry weather conditions. It’s also excellent for middle-aged or older women who are starting to see some wrinkling.

 

The last one on our list, Shu Uemura’s Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation, helps you achieve the right balance because it provides a matte effect while keeping the skin hydrated. This product is so light, which makes it great for those who don’t want to feel like they’re wearing makeup.

 

So that’s my take on foundation. Do YOU have any favorites?

 

 

 

Photos via narscosmetics.com, bobbibrowncosmetics.com, and shuuemura.co.uk