Lately, all the glossy magazine spreads and front-row-shots of runway shows have been showing dazzling color on models' faces. Tangerine orange, electric blue, bright green -- all gorgeous colors that look stunning � on flawless-skinned models with perfect bone structure.
Can normal women (like us) really wear electric blue eyeshadow and purple lips without looking like we belong in a Lil' Mama music video? Founder of Nars Cosmetics Francois Nars says yes.
"Color is fun! Don't be so serious," he says. "After all, it's only makeup."
At the end of the day, even the boldest cat-eye or the most shocking hot pink lip wipe off. So while you may not be able to so easily take back a creative experiment at a tattoo parlor, you can go bold, try colors, and create something new with makeup -- without any risk or consequence.
So for those of you whose makeup palette is starting to resemble your beige-colored living room set, see how to punch up your look with tips from Nars National Makeup Stylist Janice Daoud and celebrity makeup artist David Maderich. They share step-by-step tutorials and product recommendations so you can wear these crazy colors without looking like a bubblegum-smacking teenager.
And if you're still feeling a little unsure about turquoise eyeshadow or fuschia lips, Poppy King, founder of Lipstick Queen Cosmetics, shares her secret to making every color wearable: "For any color you're scared of, you can wear it as a sheer formula," she says. "It doesn't have to be full pigment to be on-trend." Also, when doing a bold makeup color, make sure the rest of your face, and even your clothing and accessories, don't compete. Let your one swipe of wild lip or eyeshadow color garner all of the attention it deserves. Ready to give your boring makeup a kick of color? See how to wear the hottest color trends now.
Photo 2/9
Tangerine orange lips
Move over black, there's a new "it" color in town, and it's not going anywhere (at least until 2013). The authority on color, Pantone, just named tangerine orange the "Color of the Year" for 2012. Pantone says the vibrant reddish orange is both "exotic" and "friendly." And the best part: the sunset hue is flattering on all skin tones. See Daoud's tips on how to make the candy hue more wearable.
Bonus: "Since a matte lip can be a bit tricky, start with a gloss, like Nars Velvet Gloss Pencil in Happy Days, $24, and work your way up to a lipstick," says Maderich.
Photo 3/9
Orange eyeshadow
If you're imagining a Tropicana bottle on your lids right now, we understand why you'd be turned off. But Doud says wearing orange-based hues on your lids can make blue eyes pop and accentuate brown eyes as well. Plus, there is a way to wear the runway trend without looking like you belong in the juice aisle. Here's how:
For fair skin tones: "Creamsicle shades of orange look great on fair skin, and especially make blue eyes pop," says Doud. Try Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Rust Orange, $19.
For darker skin tones: Wear a bright tangerine shade (try Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Tangerine, $19), which will stand out against darker skin. "The key is to layer; start with a sheer application and add that bright pop of color onto the lid or into the crease and finish with a sweep of bronzer on your face for a sun-kissed glow," says Doud.
Bonus: To make sure the shadow is the focal point of your makeup, keep the rest of the face neutral with a coral-hued blush and a creamy nude lipstick.
Photo 4/9
Purple lips
Before you freak, hear us out -- and believe us when we say this hot trend isn't reserved for glamazons. Even if you've never strayed from the pink lip realm, Maderich says purple isn't too far of a leap -- and it can actually be flattering. Here's how to do it right:
For fair skin tones: The paler you are, the more you'll want to lean toward a wine-purple, merlot color. Maderich says going sheer is a great way to wear the hue without letting it overpower your skin. Try Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $15 -- it goes on sheer but still gives a gorgeous color.
For darker skin tones: "The deeper the skin, the more blue-based the purple should be, so that your skin doesn't look ashy," says Maderich. Try Dior Dior Addict Lipstick in Mysterious Mauve, $30.
Bonus: Make sure you thoroughly cover any under-eye circles and blemishes when wearing a purple lip. "Anything purple will make the red in your skin stand out," says Maderich.
Photo 5/9
Electric blue eyeshadow
Just swapping your black eyeshadow for blue is an easy way to punch up your makeup look. And, "blue eyeshadow looks great on every skin tone," says Daoud. Maderich loves Nars Matte Eyeshadow in Outremer, $24. "I've used it on everyone from pale-skinned blondes to dark chocolate skin tones." So what's the secret in wearing this bright hue? "If you're going to wear it, you should own it." Which means you should pack the shadow onto your lid. "You don't want to go wishy washy with this color. Just make sure to blend it to get a smooth finish," says Maderich.
For fair skin tones: You can use the eyeshadow as an eyeliner by wetting your brush, and winging it out. Or use a colored eyeliner like Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric, $19.
For medium skin tones: Apply bright blue eyeshadow on your upper lid, then smudge the shadow under the eye for a softer look.
For darker skin tones: For an edgier look, you can wear a taupey-colored shadow on your lid, then put the bright blue shadow in your inner corners, where you would normally put a highlight. The bright color will make your skin look radiant, says Maderich.
Bonus: Make sure to have beautiful, flawless skin if you try this trend. "Pack on the blue shadow, apply lots of mascara, then keep the rest of the face pretty nude," says Maderich. Do a taupey-colored cheek and lip, and Maderich says "you'll look hot."
Lately, all the glossy magazine spreads and front-row-shots of runway shows have been showing dazzling color on models' faces. Tangerine orange, electric blue, bright green -- all gorgeous colors that look stunning � on flawless-skinned models with perfect bone structure.
Can normal women (like us) really wear electric blue eyeshadow and purple lips without looking like we belong in a Lil' Mama music video? Founder of Nars Cosmetics Francois Nars says yes.
"Color is fun! Don't be so serious," he says. "After all, it's only makeup."
At the end of the day, even the boldest cat-eye or the most shocking hot pink lip wipe off. So while you may not be able to so easily take back a creative experiment at a tattoo parlor, you can go bold, try colors, and create something new with makeup -- without any risk or consequence.
So for those of you whose makeup palette is starting to resemble your beige-colored living room set, see how to punch up your look with tips from Nars National Makeup Stylist Janice Daoud and celebrity makeup artist David Maderich. They share step-by-step tutorials and product recommendations so you can wear these crazy colors without looking like a bubblegum-smacking teenager.
And if you're still feeling a little unsure about turquoise eyeshadow or fuschia lips, Poppy King, founder of Lipstick Queen Cosmetics, shares her secret to making every color wearable: "For any color you're scared of, you can wear it as a sheer formula," she says. "It doesn't have to be full pigment to be on-trend." Also, when doing a bold makeup color, make sure the rest of your face, and even your clothing and accessories, don't compete. Let your one swipe of wild lip or eyeshadow color garner all of the attention it deserves. Ready to give your boring makeup a kick of color? See how to wear the hottest color trends now.
