Are you lucky enough to be jetting off to a tropical locale this winter? First, we're so jealous! Second, we've got two words for you: wear white.
Why? Because Carmindy Bowyer, makeup artist and author of "5-Minute Face," says wearing white "adds a 'lil kick and something special." White always looks crisp and fresh, and is the perfect color to show off your (faux) tan. And isn't that exactly what you want on vacation?
Plus, Bowyer says wearing white as a makeup accent is actually not as hard as you might think. The key is in "pairing and application." We'll show you how to find the best shade for your skin tone (pasty or otherwise) and a few fun makeup looks to try for those nights at the hotel bar. And, to complete the look, we'll recommend the hottest white trends that walked the runway, so you can look resort-ready from head to toe.
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White highlighter
"White is an incredible color [for] a highlighter," Bowyer says. You can use it to highlight certain features on your face to stand out on bronzed skin. "A spot of white on the face can make [your face] look more intense, more modern."
Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez who gave Gwyneth Paltrow her lovely natural glow for this year's Academy Awards recommends "the St. Tropez Skin Illuminator, which is very pretty on your cheekbones." You can use it alone or mix with a tanning mousse to get a sun-kissed glow on your cheeks.
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White teeth
There is no hotter accessory than a beautiful white smile. While in-office teeth whitening may be cost prohibitive, thanks to the advancements in at-home kits, you can brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home.
Try Rembrandt Form-Fit Whitening Strips, $24.99, which comes with five 20-minute strips, or the Rembrandt 2 Hour Whitening Kit, $19.99 if you want a whiter smile -- fast. Dr. Timothy Chase of SmilesNY in New York City advises to stick "100 percent to the recommendations on the box" to avoid tooth sensitivity.
He also recommends avoiding stain-causing culprits like coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries and ketchup at all costs. (If you need your caffeine fix, rinse your mouth after indulging, and keep a toothbrush in your desk drawer at work to brush after any transgressions.)
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Black and white retro liner
Using white eyeliner "elongates the eye," Bowyer says. Pairing it with a black liner creates a retro '60s effect while still looking mod enough to wear for a night out. Using a liquid black eyeliner, line your lids and wing it out at your outer corners. Next, apply white liquid eyeliner under the black winged edge. Try tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner in Rondine Love, $16.
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White eye brightener
To add some sparkle to your eyes, Bowyer recommends using white as a spot highlighter in three primary locations: underneath your eyebrows, on the inner corners of your eyes, and in the center of your eyelids.
To use this technique, Bowyer advises to "do your makeup as normal." Then, apply "the white on those three key places. It's going to look modern, fresh and your eyes are going to pop." Pair it with a coral cheek and lip.
For day, she recommends to "choose cream formulas so they are sheer like a water color and highlight the eyes in a natural -- not stark way. I love Fresh Satin Luster Palette, $45." Use your fingers to apply the cream.
For a more glam, evening look, she recommends using a powder or a white shimmery eyeshadow instead of cream "because it has more intensity."
Are you lucky enough to be jetting off to a tropical locale this winter? First, we're so jealous! Second, we've got two words for you: wear white.
Why? Because Carmindy Bowyer, makeup artist and author of "5-Minute Face," says wearing white "adds a 'lil kick and something special." White always looks crisp and fresh, and is the perfect color to show off your (faux) tan. And isn't that exactly what you want on vacation?
Plus, Bowyer says wearing white as a makeup accent is actually not as hard as you might think. The key is in "pairing and application." We'll show you how to find the best shade for your skin tone (pasty or otherwise) and a few fun makeup looks to try for those nights at the hotel bar. And, to complete the look, we'll recommend the hottest white trends that walked the runway, so you can look resort-ready from head to toe.
