Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2012
As summer approaches, the beauty editor in me gets more and more giddy. It’s half because I was really inspired by the fresh makeup looks I spied backstage at the spring 2012 fashion shows and half because there’s something so liberating about ditching the full-coverage foundations and bright blushes I used to brighten my mood (and complexion) in the dreary winter months. Here are makeup swaps I’m happily making for summer. I hope they get you psyched too.
Beauty Swap No. 1: Foundation for Tinted Moisturizer
Practically every makeup look on the spring 2012 runways started with youthful-looking and glowing skin — especially at Alexander Wang. So I’ve already swapped my beloved Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $59, for a lighter tinted moisturizer that will let my skin breathe in the New York heat. I recently fell in love with Aveda Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture, $28 for it’s sheer, natural look, but also for the fact that it stays on longer than most. Because a tinted moisturizer doesn’t offer up enough coverage to disguise my dark under-eye circles, I’m also using concealer.
My favorite application trick: Apply tinted moisturizer before concealer, so you can really see where and how much coverage you need. It’ll prevent your face from looked caked with makeup — something you definitely want to avoid come summer. Try Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes, $8, which also contains SPF 20 to protect your delicate eye area — bonus!
Beauty Swap No. 2: Pink Blush for a Liquid Luminizer/Bronzer Combo
I totally dig the fresh, radiant faces seen at The Row’s spring 2012 show. All winter I dusted (and probably over-dusted) Nars Blush in Sex Appeal, $28, on the apples of my cheeks — it made me feel cheery and bright. But, now that I’m ready to look more beachy, I’ll be using this tip I picked up years ago: Mix a dot of liquid bronzer (I heart Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel, $38) with a dab of luminizer or highlighting liquid (try Stila All Over Liquid Luminizer, $20) on the back of your hand. Tap it right along the top of your cheekbones. It gives me a (faux) sun-kissed glow that looks totally natural.
Beauty Swap No. 3: Metallic Eyeshadow for Powder Bronzer
Monochromatic bronze shades are not only easy (multi-tasking, anyone?), but using the same shade family on your eyes and cheeks is also totally on-trend. We saw the look at Diane von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez and Alexander McQueen. So, I’m ditching my metallic shadows like DuWop Crush 18 Carat, $18, and instead sweeping my go-to bronzer Nars Bronzing Powder in Casino, $34 on my eyes from lashlines to creases. This trick ensures a natural look that works for day or night.
Beauty Swap No. 4: Tweezers for Bold Brows
Full brows made a big statement at the Proenza Schouler and Derek Lam shows, so instead of worry about keeping my brows perfectly groomed, like I usually do, I’m going to let them grow out. To keep them tamed, I’ll use a clear brow gel, like Ardell Sculpting Gel for Brows in Clear, $4. I know, not touching your brows with tweezers sounds like crazy-talk, but I promise, after you get used to it, you’ll fall in love with the natural shape of your brows — I did. Also, a bold brow looks super chic when paired with a soft neutral lip, so don’t go crazy with the rest of your makeup if you have dark, look-at-me brows.
Beauty Swap No. 5: Matte Pink and Red Lipsticks for Sheer Lip Stains
Lightening up my lipstick situation has been a welcome change — one I’ve been waiting for since I spied the prettiest petal pinks at the Carolina Herrera fashion show. That’s why I’ll be stashing my matte bold lip colors for a washed-out pink that looks like a stain when dabbed on gently with a fingertip. My new go-to: Laura Mercier Cremé Lip Colour in Rose, $24. If you want a product you can just swipe on quick, go for the It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver in Je Ne Sais Quoi, $20. It’s a stain, lip balm, lip stick and gloss in one.
What products are you looking forward to using this summer?
– Carrie Stern Kleiner
Main image: Style.com
