Rockstar Bronzer: Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer

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Kat Von D’s Everlasting Bronzer promises up to 24-hours of color and the rich pigment offers buildable, custom coverage for every skintone. This I had to try.

Available in two shades:

1. Shady Business 1: pearlized brown with gold shimmer

2. Shady Business 2: pearlized dark brown with gold shimmer

The fade-proof formula is smooth, velvety and blendable. It glides onto the cheeks effortlessly and provides a radiant glow.

The color is the real ‘hero‘ of this product. It leans more red-toned than orange, avoiding “oompaloompa face.” It has tiny gold sparkles that create a subtle glow, boosting the complexion and mimicking the rays of the sun.

Boasting 24-hour wear, the formula is absolutely long-wearing. It lasts an entire work day and remains true-to-color without oxidizing.

These bronzers are very comparable to NARS Laguna and NARS Casino. However, I find the Kat Von D version to add more warmth to the skin while NARS bronzers can look “muddy.”

Brush on sun-kissed radiance with Kat Von D Everlasting Bronzer.

How-To: Missoni SS13 Neon Coral Lip

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Nothing lights up the face like a bright lip. One of my favorite makeup looks from Spring/Summer 2013 was Missoni. This neon coral lip is electric and fresh.

Off the runway – try this look with a barely-there face. Just a little mascara and blush/bronzer is all that is needed.

The Look:

“Cosmic couture… Futuristic, aerodynamic, astral, light, beautiful and radiant.” – makeup artist Lucia Pieroni for MAC.

LIPS

1. Mix together MAC Pro Lipmix in Fuchsia, Orange and White for a strong, vivid coral and use the MAC 316 Lip Brush to apply perfectly over the lips, keeping the edges noticeably straight.

2. Apply MAC Pro Pigment in Red Electric with the MAC 217 Blending Brush to set and matte the Lipmix, and provide a neon finish to the lips.

TIP: If you don’t want to mess with a myriad of products – try Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Shocking Coral or Vibrant Mandarin (my 2 favorites). For a matte look – dust some translucent powder or bright matte blush on top.

New Rules: Bright Whites

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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00

Colorblocking: Eyes/Lips

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Layering bright eye shadows, liners and lipsticks can result in a fun makeup look that’s right on trend for the season. Just like colorblocking clothes, there are a myriad of possibilities one can create with makeup as well.

There’s a much-heralded rule in beauty that if you do a bold eye, the rest of your makeup should be neutral. With colorblocking, this rule does not necessarily apply. The bright colors will play off each other and make your features pop.

Throw all traditional “rules” out the window and be creative. A lot of these looks are used in editorial or runway features, to make it wearable stick to only two areas of the face, i.e. eyes/lips, cheeks/lips. Tone down the colors and heavy-handed application for a sheer wash of color. This will create a more modern and everyday look.

Tangy Trend: Orange Nails

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This summer change up your lacquer collection with unexpected vibrant hues. Accessorize your fingers and toes with zesty shades of orange. This attention-getting hue comes in many energetic forms; bright coral, firey red, neon, tangerine – a hint of orange is a hot shade for summer.

Summer is synonymous with vibrant color and tanned skin. Express your personal style with loud, fun nail shades. Orange will work on every skin tone and looks incredible on bronzed, sun-kissed skin. These four zesty hues will set tanned skin on fire.

Illamasqua ~ Whack: $21.43

RGB ~ Coral: $16.00

Chanel ~ Holiday: $26.00

Dior ~ Psychedelic Orange: $23.00

To The Max: Pleated Maxi Skirts

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Add a bit of spring to your wardrobe… and step with a brightly-colored pleated maxi skirt. These pieces are popping up everywhere and are available in the most beautiful colors.

Wear these vibrant spring colors now by coordinating with bulky sweaters and cardigans. When the weather permits – transition effortlessly into spring with a simple tee or tank, sandal or espadrille. Wear a statement piece – necklace/earrings/bag/shoe – that plays with color scheme. Example – turquoise and red, royal blue and yellow, purple and lilac… 

The shape of these skirts can often camoflauge the waistline, to avoid this, wear a belt or find a maxi skirt with a different color waist band (yellow skirt pictured).

Topshop ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $40.00

Piperlime ~ Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt: $59.00

Bloomingdales ~ Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Maxi Skirt: $396.00

Shopbop ~ Tibi Maxi Pleated Skirt: $330.00

Forever 21 ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $24.80

Surprising Serum: Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

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Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation is a truly innovative product. This foundation, formulated with Organic Argan Oil, feels like a hydrating serum. The pigments instantly adjust to the skintone with a built-in color-match technology. It smooths and corrects any visible signs of aging and the Argan Oil-infused formula strengthens and balances the skin.

I was immediately impressed by this foundation. The coverage is medium but build-able. The finish has this amazing glow that looks incredibly healthy and the serum element feels extremely nutritious on the skin.

Word of caution: Foundation is available in two colors> Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. Test colors in natural light if possible. Foundation can appear a little orange, but if blended gradually, it should match any skintone.