In last month’s Style Section I discussed lightening our wardrobes with breathable fabrics in lighter colors. This month I will discuss what is deemed fashion forward in the world of makeup by the fashionista magazines and websites we all look toward for advice, Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, and COVERGIRL just to name a few. Read on to see what these style gurus believe is trend worthy.

Harper’s Bazaar.com  believes, “The reign of no-makeup makeup is officially over: It’s the season for bright red lips, electric blue eyes, glitter and false lashes”. Makeup artists are in agreement that classic red lipstick in a satin finish is a must have this season. Many stylists such as Dolce and Gabbana, Donna Karan, and Oscar de la Renta have all created “candy apple” lipsticks for greater impact this season. Although Allure.com believes a shade “lighter than brown but darker than tan” considered a “chestnut – colored lipstick” is a season best bet. This unique hue is created by “lining lips with M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Cork, then layering a custom blend of yellow, brown, orange, and red pigments on top”. Other suggestions would be to try “Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chai or Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Chocolatte” for a similar look. However, if red is still your lip color of choice Allure has recommended “Maybelline New York ColorBlur by Lip Studio in Cherry Cherry Bang Bang” coupled with pale skin to create a dramatic effect.

For eyes, blue makeup seems to be the color of choice by most designers, although some makeup artists also recommend white and gold to heighten eyelids. Makeup artist Lucia Pieroni “traced the top and bottom lash lines and added extra oomph by smooshing a bit of cobalt cream shadow into the roots of the lashes. By having the vivid blue shade both along the waterline and the lash line, the models’ eyes looked much brighter and more defined”. According to Allure.com “Go smoky with sparkly navy, draw a heavy line of…blue across your lids and for days when you want ‘a little bit of chaos’ (and a lot of attention)”.

Allure.com is all about the “clumpy lashes and faux freckles” due to the 70’s runway revival at fashion week. With Lord & Berry Back in Black High Definition Mascara you can create clumpy lashes. Achieve this look “by holding the wand parallel to the lashes and brushing it back and forth in a windshield-wiper motion”. As for the realistic freckles use, “different-colored pencils” and press “the blunt tips into the skin to create dots, scattering them over the nose and cheeks and putting them in random places”. By lightening your foundation and toning down lips you will add a retro flirty look to your style.

Although these looks are certainly not for everyone, some of us continue to prefer the natural or sun kissed bronzed look. According to celebrity makeup artist for COVERGIRL cosmetics Sam Fine, “Bronzer is a booster” and to wear it correctly “choose a shade that’s one shade darker than your skin tone” for “warmth and richness”. Allure.com says for a sun kissed look, “Line your eyes with dark brown pencil, and choose a medium-toned bronzer with a hint of gold shimmer” they recommend Nars Bronzing Powder in Casino. “Dust the powder all over your lids and blend it up to the brow bones. Then apply it on both the apples of the cheeks and along the cheekbones as a contour”. To finish off this fabulous look match with a creamy lipstick such as Maybelline New York SuperStay 14HR Lipstick in Lasting Chestnut. Top off your bronzed goddess appearance with lots of black mascara!

We will continue with a final section on hair for spring trends next month in the Style Section. Remember to check back for part three of what is fashion forward for spring 2016 hair. See you then!

Quote of the day:
“You can change your whole attitude by just doing your eyeliner or lipstick differently.”
~Beyoncé, singer

Affordable accessory alert:
NARS Bronzing Powder, usually priced from $24 and up, received 4.3 out of 5 lipsticks (their idea of stars) from 197 reviews on www.Makeupalley.com. You can read the reviews here to choose the bronzer color that is right for you! Check it out!