Pretty in Paris

Mar
18
2012

This coquettish look is reminiscent of the screen sirens of the 1960′s: classic black winged liner, paired with a glossy pale lip and sculpted cheekbones is truly a modern classic.

Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sofia Loren made this look famous in days of yore. More recently, it can be seen on Adele on the cover of Vogue (and pretty much all the time, for that matter), and gracing the pages of fashion magazines and red carpets everywhere.

Among the long list of fashion houses showing this look during Spring Fashion Week 2012 were Chanel, Ruffian, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Jill Sander, Dolce & Gabana (see below right), and Jonathan Saunders.

To achieve this look, begin by prepping the lids with your foundation or concealer. This ensures the longevity of your application.

Press a flesh-toned eye shadow, like Bisque ($15) all over the eye, from lash line to brow bone.

Using a Squirrel Mini Crease brush ($25), contour the crease and outer corner of the eye with Taupe or Caramel shadow (both $15).

Draw a thin line along top lash lines only with a Black pencil ($13), thickening the line as it reaches the outer corners to create a winged effect.

Next, mix Black Onyx shadow ($15) with Eyeliner Sealer ($12) to create a liquid liner, and trace over the line you’ve created. The beauty of Eyeliner Sealer is that it once applied, it is completely budge-proof.

Take the same shade that was used in the crease of the eye, and apply below the cheek bones with an aDesign Flat Top Foundation Brush ($38).
This technique creates a sculpted appearance and really makes the cheekbones pop.

Line the lip softly with Sand pencil ($13), and top off with a healthy dose of Hello Sexy gloss ($16.50), a shimmering peachy beige. All products available at Authentic Beauty.

Need a little help getting Pretty in Paris? Come in for a one-on-one lesson with an Authentic Beauty artist. Seasonal looks lessons are on special for $50 (regularly $75) for a limited time.
Not only do we promise you will love what you see when you look in the mirror, but that you will be able to do it yourself!

Spring (Makeup) Fever

Feb
14
2012
Spring is almost upon us once again, and we at Authentic Beauty are gearing up for another season of gorgeous makeup looks.
Spring 2012 is  all about embellishment, from clothes and hair accessories to makeup. Extra little touches add layers of interest, creating looks that are multidimensional and striking. Glowing skin, shimmery highlighted tear ducts, flushed rosy cheeks, smoky metallic eyes, and boldly colored lips flooded the runways of New York, Paris, and Milan.
One recurrent trend we are seeing a lot of is the bold red lip. Designers like Jason Wu, Zac Posen, Christian Dior,  and Anna Sui all showed variations of this classic look. Our version for Spring 2012 pairs a sheer, juicy poppy lip ( most similar to the lips at Zac Posen, see left), with a softly gilded lid.
The eternal catwalk classic, the smoky eye was also in full force. This season’s versions played with rich metallic tones- either tempered by a nude lip (Armani, Pucci, Rodarte) , or done in a 1980s style with a bold red lip. At the Rodarte show, makeup artists crafted a shimmering navy smoky eye, citing inspiration from Van Gogh’s “A Starry Night” (see right). Our version of this trend? A navy lid, tempered by a warm peach below the brow, paired with a cleanly contoured cheek and cafe au lait lip.
A look that seems to pop up again, year after year, is that of minimalist makeup. This year’s versions showcased a couple of different takes on minimal makeup; ethereal, glowy skin with flushed cheeks (Louis Vuitton, Versace, Tracy Reese, Viktor & Rolf, Elie Saab). or velvety perfected skin with LOTS of bronzer, a la Michael Kors and Bottega Veneta.
Our take for spring pairs radiant skin with a flushed pink cheek and rosebud lip. It is inspired not only by the runways, but also the quietly elegant beauty of Kate Middleton.
The winged liner also had quite a bit of representation on the runways this season- designers like Dolce & Gabana, Betsey Johnson, and The Blondes,  showed versions of this 1960s-inspired modern classic. Our version pairs velvety skin with a winged black eyeliner, chiseled cheekbones, and a pale nude lip. While Brigitte Bardot did it first, this look has become Adele’s signature look, and is beautiful on any and all skin/eye/hair colors.
For the first look at Authentic Beauty’s Spring 2012 collection, “A Beautiful Escape”, come to Champagne & Shadows Friday February 24, from 6-9PM. All are welcome, so grab your friends and  join us for champagne, bites, complimentary makeup touchups, and lots of fun!
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