To prove that beige isn't boring, and nude not be a drab... Here's how to work the colors to suit summer's trends whether ethereal or uber tanned!

Sexily

1. Glam up by using a light tinted moisturizer such as Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. Sheer is in so don't pile on the base! If you need concealing, just spot conceal using a concealer brush. For Lani's under eye area, I used Smashbox's Photo Op Eye Brightener. When applying concealer on your under eye, use your ring finger. This finger applies the least pressure. Don't pull and tug the skin in this area because it has the thinnest skin! So pat your ring finger and blend from the outer corner to the inner corner of your eyes! Don't forget the area between the bridge of your nose and your tear ducts.

2. Dust your face with a powder with an illuminizing finish such as Lancome's Maqui Loose Powder in #01. To keep your makeup sheer and sheen, use a powder brush. Powder brushes come in different shapes and sizes. I myself prefer the big fully flat ones to it's easier to apply under the eyes. For a more matte and fuller coverage, use a cosmetic sponge. PAT don't SWEEP, otherwise, most of your base will come right off.

3. Contour and dust your face with a light bronzer with a big powder brush. Try Body Shop's Bronzer Brush-On Beads. To locate the placement of your bronzer, smile and put your index finger on the apples of your cheeks. Then extend you thumb to your temples in line with the tip of your ear. Where your finger rests, that is your cheekbone. Apply bronzer directly on this line in light strokes. Remember to tap off excess products first before application. You can always add some more product as you go along.

4. For the eyes, I used MAC's frost eyeshadow in Patina. A taupe brown shadow with golden pearl finish. Apply from your lashlines (starting at the outer corners, remember that where you first rest your brush will have the most product) up to just above your crease and blend the edges (brow bones) with a light beige shimmer shadow. Use a blending brush like MAC's Tapered Blending Brush #222. Don't forget to apply the dark shadow on your lower lash lines as well, and blend!

5. Skip the liner. Use a light mascara formula as to not off-set your "naked" beige/bronze look. Curl you lashes and apply 2 coats of mascara. If you are going for a night out, you can then use an eyeliner. I do however suggest using a khol pencil so that you can soften it by blending it.

6. Finish by applying lots of gloss. I am totally in love with Christian Dior's Diorific Lip Gloss in Pure Beige No. 197 -this is what I used on Lani. If you want something darker, go with the Beige Insouciant No. 317. If you are not used to wearing gloss, try also Laura Mercier's Lip Stain in Mocha. A products that provides a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lipgloss. This is long lasting too, but has a balm-y satin finish.

For a nice stain effect, use your ring finger and pat on your lips. Sometimes when you use the makeup wand the product comes with, you end up using way to much of the makeup and end up wiping the excess anyway. So dab a few drops of gloss on your ring finger and pat on your lips.



PHOTO CREDITS
Model Photographed by Kate Hassaram
Hair and Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Model: Lani Pillinger
Product shots courtesy of Google Images