Here's how we created our look:
We began with a rigorous cleansing by massaging a pearl-sized amount of Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser into wet skin. The tamarind fruit acid lifts away pore-blocking dry or dead skin cells.
A swipe of Shiseido "Pureness" Anti-Shine Refreshing Lotion on a cotton round will refresh skin, and the added powder in the formula will prepare you for a day free of extra oil-blotting.
To speed up the skin-tone evening process, smooth on a layer of Estee Lauder "Idealist" Even Skin-tone Illuminator. This will give an instant glow and redness reduction, and the oil-free formula is actually proven to improve skin-tone in just two weeks.
For a lightweight hydrator that's no "light-weight," follow with La Mer "The Moisturizing" Gel Cream, ideal for warmer weather. Antioxidant-rich and damage-repairing, this light-as-air whipped topping will leave skin feeling renewed and conditioned.
And you can't say I didn't warn you - the eyes have it! Never skip your eye cream. To dramatically depuff and hydrate, we chose two products: Clinique All About Eyes De-Puffing Eye Massage, followed by Bliss "Fabulous" Every Day Eye Cream. You'll reach nirvana with this dynamic duo that can tackle any eye issue you bring to the plate.
Apply a pearl sized amount of Guerlain "Meteorites" Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer. Its color-controlling elements use a trick of the light to banish imperfections even before you've picked up a brush, and your makeup will last well into the night while clinging to its sheer base. Best of all, you'll keep your lit-from-within look even after covering with foundation.
On to the makeup! For this look, you want to start by completely perfecting the complexion. A pop of blue on the eyes will look ravishing as long as it's not being drowned out by a bright red blemish or an inky dark circle. For a flawless look, start by targeting darkness under the eye with the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit. This dual-sided magician's assistant comes with a creamy cover that won't settle into lines, and a yellow-tinted finishing powder to set and illuminate.
To hide a multitude of sins, discover the veiling power of Smashbox "Camera Ready" Full Coverage Foundation. This cream-to-powder semi-matte is buildable, and comes with its own brush for portability. We like to use the Smashbox Foundation Brush with it at home, though, for more control. Stipple the product onto areas where you desire the most coverage, and blend it downward with light strokes for the rest of the face. Remember, kids, less is more. Adding is much easier than subtracting.
To add shading and dimension, apply Trish McEvoy Dual Matte Bronzer. Its pair of warm, Snooki-free tones can be blended together or used separately. You'll be sunshine-ready with the natural matte finish that won't leave you resembling a Christmas decoration.
Blush is a must, and you don't have to choose between bronze, red, rose and pink in Lancome "Desert Rose - Summer Collection" Blush. Sweep your brush over the whole palette and across the cheekbone for a kiss of color with a subtle shine that looks like you just stepped out from the garden.
With a to-die-for complexion like this, you can really step up the intensity of your eyes. Always begin with an eyelid primer, and we love bareMinerals "PrimeTime" Eyelid Primer in Original. As an added brightening step, sweep bareMinerals Well-Rested Shadow Base SPF 20 over lids and up the brow for a quick pick-me-up that screams "I GOT MY EIGHT HOURS!"
Blues and purples are natural co-conspirators, and they look youthful when used in a smoky eye. For a lid color, we chose Hematite from La Prairie. The rich, stay-true color will really add pizazz to those peepers. Blending it up to the brow bone lets it peek just over your opened eye, and when you blink - WHOA! Let's just say, we just figured out Blue's Clues. Indulge your playful side by smudging a small amount of Estee Lauder's Purple Passion "Pure Color" Eye Shadow into the crease. Blend, blend, blend. For this look, you want the edges of your colors to taper off like a soft breeze. No harsh lines here, ladies!
Now grab a Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and a Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, and rim those eyes with a healthy dose of blue, extending the outer line past the corner for a slight cateye. Me-ow.
Over the liner on the bottom lash line, press a little of the Hematite shadow. This will give it extra shine and depth.
In the inner corner and under the arch of the brow, press a bit of Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Blanc.
Load the lashes with Christian Dior "Diorshow Maximizer" Lash Plumping Serum. This lash primer will not only condition and fortify lashes, but it also thickens and extends them on contact, and whites out color in the lash so that the color of mascara you choose will be truer.
Follow with a generous dose of Diorshow Mascara in Azure Blue. This glamor staple delivers length, thickness, curl, and vibrant color. Coat the top and bottom lashes.
For the mischievous and adventurous, add false lashes over this look to build drama. We chose a pair from For Love 21 in blue! Glide on a teensy amount of Duo Lash Glue and press the lash directly onto the lashline, as close as possible to the actual lashes. Hide the seam with a super skinny line of Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink.
For the brave at heart, line the inner rim with Yves Saint Laurent Black Waterproof Eyeliner. Is it me, or did it just get smoldering in here?
Never neglect the brows! To tame and tighten, we love Smashbox Brow Tech. The double-end powder and wax gives you two color options to achieve the perfect shade, and an invisible wax to set and control shape. Apply with the Smashbox Brow Brush.
Last but not least, we hit the slopes (of the lip, that is) with bareMinerals "Pretty Amazing" Lip Color in Courage. This all-in-one liner, color, and gloss lasts all day and feels smooth and cushiony on lips.
Here's Kara wearing the whole look:
So get out there and flaunt it, girls. You've got all the tools to create a look that will wow the paparazzi, and you'd better be camera-ready, because of course they'll be mistaking you for Beyonce.... "Oh, Ms. Knowles! I mean... Mrs. 'Z!' Can we get a shot of your blue smoky eye?!"
Wink wink.
xoxo,
the lipgloss ladies
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