When it comes to makeup, products can really surprise you. How they appear on a model, or in jars, tubes and compacts, may offer more than what you just see on the surface, This is certainly my experience with Face Stockholm’s latest makeup look, created by Lead Makeup Artist Helen Andersson. “Beauty of Tradition” for Holiday and Winter 2012 is inspired by: “a caravan of cultural tradition, a mix of regional and global influences and traditions. ” You can tell this immediately from the beautiful model in the photo, above.
In Scandinavia, the traditional folk dress is characterized by a dominant color, bordered by bands of brilliant pattern. Andersson drew inspiration from these colors. At first I thought the colors would be too dramatic for daytime and wouldn’t flatter warmer complexions, but the thing about great makeup is that is flexible in formula, and how you apply it determines the intensity. Just because a model is wearing a very bold lip in a photograph doesn’t mean you have to follow the same application, slavishly. The bold, deep rusted berry lipstick called “Marocco,” for example, that looks so pretty on the model above, looked horribly goth on me. But I realized that if I just dabbed a bit on my lips with a fingertip, or applied it directly from the tube and then blotted it, the color became a more natural more rusted red than berry color that is more flattering.
In this look, cheeks are treated to creamy blush called “Rhinebeck” (one of my favorite weekend haunts and there is a Face Stockholm store right on the main street). The color looked alarmingly red in the iconic, shiny silver, Face Stockholm compact, but on cheeks it is a super-sheer, blush-inducing tint that looks magically natural.
Two powder shadows are used in this look. Eyes are also naturally neutral, with a shimmery, nude, sheer shadow called: “Parlemo,” and for accent, an intense, matte, blackened plum/chocolate called: “Brunogd.” A final touch for the eyes are bits of false eyelashes. Anyone who reads my column knows that I personally loathe them in any form, but there are devotees who will literally not leave the house without them. You choose what side you want to be on, but you can make this look lovely with Face Stockholm mascara and brown eye pencil, without this (optional) addition.
Here are some application suggestions to “get the look” directly from Face Stockholm!
One of the main features in this year’s look is radiant, glowing skin. Begin by pampering your skin with one of FACE Stockholm’s hydrating moisturizers. For a rich, moisturizing winter base layer, try Aloe Vera Intense Moisture Cream orSeaweed Cream for light-weight hydration. Apply Rhinebeck Crème Bush under the cheekbones, to create some contour, and finish by bringing some color onto the apple of the cheek. Next, apply Go Natural Loose Mineral Powder #2 (or the shade that’s right for your skin tone), using one of our incredibly soft synthetic brushes perfect for foundation. Try Powder and Bronzer Brush #32 or Foundation Brush #34. *The Natural Loose Mineral Powder is a foundation and a powder in one. It can be layered to even out skin tone as needed , or use even more for more coverage. You can press a layer into your skin using a makeup sponge to reduce redness around the nose and mouth for example, or even blemishes. Sweep Pärlemo Matte Shadow from lash line to brow bone. Add a light dusting of Brunögd Matte Shadow to lightly line the upper lash line. It can also be added to the crease for more depth, if desired. To give eyelids more of a lift use the Art Eye Pencil in between top lashes making sure to smudge line with the smudger end of the pencil. Curl lashes with a Lash Curler before applying a coat Lash Booster Mascara. This revolutionary formula will stimulate the growth of the lashes, making them visibly longer and fuller. In just one stroke you will have separated, long, beautiful eyelashes.
For faux lash lovers there is this advice: (Face Stockholm) used individual Individual Short #1 false eyelash flairs in black to create even more drama to the eye. Use a Tweezer to pick up a lash, dip it in Lash Glue and wait a few seconds for it to dry a little. Apply lashes starting at the outer corner of lash line, building towards the center. Use 5-8 flairs. Then carefully add another coat of mascara, bringing your own lashes and the “falsies” together. Arch the brows with Brow Shadow in Bjork using Angular Sable Brush #13 .
A dark, dramatic lipstick needs to be executed with care and a precise hand. (Face Stockholm) recommends using Medium Lip Brush #18 or the portable Retractible Lip Brush to apply Morocco Lipstick. *the Advice Sisters suggest dabbing a bit on your finger like a lip stain, or applying and blotting, if the color is just too intense for your taste.
This Beauty of Tradition look is a romantic idea for Valentine’s Day, or any day, actually! Buy the entire look, or pick up the lipstick and blush for a pick me up that will help you glow all Winter long. All products available at all FACE Stockholm locations from 888.334.FACE and www.facestockholm.com