Spice Up the Summer with Some Color!

often people think summer months and el natural makeup are synonomous and please believe, i fall into this rut myself.  there are days where most of us want nothing more than to jump out the shower, pull back the hair and whip on a coat or two of mascara, a tad of blush and your favorite sheer lipgloss.  don't get me wrong -- that's ohhh so fab but...zzzzzzzzzzz :-)

the summer is a sizzling and your makeup should be too.  no need to cake on the foundation, concealer and powder because it's all about the eyes and color, color and more color.  i know the thought of bright bold hues on the lids makes you shudder as you have flashbacks of "Sixteen Candles" but we aren't revisiting the '80s but instead playing with color in a much more tasteful way. it may force you to jump out of your comfort zone a bit but that's what makes it all that much more fun.  and to avoid resembling mimi from the drew carey show (hello blue eyeshadow!), steer away from monochromatic looks.  it know many of us are comfortable (and fAMiliar) with the color palette where we use various shades of one hue but we are going to mix and mingle. don't shy away from corals, yellows and peaches but also feel free to blend your favorite shimmery golds and chAMpagne shadows with blues and greens.

now just because this summer is liberating you from the nudes, don't go too crazy because not every color is for every skin type - some are safe for pretty much anyone, and some -- well not too much.

purples are a fab choice for brown eyes and olive complexion (hello rihanna!) but beware of the blues.  while it can most definitely be done, be sure that it's not too metallic.  you find people with warmer skin tones and darker complected will turn a radiant blue into a washed out ash gray.  we are going for a bright, vibrant look -- not dull and washed out.

i AM personally also a huge fan of greens of all shades -- hunter and lime to seafoAM and aqua -- and i don't know too many people and complexions that can't take it on.  take a peak yourself -- i've posted a pic of two ladies who are pretty different in features and i think this is a breath-taking look.

i AM not saying to ditch or abandon the refreshed, barely-there look this summer (because i AM definitely not) but don't continually rely on it as your safety net.  colors are so fun and really bring out your amazing features in ways that other makeup can not.  give it a try and don't get frustrated if you aren't able to accomplish perfection instantaneously.  that is the other difference between flirtatious, super flavorful shadows and your earth tones -- blending can be somewhat of a challenge.  so give it a whirl, experiment and have fun.  pay attention to your eye shape and just let the brush flow from there.  and when it's all said and done and you are out and about, be sure to bat your lashes now and then because with those eyes, you are saying, "i AM sensational!"