steven's Blog

IF there’s an optimum time on the calendar to experiment with colour, it’s high summer.

IF there’s an optimum time on the calendar to experiment with colour, it’s high summer.

Sporting naturally sun-kissed skin, you can be more experimental with brights and venture outside your cosmetics comfort zone.

“This summer’s hottest make-up trend is all about eye-popping colours teamed with a bronzed glow,” says Collection make-up artist Francesca Neill. “A bold wash of colour can instantly brighten your face.”

For maximum impact, play on one feature with an intense bright and avoid the rainbow effect. Time to pick your colour of summer 2014 and get creative.

Accent eyes

If you’re going super-bright, you don’t have to pile on the product to make a statement. “Vivid or bright colours can be used on either the upper or lower eye areas and are best applied in minimal quantities,” says make-up artist, Rae Morris.

queeniedress plus size homecoming dresses

“Try applying your colour as a fine line, very close to the lash line, or a corner accent on the inner and/or outer corners, for that extra impact.”

Think of your bright eye as accessorising, as with a striking handbag or piece of jewellery that will be a key focus of your final look.

Electric lips

With bright lipstick, you either fall into the cool or warm category. If you have pinkish undertones to your skin, try fuschia pinks or pinky corals. If you have yellow undertones, experiment with orangey reds for a flattering pout.

“Bright lips bring a new lease of life to any look,” says Seventeen make-up artist Vanesa Guallar.

“The paler your skin, the bigger the pop, so go light on the eyes and the blush. Leave the rest of your face fresh and luminous, and your eyes bare. To go bolder, use a lip liner for extra definition, or, for a more subtle wash of colour, try a tinted lip balm or gloss.”

If you’re trying out a new bright, test the colour on your lips, rather than the back of your hand, to achieve a true-to-life tone.

Notice-me nails

The non-committal way to work the boldest of colours? Via your fingertips.

Because your hands are below your waist, there are no restrictions on the shade you choose, nor how bright you go.

“Bold, bright and neon nails are always popular in the summer months, because they complement a golden glow,” says Laura Maddock, Orly manicurist.

“The key with bright shades is to use a good base and top coat, as chips show up more easily than on dull or nude shades. To really make the bright colour pop, paint a layer of white polish underneath your shade, for the ultimate stand-out look.”

To make a fashion statement, match bright nails to statement rings or to a clutch bag, to work some co-ordinated colour.

Stuff we like

Make a bold statement with this shocking pink shade. More than just a fashion statement, it glides on like a dream, leaving your lips soft and kissable. Not for the retiring.

Colour lash mascara in blue, €2.69.

Bat for summer with this eye-catching mascara. The colour works a treat with a post-holiday tan, and on a night-out those blue-dipped lashes are bound to turn heads.

The low price means you can experiment without shelling out.

No7 High Shine lip crayon in tropical beach, €11.75

This lippy comes with a lovely, creamy texture and glides on like a dream — just what’s needed to rehydrate sun-weary lips. The barely-there colour gives a casual beach look. Just add some srunching gel to your hair and you’re good to go.

Urban Decay Electric pressed pigment palette, €45

For an intense, dramatic look, dip your brush into this exotic palette. And forget about smoky, demur eyes, these colours are all summer salsa — think Brazil and you’ve got the picture.

Bobbi Brown nail polish, navy, €14.

Go all midnight blue with this ocean-deep colour. Wear it by day for a fashion statement; wear it by night for a hint of mystery. Whatever the hour, the colour will look sublime on summer-kissed hands.

queeniedress blue homecoming dresses