Renaissance fair: 5 breezy, feminine looks for summer
Hair and makeup take a starry-eyed turn this season as Shakespeare’s young lovers take to stage and screen in several new adaptations of Romeo and Juliet. The effect is soft, effortless and decidedly sultry – and, in hot and steamy weather, almost impossible to rival (whatever house you belong to)
A soft brown smoky eye Versace, Alberta Ferretti and House of Holland all putting a softer, lighter spin on the classic smoky eye, making it over in smudgy, subtle browns. To replicate the look, trace a soft-brown pencil along the top and bottom lash line and blend out to just beyond the crease. Next, cover the lid in a medium-brown eye shadow and draw it over the crease to make the eye look bigger (a shimmery formula will bring out the shape of the eye, while a matte one lends more impact). Dust a highlighter over the brow bone, then swipe lashes with mascara for a classic look, or skip it altogether for a truly current take. Try: Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Fuller Fudge, $19. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Quad Shimmers in Mirage, $68 at Sephora. Lancôme Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black, $31 at Lancôme counters across Canada.
Matte pink lips Seen on the spring/summer runways of Giles Deacon and Dries Van Noten, this spin on the classic rosebud pout has a decidedly modern feel. A pencil will achieve the matte effect better than lipstick, says makeup artist David Allan Jones. Prep lips with a coating of lip balm for 10 to 15 minutes, then follow with a lip scrub. Line lips in a pale to medium shade of pink, fill them in, then blot and finish with a light dusting of colourless powder to set the look. Try: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal, $23, Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub, $22, Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil in Velvet, $28 at Sephora (www.sephora.com).
A high-drama hair clip Parting is indeed sweet when the back of one’s tresses are adorned with an eye-catching hair accessory. Ornate, oversized hair accoutrements were everywhere on the summer runways of Balenciaga, Chanel and Rochas and used in unconventional ways for a look at once romantic and edgy. To replicate the style shown here, spritz hair with a texturing spray and part it down the centre. Grab hold of a section of hair from each side of the face, twist it together at the back of the head and fasten with a clear hair elastic. Lightly tease the resulting ponytail to create volume, then clip a barrette in the centre back of the hair, just above the twisted section. Try: Keratase Spray a Porter, $36 at salons across Canada (visit www.keratase.ca for locations). Pantene Pro-V Stylers Flexible Hold Hairspray, $8.99 at mass retailers.
A face-framing braid The undone plait is a key look this season, says hairstylist Cody Alain. However, to avoid appearing too gamine, place it in an unexpected position, along the edge of a long fringe, for instance. To get the look, start with gentle waves: Those with curly tresses should smooth them out with a relaxing balm and a long-barrel curling iron, whereas a texturizing spray can be used to add waves to straight locks. Next, comb hair into a deep side part and separate it into three sections. Braid them loosely, weaving in anchoring strands from the side farthest from your face, and secure the end with a small elastic. Lightly run a brush against the hair to create flyaway strands and, using a tail comb, gently pull at a few loops to break up the braid’s uniformity. Finish with a light shine spray. Try: Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist, $12.99 at mass retailers. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $44 at select Holt Renfrew stores. Moroccan Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray, $9.99 at mass retailers. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Calming Creme, $34.75 at Sephora.