It could be argued that one should not come up with beauty columns when one is high on coffee and mid-way through watching a red carpet procession of very beautiful women in very expensive gowns, because one’s perspective might be mildly (“violently”) skewed.
HOWEVER. No one was monitoring me when I watched the Screen Actors Guild red carpet, so I’m afraid this is exactly what has occurred.
Now. As numerous bloggers (and photographs) have already pointed out, the SAGs were rich in risk taking. I salute that. I thoroughly advocate being playful with your look – especially with hair and makeup – and as I sit here wearing dull, predictable taupe eye shadow and bronzer, it’s a good reminder to practice a bit more of what I preach. To mix it up and remember how many makeup colours and haircuts and styles are at my disposal.
Let’s take some inspiration from these red carpet rascals, already.
1. JESSICA CHASTAIN.
Did this: Went completely tonal, with eye, lip and cheek makeup in the same colour family: bronzey-browns. Not only was this a splendid match with her auburn hair, but all of this bronzey-brown was the perfect complement to her blue gown. (Fun fact: Blue and brown are an outstanding combo, especially when it comes to blue eyes and bronzey-brown eye makeup. Although, as we can see with Miss Chastain, green eyes fare pretty well, too.)
This translates to: A very flattering and beautiful makeup look indeed. As we saw a few weeks back with C. Theron’s Golden Globes makeup in all pink, one tone, three ways can look rather lovely indeed. You can go REALLY tonal and further match your makeup colourings to your dress, which is something R. Huntington Whitley does (in caramel nudes) quite often with great effect.
The trick is to: Make sure you choose a colour family that flatters your skin tone and hair (and dress is we’re being really pedantic) before you wear it all over. Some suggestions, madam? How about peach, coral, pink, caramel, nude, taupe, bronze, berry and soft gold?
2. ROSE BYRNE
Did this: A magnificent, ‘70s, ‘Scarface’ inspired blunt bob with a full fringe. And a sparkly white jumpsuit. (It was a complete triumph, in my opinion.) Even if you can’t handle the fringe (one of the key hair trends for 2012) may a dame delicately point you in the direction of her hair colour? It is a deep, rich, healthy brown, with gentle whispers of caramel and toffee from the mid-lengths to the ends, in a modern, subtle nod to balayage.
This translates to: Fantastically healthy and shiny hair that offers warmth and light to the face thanks to the sparse but effective highlights.
The trick is to: Tell your hairdresser you want all-over colour, with verysubtle, delicate balayage (where the lighter colours are painted on, so there is no obvious start line to the highlights) around the bottom third of the hair. If you do choose to have them higher up, around the actual face, be sure to at least keep them a few inches from your scalp. (Saves on having your roots done, and avoids the old-school, “highlights” look.)
Top Comments
Emma Stone - she's a babe
Dear Zoe
Do you think you could do a how to vid about make up looks for girls with glasses? They don't come around that often and i find I'm stuck with what to do with my make up when I wear mine!
I know you don't wear them (or do you??) but you're the goddess of all things make up so I'm sure you'll know what to do.
Please and thank you! xx
This is a really great request!!! Please Zoe, please!!!