Sneaky ways to wear this girly hue with élan
You can’t deny it. Wearing the right shade of this perky hue is like a jolt of caffeine! You—and everyone around you—are bound to feel the buzz. After wading through sober grays, whites and blacks, it’s a welcome change to see that pink is once again the undisputed czarina of runways. And where designer togs go, makeup can’t lag far behind. From bubblegum pink at Carven to petal pink at Burberry, frosty pink lips on the Ashish catwalks, and bright pink-gold glitter eye shadow on Dior runways, to neon pink eyeliner at Donna Karan and bright pink lips at Giles, this girly, ultra feminine hue has extended beyond lips, nails and clothes to killer heels and trendy handbags. Of course the Nykaa girl knows better than to look like a sickly sweet blob of pink candy floss. The trick is to mix and match different shades of the pink palette with a neutral basic to center your look. What works for clothes works for makeup too; nail the trend to look cutesy elegant not baby doll cute.
In praise of pink makeup
This is directed at you if you think pink is best reserved for sticky sweets and cake frosting. In reality the color can uplift and brighten every skin tone in the form of eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks and nail polish. “Apply it subtly or go strong to play up one feature,” says makeup artist Ojas Rajani. “I do believe pink should be taken out of doll houses onto faces because it’s such a practically pretty and grown up color,” she gushes.
Pink Eye Makeup
“Just a sweep of soft pink shadow on eyelids can give you instantly rested eyes,” says Rajani. Add definition by lining lashes with a dark pencil. Try Maybelline New York The Blushed Nudes Palette, and Nykaa Get Winged! Sketch Eyeliner - Black Swan. A boon for gals whose eyes tend to go red as the day progresses because the dark pencil prevents the pink from picking up the redness. Rule of thumb: Pat on a cream or matte formula with a slight sheen to brighten lids and highlight brow bones on fair to medium skins. Or simply use a more pigmented, berry formula to accentuate dusky complexions.
Pink On The Cheeks
It’s the normal tendency to veer towards earthy shades to contour cheeks but the result is often too stark. Instead try using pink blushes to pick up the natural rosiness in your cheeks. Candy pinks like NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Blush, flatter all skin tones but dusky complexions look nicest in bluish pinks like Colorbar Cheekillusion Blush New, Shade Earthy Touch while wheatish skins light up with peachy pink blushes like Milani Baked Blush - 01 Dolce Pink. “Most gals get put off by high pigment formulas but nine times out of ten the formula looks sheer when applied,” says Rajani.
Pink On Pouts
Nothing can lift up your spirits—and face—like pink lipstick. In fact, it’s the easiest way to wake up a tired complexion. “Pick a pink that best suits your complexion. Fair and dusky skins look great with in-your-face fuchsia while wheatish gals look gorgeous in peachy pinks,” says Rajani. Rule of thumb: go a shade darker or lighter than your natural lip color if you’re unsure of your pink or simply swipe on some gloss for glam shine. Take your pick of Nykaa Paintstix! Lipstick - Rock n Roll Pink - 07, Organistick Organic Lipstick - Hot Pink, NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss - Peaches And Cream and L.A. Girl Metal Liquid Lipstick - Brilliant.
Pink For Pinkies
Even the most conservative among you can’t say no to pink tips-n-toes! In fact bright pink polish is such a fresh change from done-to-death reds and moody darks. Chirpy, berry pinks like Nykaa Salon Shine Gel Nail Lacquer - Japanese Blossom, look stunning on dusky and fair hands while paler versions like Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color - Tickled Pink, suit wheatish skins. The only must do: keep your nails a sensible length, “not too long or too short” and get a manicure to show off your shade of pink.
Wear The Pink Trend
A diehard pink fan can’t be satisfied with anything less than pink wardrobe staples. The trick is to mix on trend pieces with classic staples to balance your look. Here’s how you can add a spot on pink punch to liven up your style. Make a style statement with oh so feminine rose pink or peachy pink skirts and tops. Pale pink flats or wedges are neutral enough to go with just about everything. In fact there’s rare a pair of feet that doesn’t look dainty when shod in pink! Pink jackets—both vibrant chirpy hues and lighter, bordering on lavender shades, work beautifully with crispy whites, beige and even black shirts. Or liven up a monochrome outfit with a kick ass, oversized pink handbag. And if all else fails, resort to a pretty floral pink scarf to give off a feminine, romantic vibe.
