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June 05, 2021How to Use a Makeup Sponge
Is a makeup sponge part of your beauty toolkit? For us, it’s a must-have! Makeup blenders, in particular, are a fairly recent innovation that has had a big impact. French girls have totally fallen in love with makeup blender sponges because, when used damp, they give a glowy finish that’s integral for achieving natural-looking makeup in seconds. Whether you only apply a touch of concealer once in a while or you like a full foundation and contour makeup look, using a makeup sponge correctly will help up your makeup game. In this post, we’ll focus on a more French approach to using a makeup blender, with tips for simplistic makeup that’ll help your skin look naturally radiant. First, we’ll give you a quick overview of the different types of makeup sponges, and then we’ll provide tips for using them depending on the products you like. Types of makeup sponges There are two major types of makeup sponges to choose from, so let’s quickly summarize the details you should know about them. Makeup blender sponges When we hear the word makeup sponge, the first thing that comes to mind is a round, reusable sponge, much like the original Beauty Blender and the other sponges inspired by it. These sponges are meant to be used damp to apply and blend complexion makeup. You wash them with soap and water after every use. You can use the same sponge again the next time you do your makeup. These reusable sponges are fantastic for complexion makeup. They blend away streaks and harsh lines, and because they’re damp, they don’t absorb your foundation. The water in the sponge helps add more moisture and glow to the foundation, contributing to a healthier and more natural finish. Disposable sponges Before blenders became standard in all of our makeup kits, many women were using disposable sponges to do their makeup. They were usually wedge shapes, but occasionally you could also come across flat sponges. They were never especially popular in French beauty since French women preferred to use their fingers to apply their makeup. Some brands market their wedge sponges as reusable. In practice, they’re usually flimsier and more likely to harbor bacteria compared to makeup blender sponges, so while you might be able to wash and reuse them, we don’t recommend keeping them around for long. These days, many makeup artists still use disposable wedges. They can just throw them away instead of having to carefully sanitize a reusable sponge for their next client. They work well in a pinch, although their smaller size and straight edges mean that getting a seamless blend takes a little longer. How to use a makeup sponge for foundation makeup This is the French approach to using a makeup blender for natural-looking makeup. It works whether you use a foundation or a product with lighter coverage like tinted moisturizers or BB cream. Always start with clean and very well-moisturized skin. If you want, you can even use your sponge to apply your skincare steps! Next, soak your sponge with water until it doubles in size, and then wring out the excess, so it’s damp but not dripping. Dispense your cream or liquid foundation makeup on the back of your hand. The heat from your skin will help warm it up so it’ll glide more easily. Dip the sponge into the makeup on your hand. Start with the area of your face where you would like the most coverage, and gently bounce the sponge over your skin. Never drag the sponge over your skin since that can leave visible streaks. Use overlapping bouncing motions to spread your foundation and to give your skin a seamless, poreless blend. If it looks like you’ve overapplied makeup to any part of your face, use one of the sponge’s clean sides to blot away the excess and to prevent a cakey look. Applying concealer with a sponge Many French women use concealer instead of foundation since they can just dab it where they’d like to even out their skin tone a little. Getting a concealer to blend into bare skin isn’t always easy, but with a makeup sponge, it’s a piece of cake! It’s best to apply concealer directly to the area that needs the added coverage, either with a brush, a finger, or the applicator that comes with your concealer. Then, use the clean, pointed end of your damp sponge to blend out the concealer into the rest of the skin so it becomes truly undetectable. Using a makeup sponge for blush and contour Powders aren’t especially popular in French beauty because they can leave the skin looking too matte and dry. Instead, cream blushes, bronzers, highlighters, and contour makeup are much more common. Using a sponge blends out those colorful, precise complexion products in a way that gives them a skin-like finish. As with concealer, it’s best to first dab the product on the skin, concentrating on the areas where you want it to be more saturated. For blush, that means the apples of the cheeks, while for contour or bronzer, it usually means below the cheekbone and along the temples. Using a clean side of the sponge, gently tap over them to blend, and add a bit of a dragging motion if you also want to distribute the product further out. Finally, if you think your blush or contour is a little too dark or vibrant, you can actually dip the sponge into a bit of your foundation and concealer and then bounce it over the makeup. It’ll help to soften the blush, as though it’s emanating from within your skin. Soak it up When you use it correctly, a sponge is the ultimate makeup aid. No other tool can blend things quite so seamlessly for natural-looking makeup every time. Use it damp, and that added moisture will help you realize all of your French beauty fantasies!
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June 01, 2021How to Clean Your Eyelash Curler
There’s one handy makeup tool that we use almost every day, but don’t think about much. We’re talking about the eyelash curler! It’s an important tool that deserves all of the love. It gives the lashes the curl and lift that are so important for a fresh, open-eyed look. But when’s the last time you’ve cleaned your eyelash curler? We focus so much on cleaning our brushes and sponges, but the poor little eyelash curler is often left forgotten. However, it deserves the same regular scrubbing as the rest of your equipment. Today, we’ll explain why, and also give you a few tips on how to clean your eyelash curler. Why should you clean your eyelash curler? It’s important to be extra careful with any makeup item or tool that comes close to your eye. The lash line is prone to styes, and the eyes themselves are vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous infections. For that reason, it’s imperative to remove makeup at the end of the day, to never use expired eye makeup, and to clean any tools that come close to the lash line—your eyelash curler is chief amongst them. Most lash curlers are made of metal, an easy-to-clean material that is less likely to harbor bacteria. But the rubber pad at the base of the curler is tougher to clean, and grime and germs can get caught below it. How to deep clean your eyelash curler Just like your makeup brushes, the best way to clean your eyelash curler is with soap and water. This will remove most pathogens and grime, not to mention the heavy buildup of mascara. Since the eyelash curler is a metal tool, dish soap usually works best. It breaks down oils in makeup, and it doesn’t leave behind a residue the way shampoo or hand soap might. It can also be helpful to have a few cotton swabs on hand. First, remove the rubber pad from your eyelash curler. Place your lash curler under a running tap. Next, soap it up with dish soap. Use your fingers to rub the soap into every crevice of your lash curler. Then, with your curler still a little soapy, use a cotton swab to thoroughly dislodge any grime from the indent where the rubber pad normally sits. Finally, rinse your lash curler of the soap. Use a dry tissue or paper towel to dry it. Next, give the rubber pad itself a quick scrub and check for any hairs that may be stuck beneath it. Once cleaned, dry it, and replace it in the indent. How to disinfect your eyelash curler Cleaning your eyelash curler is one thing, but you should also disinfect it on a regular basis. To disinfect your eyelash curler, you’ll want to use at least 70% alcohol, and you may also want to have a cotton pad or cotton swab on hand. When you’re in a rush, just soak a cotton pad with alcohol and use it to wipe down the eyelash curler. Then, use the cotton swab to clean out the indent where the rubber pad normally sits. To take it even further, fill a small glass with alcohol. Plop the eyelash curler top down into the glass, as well as the rubber pad. Leave both in there for 10 minutes. Then, pull them out, and wipe them down with a dry cotton pad to help them dry. Take this chance to disinfect other metal beauty tools, like your tweezers, nail clippers, or brow scissors. How often should you clean your lash curler? You should clean your eyelash curler every time you clean your brushes, which hopefully means about once a week. Cleaning with soap and water is a little more labor-intensive, so you can do that just once every few months, but wiping your lash curler down with a wipe or with alcohol should happen on a weekly basis. How to clean a heated eyelash curler If you use a heated eyelash curler, it’s important to clean it carefully and thoroughly, without damaging its electric components. Since heated lash curlers are used after mascara, they tend to collect a lot of residue in the comb and need more frequent cleaning. To remove the mascara remnants, carefully place the comb part of the curler under running water, to rinse away mascara and trapped lashes. Be careful not to let any other parts of the tool come in contact with the water. If the mascara is very persistent, use a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover to loosen it up first. To actually sanitize your eyelash curler, spray it with alcohol and then let it air dry. Other healthy lash tips Aside from cleaning your eyelash curler regularly, we have a few more tips to help you keep your lashes healthy and thriving. When curling your eyelashes, make sure to fully concentrate on what you’re doing, to avoid pinching yourself or losing lashes. Avoid sharing your eyelash curler with others. If you do let someone else use it, make sure to sanitize it with alcohol both before and after handing it over. When using a traditional curler, avoid eyelash curling after you’ve applied mascara, since this will dirty your curler and also increases the chances of damage to the lashes. Pay close attention to the rubber pad. If it looks indented or starts to lose its shape, make sure to replace it. With daily use, you will likely need to replace the pad after 3-6 months. Another important part of keeping the eyes and lashes healthy is to remove your eye makeup thoroughly every night. To improve the condition of your lashes, use a fortifying eyelash serum every evening as part of your beauty routine. Never use mascara past its expiry date, and make sure to replace your tube every 3-6 months. Cleaning your eyelash curler only takes a few moments, but it’s easy to forget. Don’t put off this important little chore. Do your eyes a favor, and go give your lash curler a scrub right now!
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May 30, 2021Warm Weather Makeup Essentials
Everyone looks forward to the summer, don’t they? It’s the time of ditching all those winter layers, heading off on vacation, lazing by the pool, soaking up the sunshine, eating ice cream, and watching the sunset in all its glorious colors. But if there’s one thing we don’t love about the warmer weather, it’s what it does to our makeup! Finding the right makeup for hot weather can be a real struggle. If you don’t know what products to use, the high temperatures and humidity will make applying your makeup a challenge. To top things off, it can quickly melt off your face in minutes once you walk out the door. While you can’t control the weather, you can control the makeup you put on your face. And there are plenty of tips to help you look your best during the warmer weather. Here are some great summer makeup tips you need to know, so you can be ten steps ahead when the sunshine finally says hey. Prep is key When the weather is hot, it’s essential that you properly prep your skin before even thinking of putting makeup anywhere near it. This is because when you have the right base, your makeup will sit nicely on your skin and last longer. So, what do you need to do? Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face and neck in the morning with your favorite cleanser. This will help remove any oil or perspiration before you start applying your skincare and makeup. And remember, prep really begins the night before. Make sure you’re removing your makeup at the end of the day, cleansing and toning your face, and applying a good night cream to replenish and nourish your skin while you sleep. This way, you’ll wake up with less work to do and set yourself up for success. Use an oil-free moisturizer There are two main types of moisturizers out there: 1. Water-based moisturizers2. Oil-based moisturizers Oil-based moisturizers are great for people who tend to suffer from dry skin. However, even if that’s you, when it’s warm, your body will perspire and produce more oils than it usually does. Chances are, you won’t need as much hydration as you do in the colder months. This means you can swap out your oil-based moisturizer for a water-based one. This will reduce the amount of oil and shine on your face, and help your makeup stay firmly in place throughout the day. Add SPF Of all the summer makeup tips on the list, this one is paramount. Aside from sunburn, the sun can do real long-lasting damage to our skin over time if we don’t protect it properly. That means wearing SPF (at least factor 25) every day underneath your makeup is the best thing to do. And try not to let this slide once the weather cools down again. Ideally, you should be wearing SPF every time your outside for long, because even if you can’t see the sun, it’s still there! Many women skip sunscreen because it adds another step to their already hectic morning routine. But the great news is, there are so many skincare products on the market today that have SPF added into them, so you can save time and protect your skin. So if you’re looking to save time and create a simpler summer makeup routine, look out for products like this. Invest in a primer Primer is a must for the warmer weather. It’s light, easy to apply, and will really help your makeup stay in place the whole day. Apply a thin layer of your favorite primer after your moisturizer, and before you add any makeup. Wear less makeup If you want to completely avoid your makeup from creasing, caking, and sliding in the warmer weather, you’re better off wearing as little makeup as possible! We can give you all the tips in the world to help your makeup stay in place, but there’s only so much you can do to prevent this from happening. So if you want to avoid the hassle altogether, try stripping down your makeup routine to the bare essentials. When it’s hot, you don’t want to cover your face in products because your skin will struggle to breathe. If you still want some coverage, try a BB or CC cream or a tinted moisturizer. If you have stubborn dark circles or pigmentation, and you just can’t ditch your concealer, opt for a waterproof version instead. Less is more ladies! Use a waterproof version of your favorite mascara If there’s one thing we can’t leave the house without, it’s a coat of mascara. But the last thing you want is to have panda eyes by lunchtime! That’s why waterproof mascara is one of the makeup essentials for summer. It won’t smudge or budge an inch and will keep you looking fresh-faced and bright-eyed all day long. Plus, it’s the perfect companion if you enjoy swimming or dipping in the ocean while on vacay. The only snag is it’s a little more difficult to remove at the end of the day, but the right makeup remover will do the trick, and if you ask us, it’s totally worth it! Less shine, more glow When it’s hot and humid, your t-zone is likely to take the brunt of it. But a greasy, shiny forehead is not a look any of us want! This is where blotting papers become your new best friend. They’re inexpensive and super simple to use. Keep a small pack of them in your handbag, so you can eliminate shine throughout the day. If you want to re-apply your makeup, blot your face first, then go for it. Swap lipstick for a lighter lip gloss The summer months call for a more subtle, dewy look, so why not try swapping your regular matte lipstick for a lighter shaded gloss? This will add moisture and just a hint of color which you can layer up as you like. We swear by this volumizing lip gloss for soft, plump & kissable lips. Invest in a mist with SPF Did you know that you’re meant to reapply SPF every 2 hours if you’re continually out in the sun? Nobody has time (or the patience) for that. Plus, reapplying sunscreen on top of your makeup is a recipe for disaster. Don’t worry, we’ve found a workaround! Stock up on a refreshing setting spray or mist that comes with the SPF you’re looking for. One spritz and you’re beach ready. Remember: less is more! Of all the summer makeup tips out there, the most important one is to remember that less really is more. And the less time you spend applying your makeup, the more time you’ll have to sunbathe at the beach and soak up the gorgeous rays!
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May 27, 2021The Truth About These 11 French Fashion Clichés
Have you ever wondered if all those French fashion clichés are actually true? Do French women roam Paris's streets in their Breton striped tops, trench coats, silk scarves, berets, and Chanel handbags? Or is this just one of those Paris stereotypes? If you research the term "French-style clothing," you'll often be met with a list of must-have items that the writer swears all French women have in their five-piece French wardrobe. So, how do you know what French women actually wear, and what's a French fashion cliché? French women are renowned worldwide for their effortless, chic, and timeless style. And if you want to perfect French chic, you have to know the difference between a French fashion favorite and a cliché. Here are 11 items we're reviewing to give you the lowdown on what to add to your wardrobe and what you can cross off from your list. The beret The beret is the number one French fashion cliché out there! When you think of what French people wear, you might automatically envision them with a navy or red beret atop of their head. Sorry to burst this bubble, but the truth is, most French women do not stroll around wearing a beret! You might see a beret on a trend-focused, stylish woman (if berets happen to be in that season) or on the head of an old man playing Pétanque. Apart from that, this is an age-old French stereotype that simply isn't that common anymore. The Breton striped top (marinière) A Breton striped top is a classic white top with horizontal navy stripes, known as the marinière in France. Coco Channel popularized the Breton top when she introduced the design in her nautical collection back in 1917. While it's true that most women will own at least one striped top, they're not as popular as you might think. In fact, tourists tend to wear Breton tops while visiting France more than local French women do! Neutral tees and graphic tees are far more popular today than stripes. If you're set on rocking a striped top, pair it with a block-colored blazer, a pair of straight-leg jeans, and some white sneakers for a smart-casual daytime look. Ballerina flats The French fashion cliché of ballerina flats was initially started by Brigitte Bardot in the '60s. Most French women will own at least one pair of ballerina flats in a neutral color that works with most other things in their wardrobe. However, they don't wear them all the time! French women also love wearing white sneakers, loafers, slingbacks, and low block heels. It's all about comfort and style. The silk scarf The silk scarf is such a versatile item and can add a pop of color or pattern to any look. You'll see images of French women wearing them around their necks, tied on their bags, and also in their hair. But is this a fashion staple for French women or just a cliché? French women do wear silk scarves, and a lot of them will own at least one. But they tend to be reserved for special occasions and not worn for a day-to-day look. Bold red lipstick & voluminous lashes Do you imagine the streets of Paris filled with women with flawless skin, perfectly tousled hair, and rocking a bold red lip? Some women will wear red lipstick as an everyday look, especially fashion-savvy women. But others will keep their daytime look a little more toned down and opt for a subtler pink lipstick instead. They'll save a bold red lip for special occasions like a girl's night out, a date, or a party. But every woman will own a classic red lipstick in their makeup collection. Day or night, French women will always give their lashes a coat of mascara for more length and volume. Good makeup is key to achieving that timeless, French chic look. The vintage cardigan Do you imagine Parisian women wearing cute vintage cardigans in an array of colors? While some women do like the look, many prefer to keep their look more classic. This means sticking to neutral colors and tones and more timeless cardigan shapes. One thing to note with vintage cardigans is they can quickly make you look dowdy if not worn the right way. To avoid this, opt for a finer-knit cardigan for a modern, chic look perfect for fall and winter. The Birkin basket bag Yes, French women do love a basket bag, but they don't use it the way you might think they do! You'll spot basket bags all around the streets of Paris, but they're usually popular for carrying groceries, running errands, shopping, or packing a picnic during the summer. Americans have been seen wearing smaller basket styles as handbags, which you'll rarely find French women doing. The trench coat The trench coat truly is a French woman's fashion staple. Most women will own a good quality classic style in a neutral color. Why? Because the trench coat is the perfect piece of outerwear for that unpredictable French weather! Plus, it's a great lightweight transition to take you from late summer into fall when it's too warm for a pepper winter coat. Traditional French clothing is all about being practical and chic at the same time. Look for a trench coat in a neutral color like beige, light grey, or navy. And invest in a coat that is made well and will last you for many years—this is what French fashion is built on. The floral wrap dress Floral wrap dresses have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are often associated with French women. But are they a true fashion staple or a cliché? During the spring/summer season, you will find many French women wearing wrap dresses. They're flattering for all figures, comfortable to wear, and can work well for holidays and weekends. However, this is a very feminine look, and French women are notorious for mixing and matching feminine and masculine silhouettes. You might want to add a blazer or a pair of sneakers to keep this look fresh and modern. The white button-down shirt You'll always find the white button-down shirt making its way onto French fashion must-have lists! But you won't find many French women wearing white shirts around the city. It tends to be kept for work and in business settings rather than day-to-day social life. Although it might be a French fashion cliché, it's an incredibly versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and will never go out of style. The Chanel bag One of the biggest Paris stereotypes is that all French women own a black Chanel handbag which they never leave the house without. While this might be all French women's dream handbag, not everyone can afford such a luxurious brand. If it's within your budget, it's a great, timeless piece to invest in that will make any outfit chic. But there are so many great high street versions of the classic black leather handbag that will suit all budgets. Invest in a piece that is well made and looks expensive, but don't worry about the label. And that's the truth about French fashion clichés! The number one rule with French style is to keep things classic, timeless, and effortless. Stick to this, and you'll perfect that French girl style in no time.
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May 23, 2021The Ultimate Lip Care Guide for a Nourished Pout
Our favorite look for low-effort glam calls for just a touch of mascara and a swipe of boldly colored lipstick. Focusing on the lips is a known French beauty hack, but for it to work well, our lips have to be in great shape! Lipstick can’t glide smoothly over chapped lips, which is why a good lip care routine is so important. Here are our tips for taking good care of your lips on the regular, along with some advice for special care when they get especially dry. Use a richer lip balm at night The lips can get incredibly dry at night, especially if the humidity in your room is low or if you tend to breathe from your mouth as you sleep. That’s why it’s best to apply a thicker lip balm before bed. If your lips are particularly chapped, using a rich balm will help to speed up their healing. Look for occlusive ingredients What on earth does occlusive mean, you ask? Occlusives are oily ingredients that are able to seal moisture in place and prevent evaporation. They’re essential for a truly healing lip balm. Our favorite occlusive ingredients for the lips are lanolin, squalane, shea butter, and petrolatum. A balm with these ingredients can create a protective seal over the lips that prevents moisture loss. Use lip balm as a barrier Another important time to apply lip balm is before brushing your teeth or using potentially-drying skincare products like retinoids or acne treatments. The balm will act as a barrier against those products and prevent their drying effects from impacting your lips. Layer your lip moisturizers When the situation is particularly dire, especially in winter, it can be beneficial to build up moisture in the lips with layers. First, start with a light layer of fragrance-free lotion or hydrating serum – once it sinks in, layer a heavy lip balm on top. That first layer will add hydration, while the second layer will lock the moisture in deeply. Opt for an SPF balm in the day Our lips are just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of our skin, so during the daytime, opt for an SPF lip balm. Apply it to your lips at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and make sure they’re thoroughly coated. If you’d like to wear lipstick or gloss, just add it over the lip balm, and you’ll actually end up with a smoother finish than if you were to apply it to bare lips. Avoid minty fragrances We love a lip balm with a bit of flavor, but minty lip balms can actually cause some issues. Menthol is the key fragrance compound in mint essential oil, and it’s added to lip balms to give a cooling and stimulating effect. Unfortunately, those stimulating effects can also be drying and irritating, especially to already chapped lips. However, when your lips are well taken care of, you can actually benefit from the temporary stimulating effect of menthol because it can make the lips look plump and full. That’s why we do use a bit of menthol in our lip-plumping Polynesie Francaise glosses. Use a sulfate-free toothpaste All toothpaste can be a little drying, but toothpaste made with sulfates is the worst by far. Sulfates (usually sodium lauryl sulfate) are the ingredients responsible for your toothpaste foaming up. Unfortunately, they can also be quite drying and irritating, especially to the lips and gums. If you suffer from chronically dry lips, it’s very possible that your toothpaste is at fault, so switching to a non-foaming, sulfate-free toothpaste can make a big difference. Exfoliate your lips The final aspect of keeping the lips luscious and smooth is exfoliating them regularly. Exfoliation removes the flaky buildup of dead skin over the lips and allows lip moisturizers to do their job more effectively. Exfoliation can be done as a dry lip treatment when they’re a little chapped or flakey, but if they’re so chapped that the skin is a little broken, it’s important to wait until they heal. You also don’t want to over-exfoliate your lips. Once or twice a week is ideal, more often than that, and you risk irritating the skin and making things worse. Make a DIY lip scrub While you can certainly purchase a lip scrub at the store, making your own natural blend is safe and easy! All you need is half a teaspoon of brown sugar and a few drops of coconut or olive oil. You can mix them up in a little jar or even in the palm of your hand. You can use honey instead of oil if your skin is acne-prone. With your finger, rub the blend over your lips for a few seconds until they feel smooth. Finally, wipe it off or rinse it away with some water. The oil will help moisturize your lips, while the sugar will slough away all of the flakiness! Just make sure to mix up a small amount every time you want to exfoliate. Unlike commercial products made with preservatives, whatever you make at home is liable to spoil after a few days. Always prep before lipstick No matter which of our lip care tips you choose to adopt, always remember to take a few steps to pamper your lips before applying lipstick. You’ll need to make sure there are no flakey patches or dryness before starting your makeup, or else you’ll end up with patchy-looking lipstick. A coat of lip balm will be enough if the rest of your lip care routine is on-point, but sometimes you might need to do a full exfoliation routine to guarantee your lips are in tip-top shape. Motus et bouche cousue (our lips are sealed) Achieving plump, healthy lips isn’t difficult. It’s just a matter of adding lip care to your regular routine, especially before bed. Whether you go all out with exfoliation or just switch out your minty lip balm for a healthier alternative, we know you’ll discover smoother, happier, and more kissable lips.
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May 19, 2021Summertime Makeup Ideas
As the weather starts getting warmer, we’re ready to change up our look! For us, timeless summer looks have to be a little lighter and softer, as opposed to the darker colors we favored in the winter. However, just because we prefer a more natural summer makeup look, doesn’t mean we’re giving up on any of the beauty or glamour. Makeup for hot weather shouldn’t feel heavy, but it can still pack a punch. That’s why we’ve selected our favorite summer makeup looks for 2021. Have a look at the photos to get inspired, and then follow our tips so you can try these makeup looks for yourself. Glowy and natural To start, let’s talk about natural summer makeup looks that help you feel cool and refreshed no matter how hot it gets outside. This stunning look is ideal for daytime, with a focus on healthy, glowy skin and bright, vivacious eyes. To achieve this look, start with a good canvas of well-prepped skin. Don’t skimp on moisturizer and sunscreen, especially if you’ll be spending any time under the sun. Use just a hint of tinted moisturizer to even out the skin tone, and then build up layers of bronzer and highlighter for that sunkissed, glowy look. If you don’t have a liquid highlighter on hand, a dab of shimmery gloss can totally do the trick! To make the eyes pop, frame them with a lengthening Vivienne Sabó mascara. The newest addition to our mascara collection, the Polynésie Francaise is ideal, because it offers natural length with water-resistant and non-flaking formula. Finally, fill in your brows, and then brush them up for that fluffy look. Our Brow Arcade pencil comes with a comb on the end, so it’s perfect for the job. Feeling pink If you’d like to have a bit of fun with your eye makeup without necessarily spending ages on eyeshadow, get inspired by this makeup look! Pops of color are going to be everywhere in 2021. A swipe of pink along the lash line is a great way to rock the trend without feeling silly or overdone. This look isn’t quite as glowy as the previous one we showcased, but otherwise, the two are quite similar, with a more natural vibe. Just use a slightly more dramatic Vivienne Sabó mascara, like the volumizing Provocation. Finish things off with a dose of a more pigmented pink lip gloss, like our Le Grand Volume in Raspberry, to match the eyes. Nude glam This is one of those timeless summer looks for the evening. It’s elegant and polished, with a refined glamour that’s never in danger of looking like too much. This kind of nude glam look is fitting for any occasion, including a day at the office or a night at the opera. Because the colors used in this look are natural, it’s possible to slightly amp up the intensity of both the eyes and the lips. For the eyes, a shimmery champagne shade is ideal for the lids while brown eyeshadow helps to contour the crease. Finally, a soft Feutre Fin wing is essential for framing the eyes, along with a few coats of mascara. To give the lips that glossy fullness, the secret is to first use a warm nude lip pencil to contour the lips. Then, a coating of our Polynesie Francais gloss in Tahiti completes the look with a radiant sheen. Soft and smokey If you want smoldering makeup for hot weather, a soft smokey eye is our favorite. It’s an alluring and irresistible look with a lot of sex appeal. Because it relies on brown eyeshadows, it doesn’t have the heaviness of a black smokey eye. As with all of our favorite summer makeup looks for 2021, the base here is also natural, soft, and incredibly glowy. The eyes are the focus, of course, so apply a soft, shimmery brown to bring out the lids. Then, in the crease, apply a medium brown shade that’s just a little darker than your skin tone. Use that same color all along your lower lash line, to create that smokey effect. Finally, use a darker brown shade to deepen the outer corner of the eye and the crease. To finish things off, apply your liquid liner in a very thin line, right along both the top and bottom lash lines. Finally, apply a generous coat of Vivienne Sabó mascara, and a light dab of nude gloss on the lips. Peachy keen A softer way of adding color to your summer eye makeup is to use peach! The vibrant color looks incredibly natural against the skin and adds a touch of warmth that’s perfect for the season. It’s universally flattering, and because of its orange base, it really makes blue eyes pop. This monochrome look is a great way of making this color work! There’s no need for eyeliner—just a swipe of peach over the lids and across the cheekbones. A coat or two of mascara and a touch of warm lipstick like our Matte Constance in Warm Pink finish the look. Summer night glam Red lipstick fits every season. It’s elegant and eye-catching, so it’s perfect for a classy summer soirée or romantic dinner date. In true French beauty fashion, this timeless summer look also features a subtle black wing and perfectly groomed brows. To make this work for you, choose a red lipstick with rich depth, like our Matte Constance in Classic Red. A dab of gloss only at the center of the lips adds a reflective touch that makes the lips look a little bigger and fits in well with summer 2021 trends. Bringing the heat The best season of the year is just around the corner, and with these makeup looks, we’ll be bringing the heat! Sure, there’s no reason why you can’t wear these timeless summer looks during other seasons, but to us, they perfectly capture everything Vivienne Sabó loves about the warmest season. They’re light, fresh, and timelessly beautiful.
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