Blue is the new neutral?!

Ah yes, you read that right. Blue IS the new neutral!  Blues and greens have been around in nail polishes for who knows how long but those color choices were usually for the "rebels" and more adventurous fashionistas. Blue nail polish in the corporate world?? Not a chance! More like mauve-y rose shades and pale neutrals.  Women with small children barely had time to paint their nails, let alone painting them various shades of blue!

I remember first seeing blues in the deepest variety back when almost-black shades of red and blue were all the rage.  Nails were short, round-ish square and painted very, very dark.  It was a striking look but the after-thought was surprising...."Hey my nails/toes go with everything!" Just like the lightest neutral counterpart, the deepest shade of any color is the opposite end of the spectrum...and as neutrals, have a tendency to go with every hair color, outfit and makeup combo. 

 

So where do blues come in? Well, in the last year or so, I've personally experimented with the rainbow in terms of nail color.  If you looked through my nail polish collection more than a year ago, you'd see a few purple shades, mostly reds and pinks and a couple rows of neutrals.  Various top coats and base coats and a few sparkly/glittery clear for a special touch.  That's about it.  Now you'll see various shades of blue, a few grays, deep almost-black shades in purples and reds, the standard collection of pinks and reds, the same rows of neutrals, and a few fun colors mixed in like neons and peachy shades reserved for beach season.  Besides the palest neutrals, I've found that the blue shades, from the lightest blue-gray to the deepest navy, surprisingly, suit my tastes no matter the weather or wardrobe.

 

Blue shades from medium to dark look best on short and manicured nails for a crisp application and flawless appearance.  How gorgeous is that Essie Mesmerize??  I fell in love with it, the brightest blue I had tried until then and I was hooked.

 

The lightest shades of blue can really be worn on short or long nails as you see above. These days, this shade can be worn in an office environment or out to lunch with girlfriends...by any age or personal style. 

 

Because of my skin tone on my body (light to medium olive), I typically can't pull off greens.  I did want to give two honorable mentions however, because they are so very pretty...and I can actually wear them myself! They will suit most skin tones, both unique in their right and do have a way of "pulling neutral", just as many blue shades do.

 

 

Gorgeous camouflage green is the best way to describe this color. More gray than olive, more green than brown...it's a great shade for this time of year, especially with all the camo wardrobe pieces on the market!

 

(photo credit: squarednails.com)

 

This was the hardest picture to find because the color truly pulls more green or blue depending on the person wearing it! It has the slightest shimmer, barely noticeable...the true coloring of its name.  Misty blue-green and one of the most unique neutral blues out there. A great formula, one or two coats and you'll have perfection.

 

If you're just dipping your toes (or nails) into the waters of blues and greens, start off with lighter shades and work your way towards deeper, more adventurous tones.  I think you'll be surprised..;-)

 

 

Summer to Fall

We're well into Fall now but you'd never know it with the weather outside lately! Here in Northern VA it's been 80-90 degrees all week! The trees still know their business so the leaves are falling...while we're walking around in shorts and tees. Ah well, that's Mother Nature for ya. ;-) 

Every magazine ad and fashion runway shows deep plums and wine shades for makeup and clothing but many women are still in the transition between more wearable Summer colors and deeper tones of Autumn. Bronze, spice, light to dark browns, and don't forget infamous taupe! Shades of olive, gold and cranberry.  Pink and peach neutrals to mauve and medium toned berry lips.  All very wearable but with added warmth a slightly deeper intensity.

 

I saw this ad and couldn't stop looking at it.  Her eyes are a hazel green, rimmed with a black that melts into her waterline and tightline. Her lids are warm yet neutral, with just a hint of sheen.  Her cheeks intrigued me...definitely not a shade I'd typically wear myself. I was on a mission to create the same look in person and I found just the perfect shade (it's the deliciously warm peachy/brown marshmallow-y cream blush on the left).  I also included two other blushes in the photo for lighter or deeper skin tones. The lighter is a pinky-peach with wonderful staying power. The darker is a dupe for Laura Mercier's Ritual (was limited edition, now discontinued) with a blend of pink and warm bronze-y brown. The lips are warm, juicy, glossy and very natural while looking "done". 

Lips are lined with a medium red-brown shade like a chestnut or warm spice shade, blended to avoid the harsh lines of lip liner.  Filled in with lip butter or a fabulous creamy sheen (Rimmel lip products make me think of the warmth of summer and suntan lotion, don't ask me why. lol I can't help but close my eyes when I take a whiff.)

Mila's similar in coloring to the above model and similar products can be used, just with greater intensity.

 

 

Marisa's darker and definitely dressed for Fall, yet still wearing warm transitional colors of peach and bronze.

 

 

Katherine's eyes are lined in black, light warm bronze on her cheeks and a deeper peach glossy lip. Her face is polished but the emphasis is on her bold colored top.  Her makeup is wearable for work or evening.

 

 

 

Though she's definitely dressed up here, her actual makeup is glowing with shades of bronze, gold and peach and can be worn day or night.  These warmer shades brighten and blend beautifully with her skin tone.  The sheen of shadow and gloss pick up the light and she's definitely ready for Fall.

 

 

 

FYI, October 2013 Flexi is now available while supplies last.  With colors of silver, yellow and rose gold, you can't go wrong with this accessory! Suited to every age and skin tone, not to mention very wearable throughout the year.  Check out the online catalog to view other sizes and styles!

 

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