Popsicle Pretty

I'm not particularly brave about wearing bright makeup, but something about a sunkissed complexion peering back from the mirror gives me the sudden urge to play with popsicle hues. Healthy, glowing skin and the golden summer light are the perfect accompaniments to an unexpected and flattering pop of color. I like to dip my toes into the look with candy-colored and neon nails, a flick of aqua liner or a flush of dewy, artificial cherry on cheeks.  Sugary, saturated shades sheered onto lips leave a bright, cool translucence - just like the soft, colorful stain left behind by an icy, frozen treat.

1) Thakoon for NARS Nail Polish

2) Clarin's Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm

3)Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Liner

4) Tarte Natural Cheek Stain

5) NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

6) Illamasqua Intense Lip Gloss

How are you playing with color this summer?

Orange Crush

I'm head over heels for the orange-based, tomato red lip colors that are everywhere right now. Heaven sent for a pale, warm-toned girl like myself, they keep the bright shade looking effortless and cool - not as editorial and difficult as the bright tangerine hues, but much less formal and serious than the more classic, blue-based red lip.

These five are my top picks for their finishes, lasting power and beautiful tones - pair with a sweep of bronzer and a messy ponytail for instant, easy summer glamour....

1) Sheer and light, Le Metier de Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Orange Juiced adds a hint of papaya-hued shimmer - a great way to just dip your toes into the orange trend.

2) For the more adventurous, Urban Decay's Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Punch Drunk is a long-wearing, almost neon hit of bright but flattering orange with just enough red to keep it wearable - the smooth pencil leaves a slick of vinyl-style shine that lasts and lasts.

3) My favorite of this group (I've already gushed about it here) Clarins Rouge Prodige Lipstick in Clementine is like a bright, juicy fruit punch for your lips - a beautiful formulation of lasting color with a creamy, hydrating base.

4) For a cool, modern finish, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square is a gorgeous orange-based red that applies smooth and soft, leaving a rich, completely matte layer of sumptuous color.

5) The reddest of the bunch, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave looks like a classic lip but with a hint of orange that warms up skin beautifully - a touch of retro, 1940's glamour with a trendy twist.

How bright will you go this season? Do any of these shades catch your eye? Have a favorite color you can't wait to wear this summer? Tell me all about it below!

Darling Clementine

There are many reasons to look forward to the warmer weather. Birds singing. Fragrant flowers. Warm sun on your skin. Crippling seasonal malaise finally lifting.

But mostly, I'm counting down the days until summer just so that I can wear Clarins Rouge Prodige in Clementine - the perfect summer lipstick welcome in the warmth.


With a luscious dewy finish and suprising lasting power, it's a gorgeous, punchy color that isn't overly intimidating to wear due to it's shine and slickness. I'm not much for bright lips, but this had me sold the minute it touched my lips. The saturated hue is on the orange side of the red spectrum, but is flattering and fun, incredible on tanned skin, and wonderful on paler girls with warm skintones like myself. It's like a sip of fruit punch for your lips.

What's your warm weather must-have this year? Anything you're eyeing in the shops? A word of warning if you're visiting the Clarins counter anytime soon - their spring collections are ridiculously lovely, and you may find yourself unable to make any coherent decisions when faced with their coral loveliness. I order online to avoid financial ruin and far too many lipsticks.