September, 2015 - The Seventh Sphinx

I’ve mentioned before how much I admire Lisa Eldridge, the famous British makeup artist who has done so much to bring professional knowledge and application techniques to anyone who wants to learn them with her YouTube channel. Not to mention I could listen to her talk all day long (and have…). If you’re into makeup I’m sure you know her already.

She recently posted a great video on how to choose a nude lipstick, similar to some videos she’s done in the past on other shade ranges, and I thought it might be helpful to see a few of her best lipstick videos rounded up. This is geared toward anyone who might be on the lookout for a new shade in one category or another, or who just loves lipstick, or who thinks they might love lipstick (with the right support and encouragement). She includes tips for shade selection, application, style of wear, and great product recommendations in all of these. I especially like the videos on red and dark lips.

What I find most interesting here is how she is able to speak in the abstract about the approach to shade selection, using herself as an example but expressing clearly and quite eloquently the thought process behind the personal task of zeroing in on just the right shade for you. I defy you not to want to try some lipstick on after watching these. Also, this color selection applies to anything you might wear, not only lip products.

Nude lips

The latest, and one of the trickiest.

Red lips

She shows so many iconic reds in this one. The application tips are especially versatile, with a range of intensities.

Dark lips

Lots of great autumn picks in here.

Bright lips

Don’t wait for spring

Orange lips

The recommendations are toward the end of the tutorial, which is a beautiful look, as a bonus.

Ways to wear

So good!! If you only watch one…watch this one.

Her channel is full of gems.

image via youtube

Remember how rose-heavy floral prints on black backgrounds started popping up everywhere after Dior featured them several seasons ago? Three years or so later I’ve finally found a piece I like in this scuba A-line skirt from Warehouse.

I’ve grumbled about floral prints before, how difficult it is for me to find a print of the desired scale and busyness, how often they tip into the realm of the distracting and garish. There is no one formula for me, either, as with so many things. Everything has to be assessed case by case. Those prints I do like, though, tend to offer a soft, pleasing wash of gently variegated color.

This hazy, digital floral print I like for a skirt of this volume (meaning I think I would not like the print as well writ small, as shoes or a clutch, or a tank top, say), a classic, fairly full A-line meant to be worn high at the natural waist. Love where this length hits; a bit below the knee, just revealing the base of the calf. A retro length with a modern print makes for nice contrast.

These are new. We are loving these. Not unlike the Aquazurra ones we love, which is no coincidence.

This color!

Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation, Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder, NARS blush in Luminoso, Guerlain Terracotta bronzer, Givenchy Fuchsia Irresistible lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury Veruschka eyeliner, MAC false lash effect mascara, MAC brow set. Could argue that a peachy nude lipstick matching the pumps would have been fitting or even superior here.

This limited edition lipstick packaging was compelling, I won’t deny. This color is a cult classic, for good reason.

Warehouse skirt (via ASOS), Schutz Kutia pumps, thrifted black silk tank, Pearl Paradise pearl 8mm studs. This little turquoise hamsa necklace I am loving (eBay). There are tons of variations with different stones, if you search (the best all seem to be from Israel). They are good luck, traditionally, though I mainly wanted something small and turquoise on a slender gold chain. I won’t say no to any luck that may accrue to me, however.

Month: September 2015

lipstick overview, Eldridge-style

the floral A-line