the tuxedo blazer

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One of the trends I like is that of the casual tuxedo blazer, especially with worn-in boyfriend jeans.

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You know how there’s this kind of transition area between the lips and the not-lips, maybe 1-2mm? I was experimenting with coloring that area in (I usually don’t), to maximize the lip territory. It had a pretty dramatic effect to me, a little weird (unfamiliar) but not technically overdrawn (which nearly always looks off), just… bigger. This reminds me of my thoughts about pearl stud sizes, and how 1mm can make such a difference in the appearance of the size. Faces aren’t very big, was the conclusion; small changes have an amplified effect.

I went to the grocery store after this and an 8 year-old boy actually craned his head as far as it would go to watch my lips walk by, his mouth slack with distraction. This speaks to makeup being both arresting and slightly scary. I get a lot of positive feedback from this 8 and under demographic – the younger the child, the more bright lipstick seems to delight them. I’m right there with you, kids. What will those wacky giants do next? I don’t know either!

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Wool tuxedo blazer from Isabel Marant for H&M, AG jeans (thrifted), J. Crew cardigan, Old Navy camisole, Adidas Spezial sneakers, Pearl Paradise golden akoya studs, scarab necklace. On the lips: Revlon matte lipstick in Really Red (I’m sure I’ve mentioned before how much I like these Revlon matte lipsticks) with a dark red Avon pencil…Cabaret or something? And this is the NARS Exhibit A blush again, which I like as much as ever. I find it quite youthful, not a sophisticated tawny shade but a true blood-in-the-cheeks, fresh-from-the-cold shade.

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AND: Hurrah for daylight savings.

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on the lips: Tom Ford lipstick in Narcotic Rouge

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OK, now that everyone knows how gorgeous this packaging is:

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Aaaahhhh!

I cannot take it.

The formula of this Tom Ford lipstick is gorgeous, I think the most gorgeous, and I have tried many. [It is, admittedly, also the most expensive.]

Narcotic Rouge is matte, and limited edition. It is a stunning blue-toned red with a hint of raspberry. Not for the faint of heart. It is a sister shade to Cherry Lush, which would be the non-matte, slightly brighter sister. Extremely tough call which sister I would rather be. I kind of want Cherry Lush, too.

Learned that Tom Ford reps all over the globe have to wear Tom Ford apparel and a side part in their hair. Like a strange, disparate beauty army.

Wild Ginger was a close second after a marathon swatch session at Nieman Marcus. I reason that it will be the perfect summer indulgence. Going to have to do a whole post devoted to orange lipsticks, which are a weakness of mine.

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