How to choose an edgy festival look

If you’re attending any of the major music or art festivals this summer you’ll probably want your makeup to look dramatic or natural. It’s a great time to try many colours, waterproof formulas and glitter. But how do you choose the right colours and technique? First have a look at what’s trending – so right now that’s deep purple lipstick which looks great with summer tanned skin (I like Sephora Lipstick in Truth or Dare), colour-matching one bright colour on your face with one in your outfit and of course looking tan.

Nancy Ellis, makeup artistNancy Ellis, makeup artist

Ask yourself do you want to try one of these trends, if so choose one and go with it. For deep purple lips use only, brightener/highlighter, a great mascara (try Benefit They’re Real! Mascara and add Marcelle Waterproof Mascara Topcoat) and draw a little line of waterproof black pencil liner along your lash line to accentuate your lashes. If you want to try the match-your-outfit trend, pick a predominant colour in your outfit and add it to a facial feature you like; i.e.: you have great lips so wear bright pink lipstick with your pink festival dress and keep the rest of your makeup minimal or maybe your eyes are your favourite feature so add your bright colour there. If you’re naturally tan – that’s great, if you’re creating this look for a festival make sure you’re tan all over (dress-wearers beware) and highlight and bronze your face & décolletage in a natural way. Try the new Smashbox L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in Venice Beach Bronze. Apply mascara and lip gloss (I like Urban Decay Revolution High-Color Lipgloss in Punch Drunk, which is shiny but fairly sheer). Continue reading