Seen on runways and in the window displays of leading fashion brands for the spring/summer 2013 collections, black and white are the favourites this year. While the traditional pairing of black and white can get boring, style-setters are keeping this trend interesting by adding polka dots, block stripes, linear patterns and houndstooth, to give the stark combination a more playful, edgy feel.
PHOTO: ELLE GIRL
So, what make-up goes with simple monochrome? There really is no limit - it depends on the mood you want to convey. Introducing another colour will lessen the sleek, clean-cut impact, yet does not look out of place, as black and white virtually match everything.
Black and white usually exude sophistication and a grown-up feel, so younger wearers might have to add some colour to avoid looking too mature. Colourful accessories are great with this look, and give a younger feel than matching the look with silver or gold accessories. However, it is better to stick to just one tone instead of splashing lots of colours all over, especially on your face. Colourful make-up can serve as ornamentation, to break the monotonous feel that could be too mature for younger women. However, black-and-white is all about being subtly stylish, so the make-up should not be too loud.
Bold, statement lips are the easiest look. Keep the rest of the face flawlessly natural, and focus on just the lips.
To add a touch of youthfulness to the overall look, go for pink hues. A subtle face allows the outfit to shine, but you will still need a bit of colour on your face.
For the eyes, natural tones like warm browns or light greys go well with the clothes and do not steal the limelight from the colourful lips. Keep it simple by using a matte or satin texture - too much glitter or shimmer will clash with the look.
You can also enhance the edginess of graphic clothes with bold eyebrows. Dark with sharp lines, graphic eyebrows frame your eyes and features with a beautiful androgynous look.
Burt’s Bees lipgloss in Spring Splendor adds a rich, pearlised pink colour to lips.
Elle Girl Milky Shine Tint offers a moisturising milky texture like whipping cream, and sweet colour.
Fashion Sets collection from MAC plays with beautiful brights that pop with a vivid edge. Silly is the name for this bright pink hue, available as eyeshadow, nail varnish, lipstick, lipgloss and lip pencil.
Chanel Rouge Coco in Liaison gives soft satin pink attractiveness inspired by the cinema backstage atmosphere.
Peel to appeal
Murad introduces Intensive-C Radiance Peel, a vitamin C-rich peel-off face mask with Myrtle Extract to restore the skin's elasticity. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free radicals while glycolic acid encourages new cell regeneration. The formula reverses environmental ageing caused by sun, smog and stress. Regular use can help smooth and perfect skin to enhance luminosity while reducing hyperpigmentation to restore clarity.
Product: The Face Shop Natural Sun AQ Smart Cushion.
Detail: An innovative portable sunscreen that offers three functions - UV protection, cooling effect and make-up effect.
Comment: The coverage is medium and it blends beautifully into the skin. The packaging also makes this product different from most sunscreen/BB cream products on the market. The compact is idiot-proof, as the sponge soaks up just the right amount and makes application very easy. The refreshing cooling sensation is more than welcome in Thailand's brutal summer heat. However, it is not very long lasting, due to its lightweight texture.
