tangerine tango

The color pros at Pantone report "tangerine tango" as the color of the year. This is absolutely glorious! It's happy, carefree and fun–just like spring. Aren't you ready to feel fresh and free with your look? Spring is a cinch! There is no need to reinvent yourself because it's ok to incorporate one new thing. Whether you are cool or coy, this season's trends make it super easy.

You may already have look-creating makeup essential in your possession, but if they are in the way back of your makeup drawer (read: more than two years old), it's time to find replacements.

Your spring/summer makeup menu: red, bright and/or nude lip color (see chart from Vapour Organic Beauty on finding red and nude lip color); skin-tone flattering blush (Vapour's Aura Multi Use Blush for the perfect flush); bronzer (Vapour Solar Bronzer in Simmer is stunning); eye liner; and a pastel or pop of color for eyes and nails (Butter London Spring/Summer 2012: disco biscuit, bossy boots, slapper, trout pout, knackered).

Express Spring/Summer 2012:

• Enjoy a pop of color for your lips. Go bright red or try a sassy orange. If you want to play it safe, go with a bright gloss that's sheer.
• A monochromatic face. Just a hint of color for cheeks and eyes is super easy to achieve with Vapour Aura Multi Use Blush (spark, intrigue and impulse are sure to be season favorites).
• Beautifully bronzed. Use the high points of the face (cheekbones, forehead, nose, chin) as a guide to achieve that back from the beach look; keep eyes and lips simple.
• Vintage eyeliner is a go. Play with this liner look until it feels right for you, and practice to achieve your desired shape. See blog repost from myheartistry for a great "how to" on winged liner. Image below courtesy of myheartistry.
• Brows are thicker and fuller. Brow gel is a must-have for that brushed-up and youthful look. (Senna Brow Fix X available at sarimotley studio).
• Going nearly nude on the lip. Remember, there is a fine line between ghastly and gorgeous. To find the nude that suits you, go one shade darker than your skin tone with a hint of pink or peach.

For more inspiration on a bright and beautiful look for your spring/summer 2012, stop by sarimotley.com or visit the contact page to make an appointment (Houston area). See you soon.

resolution: find lip color

You don't have to start the New Year off wondering what shade fits!

Are you looking for the perfect red? The one that makes your eyes sparkle and feels amazing? What about that "just right" neutral? It's where subtle color and the best thing next to naked lips meet. Here's a little help:

The chart below, from Vapour Organic Beauty, will guide you in finding your best shades of red and neutral Siren Lipsticks based on your skin tone. Siren Lipstick is a feel-good luxury formula from Vapour Organic Beauty (available at sarimotley.com). Moisturizing and naturally long-wearing, this lipstick treat, made from pure plant ingredients, produces a nourishing shine that rivals its mainstream counterparts.

For more information on finding the right lipstick shade, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit our contact page.

fall 2011: in a word, confidence!

the look this fall is intentionally refined and emits attitude. plain old pretty is for yesterday, what you want now is a boldness that says you know what comes next. skin is satiny. lips are bold. brows are beautiful. shadows are alluring and seriously sexy.

the color story

colors this season do not tease, they speak with real passion! think rich, true reds; beautiful berries and mesmerizing metallics.

lips

lips are loving color; clear, crisp hues with bold intensity. practice being bold with see-through color like ravish (a sheer, cool red). take another fearless step with tryst (a universal neutral red). or go all the way with bold (a classic cool, deep red) or torrid (black orchid). lip colors from vapour organic beauty, available at sarimotley.com

eyes

fall's statement-makeing brows are defined and refined. beautifully frame your face for a strong polished look with these easy-to-use tools from Senna Cosmetics: brow pencil, brow kit (neutral shadows to shape and sculpt) and brow fix. these products are not web available, visit our contact page or send a note to sari@sarimotley.com.

glamourous, sultry eyes are not the next big thing, they are a reality. play with metallic shadows and your smokey eyes will become smoldering... pick simple go-to shades like copper and gold, favorites for autumn, and incorporate classic hues with tinges of navy, truffle, slate or coffee. find nourishing color in vapour's mesmerize eye color and velvety-smooth, jet-milled pressed mineral eye shadow from sarimotley at sarimotley.com.

face

skin is so fresh it looks like, well, skin... think satiny, smooth and soft. this uncomplicated look is easy to achieve with perfect foundation. find the one that is right for you, color and texture. sarimotley cosmetics offers vapour's award winning atmosphere soft focus or atmosphere luminous foundations.

update your fall makeup wardrobe with a private makeup lesson or color consultation. to schedule, visit our contact page or email sari@sarimotley.com.

happy fall.

Spring It On

We all know, Spring is about new life blooming forth. This Spring that means giving your everyday look a new life too. The word on the street is that Spring 2011 is about color - exciting color that says you're not afraid, and you love to make a statement. Not just bold colors for the sake of bold colors, but your personal flare with a little forward thinking dare to create a balance that feels right for you.

The recipe: take elements of nature, luminous skin, soft washes of color (for the eyes), and add divers color statement like intense coral cheeks, bright pink or zesty melon lips and lemony yellow nails. Next step, just go ahead and be gorgeous.

For more information on creating your season color wardrobe, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit the contact page.

Happy Spring!

Brighten Winter's Dull...

February's dreary weather report may have you feeling a little less than energetic. Take time to treat your skin nicely, and invite a little color in to brighten your mood--the rest will follow.

Shape magazine (February 2011) had a great spread called “Winter Brights”. It talked about “taking a vacation from your neutral makeup and dark clothing” to encourage happy thoughts about the way you look and feel. Favorite hues like hot pinks, lemon yellows, luscious lilacs, creative corals and gracious greens colored each page with enthusiasm.

These shades are fun and exciting, and this is a great time to ease into spring. If it’s cold outside, but your lips are hot (pink), you’ll reek of happiness... Adding something new and different is a treat, especially when you can do it one piece at a time. Start wearing these colors now, and come Springtime you’ll be blooming.

The next step to brightening your day is finding your color. Shade selections from sarimotley are at the ready, so follow the links below.

• Pinks: Stript Lipstick Pencil in Clover, Stript Crushed Mineral Blush in Devine and Mineral Cheek Color in Pink Quartz
• Yellows: Mineral Eye Shadow in Canary Diamond and Mineral Matte Eye Shadow in Limonite (coming soon)
• Lilacs: Mineral Matte Eye shadow in Hyacinth, Stript Crushed Mineral Blush in Sugar (deep lilac)
• Corals: Mineral Matte Eye Shadow in Terra Peach, Mineral Eye Shadow in Peach Quartz, Stript Crushed Mineral Eye Shadow in Jasmine, Mineral Blush in Coral Sun, Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe, Creme Blush in Just Blush (coming soon)
• Greens: Mineral Eye Shadow in Mojito, Stript Crushed Mineral Eye Shadow in Roxie

Fall 2010: A Little Sense of Frill

The best way to describe what is in store for Fall 2010 is a fresh richness with a flair for doing what feels good, but also what appears "pretty" to the naked eye. The sprit of the looks that are right around the corner invite a little sense of frill as classic tones are paired with unexpected surprises; look for bolder lips and very present cheek color.

Even though they might pack a little extra punch this year, be comfortable knowing your favorite neutrals will sit front and center. Experiment with classic mineral shadows that are romantic and captivating: olive, taupe, cocoa, brass, peach, mauve, emerald...

And, great skin is definitely in... this come first with any fabulous makeup look. Once you find that pureness of real skin, the perfect color and beautiful texture will follow.

To schedule a makeup lesson or seasonal color review, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit the contact page.

Testimony & Two-Cents

I received an insightful email today from a client, which gave me the perfect opportunity to share some great information on brush care and product longevity. Here it goes:

"Hi Sari,

I really like the pencils. I think the eyeliner will be more convenient as a pencil. And the color (dawn) is nice with my green eyes.

I hate to admit it, but I think the reason I have not been happy with my foundation application is because my brush was DIRTY. I cleaned my brush and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I was seriously shocked by the effect from cleaning my brush. I wouldn't eat with the same fork for a month, but I would apply powder to my face... Yikes!

Also, I am happy to report that I have disposed of all my old makeup, except three things: bronzer, illuminating stick and sparkle finishing powder. It feels really good to get rid of the products that were not being used."

Reply:

Cleaning Makeup Brushes

I clean my brushes frequently because I use them a lot and I sanitize them between clients… I keep a spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol at my work station. I mist a paper towel or tissue with the alcohol and swipe the brush back and forth - this takes the makeup off and sanitizes at the same time; plus it dries pretty quickly. Every two weeks or after a big makeup event, I will wash my brushes with gentle shampoo or soap. Then I remove the excess water and lay them flat to dry.

Cleaning your brushes is uber-important! This must-do task is so crucial for brush longevity, being sanitary and getting a great application.

Cosmetic Freshness Guidelines

If you've ever opened a lipstick and noticed an odd odor, that's a sign it's past its prime. If the last time you bought a new blush was when you were a blushing bride, set it aside. The following "best used by" guidelines offer helpful insight into the life of your color. They are informational and not intended to prevent, cure or treat any disease.

Powder Products (eye shadow, foundation, blush, bronzer, etc.): 24 months

Liquid/Creme Products (foundation, liners, shadow, etc.): 12 - 18 months

Lip Products (lip stick, liner, gloss, balm): 12 - 24 months

Mascara: 3 months

For more information on how to care for your products or to schedule a private makeup tutorial, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit the contact page.

The Right Makeup For Your Hair Color

Check out the great article at endlessbeauty.com.