Tutorial: Retro Summer Look

Tutorials

Apr 23

The perfect summer look for me would be ultra-light, quick to apply, and fairly sweat-resistant. It would unfailingly involve a punch (or two) of color, just to get into the festive summer vibe. Instead of powder products like eyeshadow and blush, I'd go for a liquid tint on the cheeks and a cream color on the eyes for better staying power.

Hence I've come up with this look featuring a couple of cheap-ass eyeliners. By cheap I mean they are only P150 from Watsons! These eyeliners from a new brand called Essence (blogged it here) and believe you me, they're pretty long-wearing for the price. I wore this to the mall and came home after six hours with intact eyes. I applied primer beforehand though.

Moving along, here's a step-by-step tutorial on how I did my retro summer look. I used Cool Down (electric blue) and Bling Bling (golden copper) on my eyes. Let's begin!

Step 1: I used Urban Decay Primer potion all over my lids to ensure that these cream products stay on. I then picked up Bling Bling and drew it all over my lids, just stopping at the crease.

It should look like this. Use that line on the skin of your lids to guide you.

Step 2: To get a soft-focus, diffused look on the eyes, blend the topmost line upwards. You have to work fast per eye since this liner hardens quickly. It will be difficult to blend once it sets!

Step 3: Draw a thick blue line on your lashline using the Cool Down pencil. You may give it a little flick in the end if you wish. The more exaggerated the flick, the more retro it looks. ;)

Step 4: Draw a very thin line close to your lashes using a black liquid eyeliner. This helps shape your eyes better, and makes your lashes appear thicker. Used the K-Palette liquid eyeliner here because it has a superfine point and never smudges!

Step 5: Curl your lashes and apply mascara (Fairydrops Platinum Mascara).

Step 6: Okay so we're done with the eyes! That was quick eh? Summer is the perfect season to take out your favorite bronzers. I am currently loving the BYS Bronzing Powder because it has a golden undertone, plus it really makes my skin glow.

Contour your cheekbones by dusting the bronzer on the area where your face is shadowed under a light

Dust the bronzer lightly on your nose and temples

The chin

And voila! Now that's what I call glowing summer skin. ^_^

Step 7: To further enhance the complexion, I used an orangey-mango tint (Benefit Cha Cha Tint) on the apples of my cheeks. I just patted on a small amount because I don't want a lot of color; the hint of orange is enough I think!

Step 8: And now for my favorite part - lipstick! If you want to use this look for casual, everyday stuff, you can top it off with a nude lipstick such as the one I'm already wearing above (Avon UMR Rose in French Lace Rose). If you want something brighter and eye-catching yet still demure, go for a coral pink like the Avon UMR in Island Glow.

If you want something incredibly dramatic with an extra retro kick, go for a bright cherry red such as this Make Up Store Lipstick in Pout. You can find Make Up Store in The Podium by the way. I'll review the lipstick separately but quickly now, it's a super pigmented, stain-y lipstick that's not overly drying. I love the lustre finish of this shade, and how neon it is on the lips!