Catching the rainbow

There’s nothing more gauche than a mug plastered with war paint at the height of Indian summer. However, don’t let the heat take away the sizzle from your style. As we all know color is back in a very big way – a skittle farm of colors that defy convention but won’t assault the senses. The key to using color is to apply sparingly, unless you are after the Dior theater look of last year (emphasis on last year).

Let the two chic French cosmetic houses that have a following of style mavens and professionals alike do color the way it’s meant to be. The result is dramatic, not jarring.

After all, where there is sun a rainbow should always be on the horizon.

Nars Summer

"It’s all about vibrant and colorful eyes in-blue and slate-or using a powder pink and red palette. Use a sheer base and bronze or peach-toned cheeks." – Merry Carlos

Eyes: Brush on Island Fever color duo which is a blue and slate duo on lids, until desired color intensity is achieved. For shimmer, Heart of Glass, which is an iridescent sky blue color gives the eyes sparkle. For the rose option try Fathom, a pale pink shimmer eye color, and use Emmanuelle, a red eye color, to define. Finish off using Black Orchid mascara.

Cheeks: Use powder blush in Gilda which is a peachy pink shade and illuminate using the Multiple Stick in bronzy Waikiki to make your look warm and glowing.

Lips: Glide on Nars lipgloss in Frisky Summer which is a warm pink to add a fruity punch.

Eyes: Blend the warm shimmery shades of Peche Glacee and Rose Chiree on lids.

Face: Brush on Banane Doree to gently matte the face and even out the skin tone. The yellow tone also warms sallow complexions. To add dimension use the highlighter Viole Nacre, which is actually a multi-wear color (face, eye and lip).

Cheeks: Warm up your look with a swish of Brun Mystere color.

Lips: Keep it light and sweet with Rouge Transparent in Taffetas 05 topped with Passion lipgloss.