Light-skinned beauty and powerful lips

MANILA, Philippines - The story for summer is skin  whether porcelain pale or sun-flecked and freckled.

Sheer finishes, bold lips and equally eye-conic eyewear prove to be the season’s most popular.

Beauty note: At Haider Ackerman, supple, dewy skin — luminescent, really — contrasted against a deep violet lip. Unusual for the season, but the dark-hued lip provides a lush counterpoint to a luminous complexion. Begin with a formula comprised of liquid foundation and moisturizer (50-50 is a good mix), and lightly spread over skin. Pat with a sponge to remove excess. To achieve alabaster skin, makeup artist Lucia Pica says the answer is “highlighting.” Pica, who was the key artist at Peter Pilotto, blended MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish in Definitely Defined with some moisturizer, applied it with a small contour brush over the high planes of the face, such as forehead, bridge of nose, upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow and inner corner of the eye. Lightly brush some loose powder, like Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder, over the sides of the nose, under the eyes and through the middle of the face. To finish, apply a dark violet lipstick. Makeup artist Hanna Pechon used Shu Uemura Artist colour and Black WN 298 to achieve the desired look. If the dark hue is too dramatic, try the Viva Glam Nicki, which resembles a lighter pigment, like lavender.

Accessory note: A dramatic lip deserves a dramatic eye. Opt for some eye-popping spectacles like this House of Holland pair. The Brit label will debut at optical stores everywhere this summer.

Beauty note: A silky red-orange lip for summer, as seen on the runways of Moschino, Paul Smith and Jason Wu, is an ode to classic holiday escapist flicks. Utilizing Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited M RD 165, the hue brightens skin tone and teeth instantly.

Accessory note: Take on the Mod trend with specs that draw the eye. Le Specs, an affordable Australian label, is debuting this summer. Visit www.facebook.com/lespecsph for the lowdown.

Beauty note: Designer Holly Fulton desired a cool California look. Makeup artist Andrew Gallimore aimed for “’50s girl with a toasted tan, summer freckles and a sunblock-neon lip.” A sheer base allows skin to shine through, while a colorblocked lip provides a pop of summer.

Condition lips, then spread a magenta or fuchsia cream formula along the lips as the base, making sure to leave a gap in the center of both lips. Try Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited M PK 376 or T. LeClerc Rouge Transparent Lipstick in Candeur. Work in an orange, like MAC Morange or Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited M OR570. Set the lip with Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Powder to set.

Accessory note: These are some serious Tom Cruise Top Gun flashback-level aviators, which made their way back to pop culture. Ray-Ban Flash Lens Aviators come in highly reflective finishes including pink (seen here), blue and green.

Beauty note: Spare no expense when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s way-harsh rays. Prep skin with Lancome’s new Advanced Genifique formula, which promises to repair and visibly rejuvenate skin. After moisturizing, place a coin-sized amount of Shu Uemura UV Armour SPF 50 Water-Resistant Fluid Sunblock and spread evenly. Top with a light amount of Shu Uemura Stage Performer BB Perfector Skin Smoothing Beauty Cream. Dot over key portions of the face where you most want coverage then blend with fingers or a sponge. High temperatures ensures pouring sweat throughout the day, so best to keep makeup light. Don’t bother with powder, as dewy skin looks fresher.

Condition lips with Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability Lip Balm. At the Erdem S/S show, makeup artist Andrew Gallimore worked with a retro futuristic look: “’50s/’60s idea of what the future looks like.” He accomplished it with a popular trend: the barely-there lip. In the center, apply MAC Good To Go, a neon orange lip creme with hints of red, with light fingers or a blending brush. Top with lip balm to blend.

Accessory note: The angular lines of Miu Miu’s amethyst sunnies, available at Adora, prove modern shapes don’t have to be minimal.

Photos by JO ANN BITAGCOL

Makeup by HANNA PECHON of Shu Uemura

Modeled by CHELSEA ROBATO of Mercator

Shot at EL PINOY

 (www.elpinoy.com.ph)