Tons & Tons of Black Liner: Get The Look of Françoise Hardy

Françoise Hardy has it all. Talent, brains, beauty. That’s why she is one of my favorite style icons. When I had my blunt bangs and a haircut much like this one, I used to wear heavy eye makeup like this. It was such a cool look. The eyeliner isn’t easy if you’ve never done it before. I suggest practice. Once you get it down, you can get this look in under 10 minutes from my experience. These are the products that I use to get this look:

FACE: The complexion is pretty fuss-less but it needs to be evened out. Apply concealer if and where needed. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer does great under the eyes. I like to use MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation to even out the entire complexion. Use a bronzer as blush and apply with a fluffy brush. I like the shade and price of Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light.

EYES: Luckily my blunt bangs covered my messy brows. Brush less than perfect brows into place with a clear brow gel like Revlon Brow Styling Gel. Apply a tinted eyeshadow base such as L’Oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base. This will keep your liner from budging. There are many products that you can use to get this thick liner look. I personally prefer the following: Clinique Water-Resistant Eye Liner in Natural Black (not pictured) or MAC Fluidline in Black Track. Both are very versatile items with no flaking or wandering. The Clinique one is a softer, matte black. The MAC one is a bit deeper and has a more consistent texture. First, “draw-in” your line. I line closely to the lashline and flick out like a classic cat-eye. Then under the crease I draw a desired line. I then fill it in with the liner on the brush. Everyone has a preferred liner brush. I am more comfortable with a fine point liner and not the slanted kind. It is all about what you are comfortable with. Remember to let it dry before blinking or completely opening lines. Sometimes I would take a shadow brush and apply a matte black shadow Larenim Eye Shadow in Ashes to Ashes to “set” it. You can also take the black powder shadow and line bottom lashes closely. Apply lots of black mascara like L’Oreal Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara in Blackest Black.
LIPS: Lips are nude. If your lips have a bit of color and don’t appear washed out, just apply a slightly tinted lip balm like mark Tinted Sheenstick Lip Balm in Fanciful. If you need a bit of color use a color like Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick in Perfect Nude.

 

Hello, Get The Subtle Look Of Dolly Parton

I love Dolly Parton, even made up and fake Dolly Parton. She’s a beautiful gal. I’m really loving her look on her “Hello, I’m Dolly” album cover. It’s a “natural” Dolly, not really how most of her think of her. This is a great look. I love a peachy lip.

FACE: Apply a foundation like Prescriptives Virtual Skin Super Natural Foundation in your shade. Apply concealer if needed to even out the complexion. I like Dior Diorskin Sculpt Concealer for the under eye area. Dust with powder if needed with something like Almay Pure Blends Loose Finishing Powder. Cheeks are peachy perfect. I love Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in Peach 44. It is the perfect matte, peach blush.

EYES: Sculpt brows into place with a clear brow gel. Boots No7 Lash & Brow Perfector is a nice bargain. Apply a nude shadow from lash line to brow. For Dolly’s complexion this would be something like Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Vintage Lace. Take a medium taupe shade like Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Tapestry Taupe, and blend from lash line to right above the crease. It helps to do this with your eyes open-ish looking ahead. Apply a thin line of brown eyeliner like Estee Lauder Automatic Eye Pencil in Walnut Brown, closely to the top lash line. Apply a few coats of a lengthening mascara to top and bottom lashes. I would use a Dark Brown or a Black/Brown such as Almay One Coat Nourishing Lengthening Mascara.

LIPS: Lips are peach, pearly, and nude. For a look like Dolly’s try Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Lipstick in Nectariche, one of my favorite shades ever. If you are a bit deeper or tan, try Covergirl Continuous Color Lipstick in Bronzed Peach Shimmer.

 

Throwback: Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee Sunscreen Review

Weekly Cheap Secret:

I love this stuff so. I don’t wear it as a “tanning” cream (since I don’t tan) and I don’t really use it for sun protection. I just like to use it because I like the way it smells and the way it makes my legs look. I’m sure many of you know of this throwback or have used this stuff. This lovely gelee in the metal “toothpaste” tube was always around my house growing up since I lived with sun-worshiping ladies that were naturally tan and couldn’t get enough of that bronzed look. This is a must for “vintage” gals. (It was launched in the 40’s).

This contains an SPF 4. Really, that is enough sun protection for me since I’m not out in it very long anyways. The formula is “greasy” and really packs a shine. Since it has a tinge of orange/bronze, it evens out the complexion. This is why I love to use it on my legs. They look sleek and flawless. This stuff really moisturizes since it has a mineral oil base. It is more of a “treatment” and protects my skin from the drying effects of the elements. It is sooo emollient. I am in love with its’ classic fragrance. It is a heady, jasmine-ish like floral blend. It is an “exotic” floral. Imagine a jasmine and orange blossom blend, very Southern California. This fragrance is amazing and I often wear it souly for that. I use it on my pulse points as I would a solid perfume for a pick-me-up. (If you really love this scent, Demeter offers Suntan Lotion PMU Cologne.) This stuff is so nice; it is nostalgic. It is from a time when beach culture was such a “culture”, everybody was tanning sans the guilt. I love it because it reminds me of a 60’s teen twist B film or a Sandy Nelson or Dick Dale album cover. It is so retro Southern Californian youth. Think surfing and late night beach bonfires.

Since it is tinted, it may stain clothing, swimsuits, etc. I haven’t had a problem with this, but I do wear lots of dark shades. You won’t find me sporting white shorts or a white swimsuit. Just something to think about…

It retails for $9.99 for 3.12 ounces. This stuff can be hard to find; however, drugstore.com always has it.

 

More Martin Denny Babes: The Enchanted Sea

Oh, it is more of one of my favorite gals, Sandy Warner. I love the ultra matte makeup on this 1960 album cover. The lip is lush without being that matte, classic red. To get this look, I am recommending Revlon colors because I am in love with the new matte collection. Plus, it is Recession friendly 🙂

First, apply foundation and concealer where needed. Try something like Colorstay Active Light Makeup with the Colorstay Concealer. Apply powder if needed. Apply Mineral Bronzer in your shade. You do want a tiny bit of glimmer for a “sunkissed” glow. Apply it with a large, fluffy brush. Apply another coat of the bronzer to cheekbones. This is your blush. It is all about the bronze with this look. Now to the eyes. Apply Brow Fantasy in your shade. Brows are thick and filled. Apply the Matte Eyeshadow in Vintage Lace all over the lid with a fluffy brush. Lightly brush Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Rich Sable into the crease. Line eyes with liquid liner. Apply Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black and wing it out for a “cateye” effect. The line is a bit thick. Take a pencil liner and line bottom lashes halfway. I like the Matte Luxirious Color Kohl Eyeliner in Black Truffle. Apply tons of mascara or faux lashes to top lashline. Use a light, maybe one coat of mascara to bottom lashes. Line lips with Colorstay Lipliner in Mauve. Apply Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over for lighter complexions or Fabulous Fig for darker complexions. Blot and you’re ready and quite enchanting I may add.

 

More of the Martin Denny Babe: Get the Look of Afro-Desia

Here’s another cover of the blonde Sandy Warner, looking as beautiful as always. This 1959 release was “exotic” with the sounds and instruments of Cuba and Africa all played by the comforting face of Martin Denny. In a time where the sounds of Asia or the Pacific Ocean or Africa were all labeled “exotic” and could only be played by one man willing to go there. Anyways, I love the records, don’t get me wrong. But, that is so funny to me. I mean World Market still does the same hokey thing as saying all non-whitey places are “exotic” with their hokey keyboard generic “ethnic” music playing while you buy wicker crap and rustic wind chimes.

Anyways, to get this lovely Afro-Desia look. Use your favorite foundation (the face is matte) such as Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Mattifying Foundation if you are oily. You can use a powder foundation like Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation for normal skin. Pat concealer where needed and dust lightly with a loose powder such as NARS Loose Powder. Sandy is all about the brows, fill brows in with Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in your shade. Use the spoolie on the end to blend and brush brows into place. Use a nude eyeshadow all over the eyelid such as L’Oreal Eyeshadow Single in Sandy Shores. Use a gray powder in the crease all the way down to the lashline. Use something such as Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Pervesion and blend well. This look is all about the liner. Line eyes thickly with Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner in Black. Make sure to wing it out for a cateye look. Smudge a little of the gel liner onto the lower lashline to make the bottom lashes appear thicker. Apply false eyelashes or coat lashes heavily with Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara in Black. Lightly dust cheeks with Jane Mineral Blush in Outspoken Pink. Now to the lovely lips. Line lips with Sephora Brand Lip Pencil in Boysenberry or any rich magenta lip pencil. Fill in lips with the classic Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries In The Snow. One of my favorite lipstick shades. Your done!

 

Martin Denny Babe: Still Looking Good; Exotica Volume III

Sandy Warner is one hot chick. She can go from deep brunette to a bleached blonde. Yeah, I think she looks better with dark hair but I’m partial. I just like dark hair. But, to still look good after switching to the other end of the hair color spectrum is pretty amazing. I can sport dark hair and red hair but blonde is a big no no. It is instant white trash for me. Anyways, Exotica III is a pretty wearable look, dark eyes and flirty lips.

First, work with those brows of yours. Take a tip from Sandy, she is my type of gal. She switched her brow color to match the hair. I know that style tip comes and goes but I am all for it. Recently, I have died my hair red and use Lancome’s Modele Sourcils in Chataigne, a lovely auburn. It has a mascara like wand and is like instantly dying your brows daily. Use this product in a shade to your liking. There is one for every hair color. Use a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer like theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer in your shade. Use a concealer like Tarte The Eraser Concealer where needed. Pat face with Clinique Soft Finish Pressed Powder to mattify. The drama in this look is all about the eyes. Apply a primer like Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Apply a nude, matte eyeshadow all over the lids such as Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in Positive. Do not be afraid to apply alot of dark eye shadow. Choose a jet black matte shadow such as Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in Statuesque. Brush this stuff on all the way up to the crease. Keep applying to you get it as deep as you want. Sometimes a really dark powder shadow will get all over your beautifully made up face when you are applying it. Personally, I am awesome and this never happens:) I recommend that you hold a square of TP under your eye with one hand and brush the shadow on with the other hand. Or you can be like a wonderful makeup artist friend of mine and do dark eyes first, then apply concealer, the face, etc. Personally, I like a wonderful blank, flawless canvas to work on. I don’t start painting onto crap. Anyways, next line your eyes with a black liquid liner for extra depth around the lashline. Use something like Lancome Artliner in Noir. Take a little of the black eyeshadow on a thin liner brush and smudge around on the lower lash line. False eyelashes are a must if you really want to rock this look. she uermura lashes in Luxe Black are really dramatic. Touch up with more black eyeliner if necessary. Coat top and bottom lashes with a black mascara like Cargo TexasLash Mascara. You don’t have to coat your false lashes but for realz do the bottom lashes. Use a cheek stain such as Benefit Benetint and mix with a dab of Benefit High Beam for an ethereal, perfect complexion. Lips should be light, pink and glossy. Line lips with Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lips in Hint of Pink. Use something like DuWop Venom Lip Gloss in Lantana, a sheer hot pink. It’ll make you want to scream but at least you’ll look good. Heck, for kicks take an eyeliner pencil in a brown/black shade and even draw on the beauty mark. May I suggest Sephora Brand Slim Pencil in Dark Brown 212. When I see this picture I think about Tocca Touch as a fragrance with its kinda tropical notes of gardenia, Tahitian tiare flower and balsam. Now you’re ready to seduce exotica style.

 

Vintage Makeup: How I’d Become the Martin Denny Babe

I don’t know if you really listen to much Martin Denny but it is really perfect this time of year when it’s time for a mojito, but if you don’t like his music you’ll love the babe that is on most of the album covers. Today I will tackle the LP Primitiva album cover from 1958, a time of tiki inspired stripclubs. First, I’d tackle those brows and use a pencil, no gel or powder will cut this intense look. I’d recommend L’Oreal Brow Shaping Duet in Black/Brown. I’d apply a matte finish foundation like Maybelline Matte Mousse Foundation, apply this with a flat buffer brush after applying with fingers. I’d top with a light dusting of Cornsilk Shineless Natural Matte Loose Powder, this product really works with the vintage look. My granny always used it. I’d apply a concealer with a matte finish as well, such as Lancome Effacernes Protective Undereye Concealer. By this time your skin is a perfect matte canvas. Move on to eyes and lay it on thick. I’d use Urban Decay Primer Potion and cover the whole eye area with Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Foxy which is a matte ivory. Then, brush NYX eyeshadow in Hawaiian Coffee (what an appropriate name for an Exotica inspired look) in the crease and blend until perfect. Line the upper lashline with NYX Pen Eye Liner in Jet Black in a thick, cat-eyed motion. Apply MAC lashes in 6 Lash and coat with MAC Pro Lash Mascara in Coal Black. Apply a minimal amount of mascara to the bottom lashes for a wide-eyed look. Now, my favorite part is the lipstick. Line lips with NYX Long Lip Pencil in Plush Red. I don’t care what people say about nude lipliners, when you want a bold red lip you must use a bold red lipliner. Apply Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Fire, a vivid warm red shade. My second favorite thing in the whole world: blush. Lightly sweep Nars Powder Blush in Desire, a flushing cotton candy pink, with a fantail brush. It’ll really look natural. Finally, coat those nails in OPI Nail Lacquer in Vodka and Caviar or there new and super cute retro pin-up inspired summer shade, Calender Girl. Then I’d not do doodley squat to my hair and tie my boobs up in some kind of suede rag. By doing this I’m sure somebody will buy you a Mai Tai.

P.S. If anyone knows this lady’s name please share! For years, I’ve wanted to know her back story but I’ve been unsuccessful as far.