ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Blame Kim Kardashian.
The woman who has become famous by loving the camera more than anyone else in the world has reshaped the world of cosmetics with makeup contouring, shamelessly false eyelashes and nude shades. The trend toward neutrals has even pulled glamour pusses Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani away from their signature bold-red lipsticks. These songstresses have lightened up and embraced the nude, but not quite as much as Miss Kardashian.
“Kim is the queen of the nude lip, and this vintage-inspired pale nude makes lips look instantly fuller and irresistible,” said makeup guru Charlotte Tilbury, who named a shade in her new line, called Kim K.W, after Miss Kardashian.
Miss Kardashian’s longtime makeup master, Mario Dedivanovic, has used Tilbury shades to enhance the natural undertones of the famous pout. “Natural lip undertones can affect the way a lip product looks, especially if the product is sheer, because the undertones will show through,” Mr. Dedivanovic told Elle magazine.
One example is Black Honey, known to be worn by pop music’s fashionista, Madonna. The sheer classic from Clinique’s Almost Lipstick line adjusts to the user’s own tone.
Today’s lip products are expected to pack more than color, which is why cosmetic lines are advertising looks of youth and health as well as beauty. Cosmetics advisers are steering clients away from dark lip shades that can be aging.
Clarins’ latest from its Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipstick line offer the sheer, neutral look with moisture for a healthy shine. The maker of Joli Rouge promises six hours of hydration using organic marsh samphire and mango oil. Each shade can be worn as a simple gloss for those who prefer a low-maintenance natural look or layered with bolder hues for polish and glamour.
As for Marilyn Monroe wannabes, hold on to those favorite rich reds. Cameras always love the classics.
• Cheryl Danehart can be reached at cdanehart@washingtontimes.com.
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