Kjaer Weis Spring Look

Here's another thing I love about Kjaer Weis: a fresh makeup look that doesn't require purchasing a limited edition palette. While I do tend to go gaga over all those special seasonal colors in collector's packaging, there's a special place in heaven for creative directors who create gorgeous and fresh looks with their permanent collections. And this is exactly what Kirsten Kjaer Weis has done for her April Look of the Month (it's not too late for that, is it?). It's a fresh-faced pink cheek with a classic smoky eye. Spring with a little edge, I think.

Here's the how-to (Links go to my reviews and swatches of the products used):

* Foundation:
Model is wearing Kjaer Weis Skin Perfecting Foundation in Like Porcelain (my own color match is Illusion). According to Kjaer Weis you can use it as lightly or as heavily to build the coverage where needed (I'll test it soon). Since the foundation sets to a semi-matte finish no powder is needed (and actually discouraged).

*  Eyes:
Eye shadow is Cloud Nine (an ivory-champagne), applied from the lashline to the brow bone as a sheer wash that evens out the lid. Wisdom (a perfect taupe) is used to create depth and shape from the lashline to the crease, extended up towards the brow and in towards the nose as much as possible (depending on your own eye shape, of course). Using a thin brush, define the eye by applying Onyx eye shadow along the upper and lower lashlines. Blend Onyx into Wisdom on the top lid, until the two colors seamlessly meld into each other. Finish with black mascara.

*Cheeks:

Blossoming Cream Blush ( a bright rose) generously patted into the apples of the cheek. This look really  require some serious cheekbones (I have none, so I'd take the color a bit higher and blend upwards).

* The look is completed with a pale, pinky-nude lip. Kirsten Kjaer Weis combined Bliss Full Lip Tint with a dab of foundation and applied with a lip brush (the Kjaer Weis one is excellent, by the way). You'll need to make sure that your lips are well moisturized and appear in top shape, since the opaque texture of the combined lip tint+foundation might be a bit dry and enhance flaws.

Details and photos courtesy of Kjaer Weis. You'll notice that their website is under (re)construction at the moment, but products can be purchased from Osswald (osswaldnyc.com) online, in store, as well as by phone, where Nik and Josie will be glad to assist (and both of them know their stuff and are glorious human beings).