Crimson Tide-Ings

CRIMSON TIDE-INGS
'TIS THE SEASON TO GO FOR THE GLAMOUR

With the party season in full effect, there's no time like the
present to get all dolled up. Here, celebrity makeup artist,
Alison Raffaele gives you tips on how to color your world
stunning for the holidays.

Matte red lipstick is undoubtedly the high fashion lip color for
fall and holiday 2007. While the bright, fire engine red of the
runways may be too boisterous for most women in their day-to-day routines, here are
some simple suggestions, which can help you recreate this trend, for a look that fits your unique style and personality.

Warm Verses Cool
Every color has two sides to its visual personality: a warm side and a cool side. In the case of red, there are warm reds (those with a yellow undertone) and cool reds (those with a blue undertone). The top three rows of the chart represent the warm red spectrum and the bottom three rows the cool red spectrum. When choosing the right shade, start by picking the half of the spectrum that appeal to you most.

Tints and Shades
If you look to the left and right of the primary reds, you’ll notice lighter and deeper color choices. These colors are known as tints and shades. Tints are created by adding white to a color. For example, one step lighter on the warm red spectrum is vivid coral and one step lighter on the cool red spectrum is hot pink. Shades are created by adding black to a color. For example, one step deeper on the warm red spectrum is brick and one step deeper on the cool spectrum is burgundy.

Textures
Today there are wide varieties of texture options, but the three main categories: are matte/opaque, satin/semi-opaque and gloss/sheer. If you still think you can't pull off a red lip, a satin red lipstick is one step less dramatic than a matte red lipstick. For many, this version is a more wearable and equally striking alternative to matte red. Even more wearable are satin coral, hot pink, brick or burgundy (that’s one step lighter/darker and one step less opaque) or a warm or cool red gloss (that’s two steps less intense in opacity).

There is a red out there for you—I promise! Just keep the spectrum in mind and, above all, wear your choice with pride and confidence.
Click here to check out the Red Lipstick Spectrum.

THREE WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR GORGEOUS HOLIDAY LOOK
1	Begin by using a single, matte taupe or gray shadow to define the crease of the eye and a golden brown blush to give some warmth to the cheeks. Finish by curling the lashes and adding two coats of black mascara. For a chic, minimalist look, this is all you need.
2	For an up-to-the-minute glamorous look, use a felt tipped black liquid liner pen to line your upper lashline, extending it up and out past the corner of the eye for a dramatic winged look. Emphasize the elongated shape further by adding false lashes to the outer third of the eye.
3	If just red lips seem like a lot for you (then forget the liquid liner and lashes), you can soften their impact by visually balancing them out with a bit more on the eye. Using the same matte gray or taupe eye-shadow, sweep the color across your lids, starting from the lashline up into the crease. Then line your eyes with a brown shadow liner, blending well to avoid any harsh lines. Cheeks may be brightened as well with a bit of soft pink on the apples, if desired.

Alison Raffaele Tatem, founder and creative director of Skin Alison Raffaele, has worked with everyone from Gywneth Paltrow to Alicia Keys to Jennifer Lopez. Raffaele is passionate about making beauty easy for all women via tricks of the trade and her own line of gorgeous cosmetics. To get your gorgeous now, go to www.alisonraffaele.com.