how to: orange lips

I’m planning a number of orange lip looks for spring and summer, and I’m clearly not alone. Orange lips are trending.

Here are two recent makeup tutorials I liked, each outlining what to keep in mind when going for an orange lip and offering some good product options.

Lisa, of course, we love every time:

And this look by Nic from Pixiwoo is great, too, underlining what a killer pairing a bright lip and bold (yet not overly defined) brows can be.

There are so many species of orange – so many shades, so many textures and grades of opacity (here are a few of my favorites, and I have a few new oranges I’ll share later), this look is a lot more versatile than it sounds in the abstract.  If you go for a bolder shade, things to think about when wearing any bold lip apply. Going to go for it?

I think it’s worth considering. I quite like Nic’s suggestion of just wearing a new look around the house to get yourself accustomed to the idea. No one has to know! (see 2:34) Little by little it doesn’t seem so outrageous anymore.

image via lisaeldridge.com

the pendant

IMG_2281

IMG_2290

I recently got this pendant hanger, which allows one to hang any pendant from any chain (within the size range of the hanger). How clever is this? It’s shaped like a twisted eternity symbol and can be easily attached and removed. This pendant is a random one with a medieval look, and my favorite pairing with the pearls so far. This pairing would be at home with a much more formal look, is one thing I like about it, making a nice contrast with a casual look.

IMG_2279

Love me a bit of houndstooth, love me a bit of python.

IMG_2299

IMG_2302

This creamy python print behaves effectively as a nude on me (which comes across better at a distance, or out of focus), just with a bit more interest. This 3″ height is quite friendly, too, I find, without looking kittenish.*

*Not that there is anything wrong with looking kittenish, but it is a different thing entirely.

IMG_2280

Zara wool houndstooth blazer (thrifted), Express jeans, Pearl Paradise necklace (18″ 8mm strand), J Crew vintage v-neck tee, Nickels python pumps (thrifted), Mulberry Roxanne bag (thrifted). On the lips: Lipstick Queen lipstick in Jean Queen. Also wearing a Japonesque Color blush I’m liking a lot, and will mention properly soon.

IMG_2275

Elbow patches!

x