This has been for me, an exciting summer. I have had the opportunity to do a few things I really wanted to do and one was to visit New York City. Now, I have been before...several times. In fact, one of the last times my husband and I were enjoying a pastrami at Carnegie Deli on 7th and sat besides a lovely older couple, both native New Yorkers. We laughed as they told us they enjoy vacationing in California and we, as Los Angelinos shared that we love to vacation in New York.
My big reason for wanting to visit was to attend the Macy's Fourth of July Show and it was spectacular! Better than the last one I attended. It was a great thrill to see the Brooklyn Bridge, meet wonderful people from all over the country, and , of coarse, see a gorgeous fireworks show!
A day with family provided us the opportunity to visit Coney Island. I cannot tell you how excited I was! Just days after the famous hot dog eating contest, I had my first scrumptious hot dog at Nathans and walked the boardwalk. Talk about fun! The view of the Atlantic and the throngs of beach goers was as interesting as a day at Venice Beach.
In no time, my husband and I navigated the subway system like pros! Well...almost. But I grew to greatly appreciate and grow in awe of the miles of railway that make up this system. It truly is a city underneath a city.
I had to spend a day in Harlem! Walking along 125th, I found the best beauty supplies places since I had every intention of doing my hair when I got back to the hotel. The variety of products blew me away. But we also enjoyed the sidewalk vendors, the African boutiques, posing for pics in front of The Apollo, and a soul food lunch at Sylvia's.
We spent most of our time around home base, the Grand Hyatt on 42nd and Lexington. Trust me, there was PLENTY to do and a few things we just could not get to see. A good reason to come again soon.
Now, on to the inspired makeup look. The main inspiration came from architecture. Interesting shapes caught my eye. The rows of multiple designs coming together to create and architectural rhythm that resonated with me so much. The overall color palette was cool and neutral with alarming pops of warms and brights. Varied cool tones of blacks, gray, blues and violets. Where I found an elegance, I also found edge and energy.
I knew I wanted work solely with cool tones. I adored the cool edge of Maybelline New York's Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Electric Blue. I was also intrigued by the new bold, angled eyeliner I see in the press and on commercials. I envisioned a look where liner was taken beyond its normal course, extended around the crease. I wanted the total look to capture the feel I received from this amazing city.
To begin the look, I applied tape from the outer corners to the outer tip of my brows to create defined lines. I laid a base of Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in #20 Painted Purple by Maybelline New York on the mobile lid. I topped that with the vibrant blue pressed shadow, taking that to the crease and just above. I took a blending brush and applied the lavender just above that to slightly blur that line because the real drama for me came with the liquid liner. I applied that normally on the lid, but extended it up to and around the crease like you would to create a cut crease. I went over that with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in Perversion, lightly smudging where needed. In the outer "V" of the liner, I wanted to smoke it with the black shadow, tediously blending it into the blue to create as close to an ombree effect as possible in that space.
I took a touch of the white shadow and used it as a highlight for the brow bone. The lashes I used are so unique...just like New York! They are bold and full with the most interesting frayed edges. To complete the look, Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara from L'Oreal did an AMAZING job of picking up my natural lashes and then blending them into the falsies. MAC Sheertone Blush in Hushabye blushed the apples of my cheeks and Maybelline New York Color Elixir in #25, Mauve Mystique complimented the blush adding to the cool toned color palette.
I wanted a simple black tee and my favorite earrings by Guess. After gelling and slicking back my hair, I used two packs of braiding hair to create a super long ponytail with a blunt cut bottom.
As with all of my destination inspired blog posts, I had loads of fun completing the look. But, trust me, there were many looks I would love to do for New York. So, do not be surprised to see another in the future. Thanks for joining me. Please comment and subscribe. Always stay blessed and Color Elated!
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