Style is the New Black

Hey Upper East Siders,

This begins our chapter of cosmetic-inspired posts! We all know Blake is one of New York City’s darlings — and many of us LOVE her look! As an LA-native, she always looks her best after a day or two in the sun. Not sunkissed? Don’t sweat it! Here, find out what products and processes will duplicate her glam style.

Blake Lively is oh-so-glam!

You’ll need:

-two eyeshadow colors: one shimmery white (or close to white) and a shimmery purplely pink

-black pencil eyeliner

-q-tips

-black mascara

-eyelash curler

-coral blush

-bronzer (suited to your skin tone)

-brushes: kabuki brush, large foundation brush, small eyeshadow  brush, medium eyeshadow brush

-coral colored lipgloss

-powder based foundation

1. Using the medium sized eyeshadow brush, dust the lids from lashline to browbone with shimmery white (or off-white) shadow. I recommend trying Smashbox’s “Sand” or MAC’s “Mylar.”

2. Clean the medium brush by swiping it over a paper towel a few times (we’re changing colors). Using the medium brush, create a contour with your shimmery purple eyeshadow by working a small amount of shadow into the crease of your eye. Start light and build up for a more dramatic effect. For a smokier “bad girl” look, try MAC’s “Trax;” for a look just like Blake’s, try Stila’s “Shell.”

3. We’re ready to line! Using black liner, trace from the outside of your lash line inward. The line should be thicker toward the outer eye and thinner on the inner eye. I like Clarins’ eyeliner in “01 Black.” For a sultry look, smudge outward from the outer lashes — this will keep the inside line clean.

4. For stand-out lashes like Blake’s, the secret is curling before coating. I love the tried-and-true Shu Uemura eyelash curler (available at sephora.com.) Don’t clamp too close to the lashline unless you want “bent” lashes! Once you’re curled, coat top lashes with Dior Show mascara in “Rich Black,” also available at sephora.com. Scrape the excess mascara from the tip of the wand and run it over the bottom lashes.

5. Glowing skin is the most important component of this look. Before applying foundation, use your shimmery white shadow on the cheekbones, the middle of your bottom lip and brow bone. This will make these areas POP! Next, conceal your “problem areas” (under the eyes, around the nose, etc.). Using your large foundation brush, buff your foundation in a circular motion until it’s entirely blended in. I LOVE BareMinerals, available at sephora.com. Lighter coverage is better for this “natural glamour” look.

6. Using your kabuki brush, dust a tiny bit (you can always layer more later) of bronzer on places where light would naturally hit: the top of your forehead (ever so lightly–especially if you’re pale!), bridge of the nose, eyelids, cheekbones and chin. Use a heavier hand on your cheekbones, but don’t let the bronzer be your blush! NARS’ Orgasm/Laguna blush/bronzer duo is perfect for this look and Laguna works with most skin types.

7. After dusting off your kabuki brush, use it to apply a soft, slightly shimmery coral blush to the apples of your cheeks. Again, NARS’ Orgasm blush complements almost all skin tones.

8. To finish off the look, take your small eyeshadow brush and apply the shimmery white shadow in the corners of your eyes and on the outer brow bone. Gloss your lips with a shade like Stila’s tangerine.

Voila! You’re ready for your close up!