{Beauty Bloom} Parisian Frills and Spring Pastels

Audrey Hepburn gave us all a gift when she coined “Paris is never a Bad Idea!” She could not have been more on target. It’s the perfect place to feel the gift of life, to feel gorgeous and embrace all there’s to enjoy. The Seinne. The vintage flats. The lights. The crepes. The macarons (especially a white truffle and hazelnut from Pierre Hermé). The fashion. The Eiffel Tower. The Opera Garnier. The parfum houses. Chanel. The art. The history. The tulips.

It’s all perfect. Even on rainy day, it’s a great city to be in.

But when spring breaks and all is bright and sunny again, the air evokes a completely different feeling. You feel lighter, more energized, and most definitely inspired to seek all things beautiful.

With winter having been so rough, at least on the East coast, and spring in full effect, pastel colors are inviting and keep us in happy places. Yea, bold reds and dark plums are fabulous, but soft pinks, nudes, mint green, light turquoise and the whole gamut of more genteel colors, are the way to go when the wheather is warm. Plus, the softer palettes complement the bucolic walks you’ll fancy on a perfect morning.

{Read: A Fall Day in Paris}

If you can’t get to Paris this year to frolick in the mood and textures, relish in some of the this season’s prettiest makeup and beauty products in softer hues. A few for the liking, and very reasonably priced are from the luxe counter brands.

Lancôme takes the Paris theme the farthest with their Paris Innonence collection, perfectly designed to keep you flirty. Soft grays, pinks, poppies and greens are embedded in metallic casings picturing Parisian gardens. The eyeshadow pallete with 9 colors is pretty enough to refill down the line. It’s one of those things you keep forever and pass down to your granddaughter.

The collection is full with nail lacquers, eyeliners —  which actually stay on for more then 4 hours and lip sticks in colors dainty but mature colors like Rose Victoire. 

Bobbi Brown lovers will not part with her latest Face and Body Bronzing Duo in ‘Antigua’ and ‘Golden Light’ from the Sandy Nudes collection: one to illuminate and one to give ambiance. This long-lasting marriage will complete your soft daytime look without looking too dollish. You’ll shine and glow into the evening poolside fetes.

Michael Kors has lovely nail lacquers in ‘Blush’ and a lightly shimmery ‘DayDreamer’ for the classic girl. They’re absolutely perfect for French manicures.  And, the Fire Coral is my new lip crush. Doesn’t stick. Lasts long. Blends well. Plus, what’s not to love about a gold metal top case? They take glam to the next level with small details like that.

And if your’e ever looking for the perfect, take-everywhere-you-go lipgloss, look no further than L’Oreal’s latest duo gloss and balm in ‘Rose Tatoo’ and ‘Lasting Ginger.” Wear over your fave matte color or simply rock on its own for a really subtle look.

The market’s saturated with all kinds of luscious and beautiful looks this spring and summer, but I’ve tried all of these and love them. Pretty for now and great for pulling out on not-so-sunny days. Because even Paris has plenty of those!

Throw on a lovely skirt, your best heels, fabulous sunglasses, wear some teal eyeliner and enjoy the day!

Find a carousel.

And eat a fancy macaron. Life is so much better with a macaron in hand.

Eat well, love unapologetically, pray with true intention, and take care of yourself.

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