what goes with what>>??

[Virginia]

Hi Girls!
I have in my wardrobe a black, sexy Goth dress, that is so short it barely covers "happy land!" I have, needless to say, never worn it out! Anyway I had a brain storm and put it together with a pair of what I call black, Goucho slacks ( real wide cuffs) and with a wide gold belt and gold sling back heels it looks absolutely awesome. My questions are: I know as a brunette, red lipstick and probably a dark eye shadow, but what about as a blond? What would be a "sexy" eye shadow combination and lipstick or would the blond be "washed out" by the black outfit?
Help me!!?? help me!!???
Virginia

[SilverLady(SO)]

Hi, Virginia!!

Ohhh, the new, combined outfit does sound absolutely gorgeous, and I'd love to see you in it - as either a brunette or a blonde!

My questions are: I know as a brunette, red lipstick and probably a dark eye shadow, but what about as a blond?

Normally, lipstick should be based on your skintone - which is fair-to-medium in your case - and many shade (color) families will work well for you. However, as a blonde you do need to stay away from the bright pink and red colors as they can look either too washed out on you (bright pinks) or too harsh (bright reds).

As a brunette, your lip color should be a darker red like cranberry, wine, or brandy. As a blonde, your lip color should be a soft mauve or pale pink. Paler, more neutral, lip colors look better on blondes.

The eye shadow should be based on the color of your eyes - brown - and a subtle, smokier color (lavender, light taupe, etc.) would be my choice to make your eyes really stand out - but don't go either too bright or too dark on the eyeshadow.

If you were to wear this outfit as a brunette, then I would tell you to wear the same eye and lip colors as you are in your denim skirt outfit posted in the Gallery, which is perfect for your skintone.

What would be a "sexy" eye shadow combination and lipstick or would the blond be "washed out" by the black outfit?

As a blonde, paler lips and 'smokier' eyes will make you really stand out in this outfit - as if the outfit alone isn't going to do that already! Lip shades should be a soft mauve or pale pink, and subtle, smokey eye shadow in a lavender or light taupe. Again, you will want to pair the eyeshadow with your eye color.

The experts say that with brown eyes, you should wear lavender eyeshadow on the lid itself, a darker brown in the crease, and a cream color on the upper lid (below the eyebrow); similar color choices for hazel eyes. Mascara and eyeliner can be black or brown with this particular outfit.

These color choices are only my opinion, based on seeing you as both a brunette and a blonde. However, I also looked through several Glamour magazines and various store sales flyers and the above color choices appear to be in vogue, as well.

What does anyone else think about Virginia's questions? I'm hardly a makeup expert, and do better with having the person in front of me to see what colors actually work better for a particular outfit.

I'm sure there are others here - GG or CD - that can lend their opinions, and I'd like to hear from them, too.




- SL

[Georgia(SO)]

Virginia,

Sorry to be late in replying. Ya know, I'm a pretty big fan of looking as natural as possible - makeup is to *enhance* your natural beauty, not be some sort of war paint.

Keeping that in mind, no - blonde hair is not washed out by goth black. For eyes, I am major fan of brown eye shadow etc. for everyone but the lightest baby blue eyes. For lipstick, pick a color that goes with your natural tones. The easiest way to do that is to bite your lips a little bit and match the lipstick to that color. This should always be your color, regardless of what you are wearing. (If what you are wearing clashes with that color, then it clashes with your skin too and you shouldn't wear it!).

The makeup compensation that I would make for wearing black is to use a slightly darker tone of brown on my eyes and maybe a deeper rose blush than normal. Black won't make your *hair* wash out, but it can make your face wash out...

-g

[Virginia]

Thanks Georgia,
That has been one recommendation that I be careful when going as a blond that I don't "wash-out" my complextion and I have done that before - sorry!
I guess I will experiment with the hair color and go from there. The outfit is just too sexy to not wear it because it is all black. I know I can make it work, and I know that that is one thing that GG's can get jealous of "us' about is our changing our hair color at will!!! Sorry 'bout that too, but comes with the territory!
Thank you again for your advice and I will use it!
Virginia

[Jeannie]

Forget the Goucho pants Hun. I have some short skirts that you're looking right into the New Year! Remember life isn't the only thing that is short.If you think you look good Honey,just do it. I know you'll look gorgeous Virginia. Who cares what others think as long as you feel beautiful and that is what really matters.Go with the flow. The trend is your friend. But you know that Sweetheart. You're the best Hun.

Love
Jeannie

PS I remember years ago I went out with a woman that was a realtor. Boy Virginia. Did she give lots away! Sorry. I couldn't help myself! Gotta go . Mini just called. She freaking calls me 10 times a day!