Winter continues to hurl snow, wind and freezing temperatures across America all the while we dream of our heart's on fire with love, and romance for Valentine's Day.
Really, how can we possibly hope for a look of passion and love with all the intense cold holding us frozen? Well, fear not I have a few tips from someone who can help save the day for our desires and amore.
Yes, I had a chat with Portland-based hairstylist and makeup artist David Yu during a recent photo shoot and asked him for a quick look-see at what he thinks could quite possibly be the best looks for romance. So, how to put on your best face for love and springtime perfection?
Yu says:
As far as today's makeup look is concerned, my concept was clean, luminous, expensive looking skin. I feel that with all the makeup trends that come and go season after season, the one constant that remains is well-hydrated, youthful, glowing skin.
Photography by Travis Geny, modeled by Natasha Ward, hair and makeup by David Yu, fashion styling by Hart Portland (WeAreHart.com) and designs by Rio Wrenn
On model Natasha Ward, I prepped her face and décolletage with an oil-free moisturizing cream since her skin type leans towards the combination and oily side. Afterwards, I applied a highlighting lotion, such as MAC Strobe Cream, to the high points of the face to reflect light and give her that beautiful glow.
Photography by Travis Geny, modeled by Natasha Ward, hair and makeup by David Yu, fashion styling by Hart Portland (WeAreHart.com) and designs by Rio Wrenn
We kept her foundation light because she has such gorgeous skin, so I lightly patted on a sheer water-based foundation (MAC Face & Body) with a damp sponge. A peach toned color correcting concealer from was used under the eyes and a dusting of translucent powder through the t-zone and undereye area helped to set the foundation and concealer.
To keep this look very soft and romantic, I used the Nars Indian Summer eyeshadow duo and simply swept the lighter shade across the lids and on the brow bone as a highlight, and used the warmer brown shade to contour the crease.
Photography by Travis Geny, intimate apparel modeled by (Left to right) Vanessa Meier, Christine Shields, Alina Phillips, Natasha Ward and Favour Kibali, hair and makeup by David Yu, fashion styling by Hart Portland (WeAreHart.com) and fashion designs by Rio Wrenn
L'Oreal's Voluminous mascara was used only on the top lashes to add definition and lift to the eyes. For the brows, I lightly filled them in with the Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil and groomed them with a clear brow gel. To finish this natural look, I kept the lips nude. I lightly lined with a burgundy rose lip liner (NARS liner in Marnie) and patted on Honey Love lipstick by MAC.
Photography by Travis Geny, modeled by Natasha Ward, hair and makeup by David Yu, intimate apparel by Rio Wrenn and fashion styling by Hart Portland
Finally, I topped the lips off with Tom Ford's Rose Crush Ultra Shine Lip Gloss. Nude lips are my absolute year-round favorite. To set Natasha's complexion and add moisture to her skin, I spritzed a liberal amount of rose water across her face for an over all fresh and dewy look of love and springtime perfection.
David Yu, originally from the mile high city of Denver, Yu has worked with many major modeling agencies from around the nation and he is now in a Portland-based salon called Prima Salon. Find David Yu at www.davidyubeauty.com