With the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee looming, there’s only one look to work this summer – the English rose. Championed by the likes of Sophie Dahl, Keira Knightley and Kate Winslet, it’s a natural look that exudes British beauty in the most subtle of ways. On the catwalk, Valentino has already given his nod of approval to this fresh, ultra-feminine look.
The cosmetics world has cottoned on to its timeless appeal. Bobbi Brown has launched a Rose Gold collection, while pale-skinned supermodel Lily Cole is the face of her own limited edition make-up range for The Body Shop, packed with pretty pinks and radiant peaches.
“The English rose look describes a woman with what I call ‘stealth make-up’, as it ensures you look fabulous but not at all made-up,” says celebrity make-up artist Jemma Kidd. “The effect is tidy, polished and groomed, with neat brows, curled lashes and subtly defined eyes.”
Sound like a winning look? Time to make your face blossom with beauty.
First things first
Before you begin your transformation, make sure your make-up bag is pretty enough for the job. It needs to be planted with creams, pearls and oysters with a slight sheen for eyes and sheer or slightly glossy nude or pale pink shades for lips. While the overall look is versatile, and casual enough for everyday, careful application techniques are required for make-up that looks ‘barely there’.
Backstage at the Valentino show, Pat McGrath, Max Factor Global Creative Design Director, gave models a complexion that looked almost lit from within. “You need an ultra-soft yet sculpted complexion and a dewy skin texture,” says Pat.
“For this effect, we used Max Factor’s foundation with in-built serum (Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation and Serum). The blush is a versatile little pot.”
So across the eyes, Pat swept a romantic flush of pretty pink with a creamy blusher and then used the same shade to add a healthy glow to the cheeks. A slight hint of a rose pink highlighter finished the look.
“It’s all about a fresh and dewy complexion,” explains Samira Olfat, Max Factor’s Dubai-based make-up artist.
“The skin needs to look smooth, hydrated and natural, with a flush of youthful radiance. Use your fingertips to apply and blend the foundation as the warmth from your hands will melt the foundation really well and give a softer effect. Apply the concealer over your foundation and don’t use any powder for this look.
“The au naturel look is a daunting prospect for some but you can still enhance the English rose for a little daytime or evening glamour.”
Jemma suggests using an eyeliner to define the eyes and build up colour intensity. “Cheek or lip stain also adds an instant flush of colour – remember the final look still needs to be fresh and pretty rather than loud and bold.”
How to blossom
The English rose will have added celebratory appeal for this summer but it’s a perennial look you can create over and over again. Jemma Kidd reveals how, step-by-step:
1. Even out skin tone using a light liquid foundation and touches of concealer as needed.
2. Naturally rosy cheeks are key, so blend a fresh pink powder or cream blush from the apple of the cheeks along the cheekbone, or for a more youthful finish opt for a cheek stain, and blend onto the apples of the cheeks for a pretty, fresh, doll-like finish. For a dewy finish, blend a little rose gold cream highlighter along the cheekbones.
3. Neaten the brows and lightly fill in the shape. Neutral eye shadows with a gentle shimmer are very flattering – use all over the lid from the lash line to the socket and brush a deeper shade into the socket crease and blend well.
4.Curl the lashes and define with dark brown lengthening mascara.
5. Apply rose-tinted balm with SPF to protect and moisturise the lips, then layer shell pink gloss on top, which enhances their natural colour and makes them look full and glossy.
6. A touch of non-shimmery highlighter at the outer corners of the eye and lips will give the face a flattering lift.
Sweet smelling
An uber-pretty face doesn’t sit well with a heavy, overpowering fragrance. Keep your scent as light and feminine as your face with a rose perfume.
This summer’s rosy offerings include Stella McCartney’s Summer Rose, Paul Smith Rose Limited Edition and Givenchy’s Very Irresistible Electric Rose.
