Hi! First of all i LOVE both of your blogs. I just

Hi! First of all i LOVE both of your blogs. I just came across them recently and I swear by them both.
So, I have mulatto skin (half black, half white) and I have trouble finding make up trends that don’t look clownish on my skin. Do you have any spring/summer looks that I could try? - lucyintheskywithtopaz

You know what I love for Spring/Summer - the sheer matte lip with a softly glowing, otherwise nude face. I think this is such a beautiful way to play with hot colors like bright pink (top pic), while at the same time avoiding that trying-too-hard/clownish look – because I know exactly what you mean!

I think the key to this is a well-moisturized lip (with lip balm, not gloss), then a layer of intensely pigmented lipstick, blotted, then a second layer dabbed on with your finger.  The dabbing is kind of essential, otherwise it just looks like a regular heavy lipstick application. I used Sephora Maniac Long-Lasting Lipstick in Vibrant Iced Pink.  Blush, mascara, touch of smoked out eyeliner if you must - and walk out the door.

Thanks for your question and your kind words about the blogs.

Image credits: Josh Olins for British Vogue scanned by me; Alasdair McLellan for Vogue Nippon, makeup by Jennine Lobell, via Fashion Gone Rogue.