“Self Portrait” by Katie McDowell (18), New Orleans Center for Creative Arts "An Old Man in Military Costume" by Simone Wuttke (18), Dartmouth College (recent Benjamin Franklin High School graduate) "This oil on canvas painting is inspired by Rembrandt's 'An Old...
The lucky girls, Alexis (16), a junior at Isidore Newman School, and Niara (15), who is being homeschooled, had a blast at the photo shoot and loved being pampered by hairstylist Brittani and makeup artist Lauren.
Springtime is here. Want to look extra cute at school? Have a school dance coming up? Don’t worry. We have some great ideas and tips for you.
EASY-BREEZY BRAIDS FOR A CUTE EVERYDAY LOOK
Braids always add a special touch — without making you look like you tried too hard. They are not only the perfect look for spring, they are also easy and super versatile. Ditch that bun or ponytail of yours and start braiding (it’s so much fun to do with girlfriends, too!).
ALEXIS
Brittani wrapped a thick braid from Alexis’s forehead to the back of her head and connects it with another braid that falls over Alexis’s shoulder, creating the illusion of one endless braid. If you’re feeling extra playful, add some braid cuffs to the loose braid!
Adding a pop of color: Brittani ties a yarn around a mini braid and criss-crosses it along the braid (Alexis picked yellow because “it’s a fun spring color”).
Lauren: “Makeup is not about making someone look different. It’s about enhancing what you already have.” Before you get started, don’t forget to clean your face with cleanser and apply some toner (it shrinks pores) and moisturizer. You can then apply primer, which will make your makeup go on smoother and look good longer.
Alexis, how do you want to look and fell in three words?
Zendaya – Confident – Slay!
Tip: Look for high definition makeup – aka HD makeup – if you want to be extra sure that you’re photo-ready.
Tip: Waterproof mascara can be removed with baby oil or coconut oil.
Tip: Mix concealer with moisturizer to create your own BB cream.
Lauren applied liquid concealer to Alexis’s face and is letting it sit while she works on the eyes. Brown bronze powder for the eyelid and a burned orange color for the crease work great with Alexis’s skin.
Lauren used a black eyeliner pencil and then smudges it out with a little brush. Volumizing mascara completes the smoky look.
Lauren blended the concealer and highlighter before she put on foundation to create a “glow from within.” A bronzy peach-colored lip gloss perfects the fresh and dewy look.
“I feel like Zendaya’s little sister!”
NIARA
Niara’s look requires a slightly more experienced braider as you’ll need to braid close to the scalp. Brittani also used edge tamer for a neat look. For a more unique and eye-popping effect, section off some small strands of hair with colorful tiny hair ties and connect them.
Niara, how do you want to look and fell in three words?
Glamorous – Nice – Amazing!
After Lauren cleaned up Niara’s eyebrows to open up her face and filled them out with a medium brown eyebrow pencil, she puts concealer under Niara’s eyebrows and eyes and covers up blemishes. Creating a triangle under the eyes helps the concealer blend in.
Lauren used a flat brush to apply eyeshadow; just enough to define the shape of Niara’s eyes (in a slightlydarker- than-skin tone color). Medium brown crease eyeshadow applied with a fluffy brush gives her eyes further definition. Lauren then adds a little glitter in the inner corners for that extra glam factor.
Tip: Make a duck face to bring out your cheekbones so you’ll know where to apply the blush. Don’t go too low! It’ll make you look sad and old (not in a good way).
Tip: Pencil eyeliner creates a more subtle look than liquid eyeliner. Lauren applies it under Niara’s eyes as well.
Time for two-step mascara to lengthen and seal the lashes. The bottom lashes are getting some love too!
Tip: Apply concealer in dots and let it sit.
Once the concealer is done “baking,” Lauren blends it in (don’t rub in circles!) and adds a little bit of liquid foundation to even out Niara’s face. She also rubs a little bit of highlighter down her nose starting in the corner of her eyes. Then it’s time to seal everything with powder. Lauren picked a bright pink lipstick for Niara and topped it off with a slightly deeper toned lip gloss. Last step: setting spray.
For a less heavy makeup that’s great for daytime events, skip the concealer and foundation and just do your eyes and add a little bit of color to your lips.
“I feel like a 10. I love it.”
The Masters: Lauren Perry and Brittani Irons
Thank you to In the Master’s Hands Salon & Spa (inthemastershands.com; @hairartist_brittani) and The Beautiful Foundation, a local leadership development program for young women, for partnering with us. Fun fact: Lauren runs The Beautiful Foundation when she’s not pampering young ladies. Follow The Beautiful Foundation at @thebeautifulfoundationinc.