Hello beauties! Ready for some summer fun? I think you’ll enjoy this sparkling and bright summer beauty roundup!

Express Yourself
Instead devouring a torrid romance novel at the beach, why not pour over Francois Nars’ new beauty book, Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself.  Bringing together his two passions--makeup and photography, Nars takes the before-and-after concept to the next level. Turning the lens on 60 beauties – both men and women all of ages and ethnicities hand-picked from the streets of New York City, the book lets you see the model without makeup and then add an overlay with makeup artfully applied. Included is a description of how and where the makeup was used and you’re sure to find a comparable face/skin type so you can try out some of these techniques on your own. I had the pleasure of interviewing Francois for this column and asked him what makeup trends he has his eye on. He told me, “Confident, fashion-forward and graphic looks. I like the look of a bright blue eye and a pale pink lip, achieved with Outremer Eye shadow and Pago Pago Lipstick. It’s striking and modern. Train Bleu Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is perfect for a deep aubergine lip to complement the softer colors of the Trio Eye shadow.”  Makeup and book available at Narscosmetics.com.

Sport Patriot Chic
Everyone needs an infusion of coolness and mystery during summer. These stylish and bright Gucci shades will hide your feelings in a happy but mysterious way, keeping you approachable but not accessible. Gucci sunnies available at SolsticeSunglasses.com; $265.

Shine On
Add a bit of shimmering beauty to your eyes with Vincent Longo’s new Pearl X Eye shadows. New beauty technology pair’s matte powder with pigmented pearlized textures in beautiful beach colors perfect for summer! A few pretty colors to chose from include Destiny Rose, Etherea, and Luna Beach; $25.00 each at VincentLongo.com.

Protect Your Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Lotion is a fast absorbing, sheer finish lotion whose advanced patented sunscreen technology has a revolutionary texture that protects without stickiness. For over 15 years, La Roche-Posay has been at the forefront in advanced UV protection research. Anthelios, the La Roche-Posay suncare brand, is trusted and recognized by dermatologists worldwide, for providing advanced formulations in UVA & UVB protection. Available at Laroche-Posay.us $31.50.

Stay Functional But Exotic
Even when you’re traveling to the most luxurious destinations, you’ll want a practical but posh cosmetic bag. Trina’s Summer Collection of functional travel and cosmetic accessories is inspired by global trendsetters and runway looks. Offering nine unique groups of travel and cosmetic accessories sure to appeal to the most fashion-minded, these bags will keep you organized and they’re cute enough to use as a beach wallet. Available at TrinaStyle.com.

Keep Blushing
Exude a natural rosy glow with Koh Gen Do Fresh Face Cheek Color. This wonderful line of cheek powders uses three emollient oils instead of composite pigments for long lasting softness and moisturized skin. Applied with a unique sponge cap, Fresh Face Cheek colors create a natural shade that is long lasting and free of artificial colors, fragrance and petroleum-based mineral oil.  Available at Barneys.com.

Be a Smooth Operator
Avoid damaging highlights and lowlights this summer and smooth out your hair with a couture Brazilian Blowout. There’s a lot of conflicting information on this subject, and Aaron Johles, who specializes in cuts and amazing couture Brazilian blowouts at the McMillan Canale Salon in Malibu, was kind enough to share his philosophy on the Brazilian blowout. Aaron feels if the hair is really damaged, it’s best to do a blunt cut first as a fresh start for the cuticle and the Brazilian second. According to Aaron, not all Brazilian Blowouts are performed equally, “Look for someone that will use a boar bristle round brush to be used after the product solution has been applied and before using the Flat Iron. A quality blowout with a boar bristle round brush can create a memory in the Brazilian that will give it a more natural look and feel and the boar bristles do an ideal job of distributing the product solution deeper into the cuticle with the aid of the hair dryer. If you want volume, suggest that your stylist keep the solution one or two inches from the scalp. Rinsing the solution is safer than leaving without rinsing, since there is a chemical residue on the hair.”  To book a couture Brazilian blowout with Aaron Johles, contact the McMillan Canale Salon in Malibu; 310-993-7808

Wishing you a beautiful summer!

Fashion Designer Mary Jo Matsumoto writes a nationally syndicated style blog at www.trustyourstyle.com. She has recently debuted her Fall 2011 line of couture women's clothing, fine jewelry, and handbags to rave reviews. For more information please visit www.maryjomatsumoto.com.

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