Street Beat: Pretty In Pink

Trendy Swedish Beauty

One look at her glowing peaches and cream complexion and we were totally captivated by Johanna Öst’s photos. The artist, who hails from Vallentuna, Sweden, lists among her interests Barbie, fashion, folklore, and the 18th century. But did you really need us to tell you that? We adore how she perfectly embodies all of her stylish inspirations and more – the soft flushed cheeks, romantic curls, and perfect cupid bow lips – it’s all so dreamily Jane Austen.

We’re pretty sure the whole look would bring Mr. Darcy to his knees.


Photos courtesy: Johanni

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The Lipstick Queen's Oxymoron

Most oxymorons are pretty hilarious. “Government organization” and “business ethics” leap to mind immediately.

Some, however, just make sense. Case in point: Lipstick Queen’s Oxymoron Gloss. It’s a gloss. It’s matte. It triples as a blush. It’s totally superb.

Let me back up a little before I gush any further.

I made my way to Henri Bendel's for a quick respite during Fashion Week and had the chance to watch the Lipstick Queen Poppy transform some lucky shopper into a hot little siren with just a wave of her hand.

Gazing at the rows of glossy goodness laid out before me (see pics below) I started to feel lightheaded. Fortunately, lippie extraordinaire Cara helped set me straight. She introduced me to the latest Medieval Tinted Treatment and explained, much to my great horror, that many women don’t like/are afraid of a heavily pigmented lipstick. Medieval Tint is the latest in Poppy’s Queendom that addresses that fear. It’s a very sheer red wash of color and quite lovely if you like that sort of thing. It sold out at Bendels almost instantly.

I, on the other hand, love an unabashedly made up lip. So I kept looking. This brings me back to my Oxymoron “Minor Crisis.” This matte gloss gave me the full coverage that I like without drying or aging me 40 years. It also wasn’t overly glossy or goopy – a pet peeve which prevents me from indulging in glosses more often.

The colors available are all quite neutral in soft pinkish browns, nude beiges, and apricot. (See swatches below) As a result they give off a very romantic peaches and cream blushing vibe – kind of how you look when you’re in love. And I am. I highly recommend it.

To view the entire collection click here.

Long Live The Queen.