The first appearance of the air element occurs in Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac. Associated with the springtime blooming Lily of the Valley and agate, a gemstone with well-known associations to balance, focus, and the enhancement of creativity as well as intellect, Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury and is nicknamed "The Twins" of the zodiac. The colors of agate in its many forms and the mythology of Mercury (or Hermes, if you prefer the Greek version) inspired me to think of this sign's quick-witted and courageously playful nature through bold color and ethereal fantasy makeup looks suitable for editorial or everyday beauty looks.
This is a sampling of the many colors of agate, which ranges from pale to intense hues.
Bright color is very effective when placed on the skin at the 'high points' of the face where highlighter is typically applied or when used exclusively on one feature of the face such as brows, lashes, lips, cheeks, etc. The intensity of bright color can create a youthful, whimsical, and lighthearted look. Conversely, bright color in a deeper hue can create a bold and mysterious effect. The use of pastel colors in makeup has been popular recently in both fashion and pop culture and ties in with Gemini as the sign of spring for the Northern Hemisphere. One of the easiest ways to translate pastel color into everyday makeup is by applying the color as a bright lipstick, a wash of color on the cheeks, or as an unconventional shade of eyeliner.
Products shown above:
Make - Satin Finish Eyeshadow in "Sea Glass" and "Ultramarine", NARS - Cinematic Eyeshadow in "Wishful Thinking" (limited edition NARS x Guy Bourdin Collection for Holiday 2013), Marc Jacobs - Tonite Lights Glitter Dust in "304 Ultraviolet Light", Bare Escentuals - Round the Clock Waterproof Eyeliner in "Noon", NARS - Eye Paint in "Solomon Islands", Stila - Countless Color Pigments in "Center Stage" and "Lyric".
Sephora has a beautiful set of face charts featuring Make Up Forever inspired by each astrological sign. Check out the face chart for Gemini here.
Find more Gemini inspiration on my Pinterest board!