This is a late one. I wanted to get it out in time for my sister’s birthday (June 11) but things got in the way. Truthfully, I was afraid to talk about Van Gogh, because there are so many things to say about him. His is a heartbreaking story that I dare not get into right now.
Still, he’s one of my favorite artists (as clichéd as it may be) and this work of his Almond Blossom is a touching gift to his brother, Theo, and his wife when Vincent received news of their new baby as a symbol of new life.
If you are fortunate enough to see any of Van Gogh’s works in person, I suggest that you do so. The movement of the strokes evoke such powerful emotions.
This work is a little tricky to do, since it’s mostly blue—a color I don’t really know how to wear! Still, I tried, since it’s one of her favorite Van Goghs:
My base is very minimal! A little foundation on the T-zone, and my nose, some concealer on it also because of a big, RED pimple, and a bit of translucent powder. I wore a brown neutral blush, and a matte pinky nude lip.
I made my brows extra thick because of the branches’ outline in the painting, which was inspired by the thick outlines in Japanese paintings.
On the eyes, I used MAC’s Bare Study for the cream in the flowers, and I blended that in with a sky-blue shadow in the outer two-thirds of the lid. With a blue-grey, I deepened the crease and added it to the outer part of the eye. I lined the upper lash line and outer two-thirds of the lower lash line with a mid-tone brown.
Even though it’s made with a blue eyeshadow—something that has a reputation to be garish and tacky—I think I was able to create a soft look. What do you think?
Here are the colors I used:
— Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed
— Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, Le Métier de Beauté Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in Northern Lights (Used: Magnetic), L’Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Sultry Smoke, MAC eye kohl in Teddy
— Lips: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Montego Bay
I hope you like it! I really want to do these more frequently, as they’re rather fun to do. 🙂
Softly Sometimes 
Gorgeous! My fave made-up history post 🙂
Thank you Gracie! Who’d have thought, with the blue and all!
I love the blue eyeshadow! It looks really pretty and definitely not garish (: I think pairing it with blue-grey is what does it.
I actually really like your eyebrows here, they’re defined but still natural and wearable. What do you use to fill them in?
I’m curious, how do you wear blue? 🙂 Yes, I think so also. I think I’m warming up to blue.
Thank you so much. I use The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in 02 (the darker shade, mostly), then a clear mascara over it. 🙂
I don’t. XD The one time I tried it, I ended up just wiping it off because it was too much, but then it was a bright blue instead of baby blue like the one you used.
Ahhh, I can’t help but feel that blue would be wearable only as a light wash, with muted colors, or as an intense smokey eye!
It’s so soft and delicate and dreamlike!! And did you curl your hair as well? 😀
Aw, thank you Bea. 🙂 I actually just let it down from a ponytail. Haha! It curls for a while then like. Is limpy. 😦
Gaah I love this look! And this painting. And well, Van Gogh, as tragic as his story is.
Thank you, Wiji! 🙂 I love Van Gogh talaga. ;_;
I’m always surprised at how your looks capture the essence of the work of art. Very good!
Thank you Marisa 🙂 That is really such a nice comment.
Yes to more Made-Up History! p.s. I am in love with the way you did your brows in this one. Perfection.
Thank you so much, Lizzy! 🙂 I’ll try my best
I like your eye shading! You *did* get that subdued water color look and completely steered away from the usual garish blue. Totally and completely! I think it’s how you balanced the colors. A little too much of the light blue would make this look.. cheap? No worries, you look expensive.
I can see totally see the link between the inspiration and the look. Great job!
Aw, thank you so much! 🙂 I really appreciate that.
I love this. Beautiful colors. And I love Van Gogh and that painting. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
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