American Beauty (& What to Buy this 4th of July)

Wed, 4 July 2012 10:00AM

It’s July 4, which is America’s big national holiday, otherwise known as Independence Day.

What does that mean for beauty? Well, uh, not much really. But it’s a nice excuse to write a blog themed on great American beauty buys. Go with me here, okay …

I don’t know about you, but when I think of American beauty, I think of sporty-chic, fresh-faced style. Women like Grace Kelly, Lauren Hutton, Jennifer Aniston and Christy Turlington.

Women who can make a white t-shirt or a cashmere sweater look a million bucks. And who keep their complexions looking natural and fresh.

With that inspiration in mind, I’ve come up with a selection of get-the-look must-buys, which happen to have been created by some of the most beautiful and stylish women in the American beauty scene.

Chantecaille Future Skin, $105, Mecca Cosmetica

This chic pot of foundation gives skin perfect-pitch, just-right coverage for most skins, and a dewy and fresh finish. If you have a crush on New York girl about town, Olivia Chantecaille, this is how you can get her skin.

Estée Lauder Sparkling Clean Oil Control Foaming Gel Cleanser, $60, Estée Lauder

That priestess of American natural beauties, Aerin Lauder (as in, granddaughter of Estée), names the simple act of cleansing as a top beauty tip. American women, and New Yorkers in particular, are generally clean-freaky in nature, so it’s little surprise that cleansing therefore would be one of their fresh-faced secrets. This particular face wash is brilliant at keeping shine-prone skins in check.

J.Lo Glow, from $45, from department stores

Considering their love of hygiene, it also makes sense that American women tend to love ‘clean’ fragrances (as opposed to the French women who, perfumers say, like to smell a little dirty – in the best possible way, of course). Glow captures this perfectly, inspired as it was, by the smell of J.Lo’s soapy, showered skin.

Bobbi Brown Lip Colour, $44, Bobbi Brown

BB was the original queen of no-makeup makeup. Nobody beats her for neutrals. A classic cosmetics buy for any beauty lover has to be one of her original Lip Colors, such as the shade Brown.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate, from $75, Mecca Cosmetica

She’s the LA facialist responsible for so many celebrities’ shiny-smooth skin, and her fabulous exfoliating range is how you can get close to their complexion perfection.

What about you, Primpettes – what are your favourite American beauty buys?

And are you celebrating July 4 at all?

Kat x

Posted by: Katrina Lawrence

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Tags: bobbi brown, chantecaille, christy turlington, estee lauder, jennifer aniston, jennifer lopez, Kate Somerville