Summer Fashion Shades

Inhibitions are set free in July and August. That is why it's called "hot fun in the summertime." Play fast and loose with the fashion rules. Trade safe beiges for a pop of color. Instead of brash Boca pink and orange, though, opt for the crystal bright rainbow of a Hawaiian ice stand. Lips look yummy in popsicle shades of cherry and berry. Lids get flirty with sparkling lime and aquamarine. Cheeks glow with a sheer wash that's peachy keen. As for toes, anything goes. Manis and pedis sport playful patterns and even paintings of tiny palms.

So, how can a girl look fresh and cute, but not too camp? Follow a few hue-savvy rules. First, everything's good in moderation. Pair a teal blue shadow with a clear pink lipgloss. Pair an orchid-bright lip with simple swipe of waterproof mascara. For fair skin, mix colors with a bit of Smith's Rosebud Salve or fave moisturizer. The balm tones down high pigments and allows for finger painting. Second, don't matchy-match lips and nails to the outfit. It's hard to explain, but trust.

Overwhelmed by summer colors? Take a cue from a few vacation items which locals love:

· Face
Get sweet cheeks with Pop Beauty's Cheeky Pop. Each tin contains two ultra fine powder blushes in vibrant, but transparent, shades. "Sunset" duo includes ballerina and hot bubblegum pink. "Sunrise" includes strawberry red and orangey nectar.

· Lips
For a full pucker with a glassy shine, try Effet 3D Cocktails Lip Gloss from Bourjois. Choices range from the candy pink of Rose Bahamas to the passionate violet of Cassis Tropical to the cherry red of Rouge Sunset. All are delightfully sheer and bright.

· Lids
Poolside cool blues and greens fill Pixi's Eye Beauty Kit. Eight mermaid shades include iridescent mint, turquoise, and baby blue.

· Lashes
The Swimmables Kit from Cargo keeps summer beauties smudge-free. A cute acrylic tote holds charcoal waterproof liquid liner, black waterproof mascara, and a sheer rose tinted lip balm.

· Nails
Go fun and funky. A little whimsy is good for the toes. Sephora offers over sixty shades of inexpensive, chip-proof polish. Try Sno-Cone orange, coral pink, or fuchsia, or dare to paint piggies electric blue.