Beauty muse: Michelle Phillips

Emma Gleason gets inspired by one of her favourite summery beauty muses – Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas:

In the summer time when the mercury’s rising, I love to look to some of my favourite summer girls for inspiration on breezy, carefree looks. I tend to shy away from more typical beach babes (my fair complexion means I gave that up a long time ago). Instead I'm drawn to the girls in the style archives that exude natural, downtown cool. And no-one is a better example of Cali-girl cool than Michelle Phillips from The Mamas & The Papas. She exudes low key, folky, girl next-door perfection and has a timeless, nostalgic beauty.

One of the most iconic aspects of Phillips’ beauty is her mane. Long, soft and the epitome of effortless. Although everyone of late has been seen with the ombre/grown-out/frosted-tips hair trend (here’s looking at you Alexa, Nicole, Alice and Rose Byrne) my favourite is still Phillips' grown-out, sun-bleached tips. Even better when it’s pulled into two bunches - ironically childlike. I’ve been getting smoked out roots for a while now (Stephen Marr do it perfectly) and I really love how it makes blonde locks less pristine and more natural. And I welcome its low maintenance.

When I think Michelle Phillips I immediately think soft, natural relaxed beauty - particularly her skin. Facewise; a clean, matte base on flawless (as possible) skin. Avoid blush or heavy bronzer and instead embrace pared back minimalism. MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid foundation is perfect – and has SPF 15 – paired with a light dusting of their Select Sheer/Loose powder.

Eyes are minimal (and more importantly, low maintenance). Wash with a duo of light, matte, neutral browns like the Sable and Wheat from Bobbi Brown's Eye Shadow range. Avoid harsh black eyeliner and instead reach for natural brown. The Luxurious Colour Kohl Eyeliner in Rich Mink from the Revlon|Matte is one of the best I’ve found – a cool as opposed to warm brown. Only line the upper lid, leave the bottom bare to get that wide eyed, innocent look. Finish with light lashings of the tried and true Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline.

Keep lips natural and kissable with creamy lipstick. When it comes to lipstick, I basically only use MAC or the odd YSL but I do have a strong love for my Revlon Colour Riche lipstick – the colours are made to match your hair and skin tone, and it’s got the perfect constancy. Another great option for natural lips is MAC’s lipstick in Prive from their new (and sumptuous) Baroque Boudoir range.

Take Michelle Phillips' lead to keep things effortless and carefree this summer with some nostalgic, Cali-girl beauty.

Article by Emma Gleason
Emma Gleason is a fashion fiend who shares her musings and ramblings on collections, editorials, muses and clothes that inspire her at Rag-Pony
*Images thanks to The Fashion Spot

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