When you look at the Laura Mercier Spring 2013 Collection Arabesque the first thought that comes to mind is soft and pretty. Indeed that is the image that is being portrayed as it is also titled “soft and sweet”. A collection to bring out the softer, more feminine side of a woman.

The Free Spirit Baked Eye Colour Palette is the star of the line. The palette consists of five semi-matte shades, with a gradation of colours from blue to blush. The shades are from bottom to top: Blue Zen, Soft Cloud, Satin Ribbon, Bare Yoga, and Pink Tutu.  They can be worn individually, blended and either applied wet or dry. They’re very fresh looking colors without being too vibrant and unwearable.

 

The new eyeliner is limited edition and the shade is Stone Grey. I am in love with this shade – it’s a soft greyed out medium to dark blue shade. It compliments any of the eye shadow shades or looks gorgeous with a neutral eye too.

With this soft looking palette for the eyes, Laura decided to keep the remainder of the face soft as well. You won’t find any harsh or dramatic colors here.  The Creme Cheek Colours that she suggests pairing with the look are Oleander and Praline. These are a permanent part of the Laura Mercier line and just add a soft glow to the face.

For lips there are few selections that work with the soft and sweet look. The Lip Glace in Bare Pink is an existing lip gloss that gives the lips a soft and sweet look or the new limited edition Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Arabesque if you like a lipstick instead of a gloss – or even layer the two.

Have you ever tried the Lip Stains? I have a few of these and love the texture and look. From the existing line of Lip Stains, Laura recommends either the Shy Pink or Mulberry shades to work with the Arabesque Collection.

Finish off the soft and sweet look with the limited edition nail lacquer in shade En Pointe. One couldn’t imagine a deeper or intense shade on the nails with this soft look.

Overall, I like this palette. I think if you are fair or medium skin toned these could look especially nice on you. Are pastels for women over 40? Yes, if done correctly. I think with the eye shadows of smoky blues and browned out pinks it makes this sophisticated and not too youthful.