What's new in nudes

There’s nothing new under the sun so I thought I’d shoot ‘what’s new in nudes’ – new releases in beauty and fashion that are all nude – and pair each one with famous nudes of timeless paintings…

There’s nothing new under the sun so I thought I’d shoot ‘what’s new in nudes’ – new releases in beauty and fashion that are all nude – and pair each one with famous nudes of timeless paintings…

Rihanna has released her third and latest in a line of perfumes – provocatively called Nude by Rihanna – with a seductive floral oriental blend. It retails from $49 for 30ml eau de parfum spray now at Farmers, and after April 2013 at selected pharmacies and department stores.

The top notes of Nude by Rihanna give a glimpse into her homeland Barbados with guava, mandarin and pear. Thus, I’ve teamed it with ‘One Second Before Awakening from a Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate’ by Salvador Dali, 1944.

Clarins Ombre Minerale Collection limited edition Colour Accents Face & Blush Powder has a graphic, geometric design, combining rosy pink, and nudes from pale shades through to deeper nude shades, for bronzing. It is $76 and is available now from Farmers, department stores and Clarins counters at selected pharmacies and online at www.adorebeauty.com.au

The shots of rose pink colour bring to mind Venus standing amongst falling pink flowers, in The The Birth of Venus, Sandro Botticelli, 1486.

Sometimes you want a flat, but don’t want to go completely without glam. This shoe ticks all the boxes: nude, studs, flat and still interesting. It is Minkar Neutrals and retails for AU$127.23 from www.Styletread.com.au with free shipping and returns to New Zealand.

Four Bathers, Cezanne.

New from Youngblood Cosmetics comes this beautiful new shade perfect for wearing with nudes and giving a blush of colour to lips. Debalicious Pink Lipstick is a bubblegum pink with a creamy finish ($43.50). For stockists see www.beautysense.co.nz

The equally sheer – and highly dramatic – Girl in Chemise by Pablo Picasso, 1905.

New Zealand-made skincare brand Kio Kio actually includes some native NZ ingredients in its formulations. It has horopito, manuka honey, and natural hyaluronic acid mamaku to moisturise and protect skin. This ‘Neroli and Horopito hand and body wash’ has a fresh, herby smelling wash – rather than the traditional rose and lavender fragrances you get – which would suit men as well as women, and I like the cool abstract botanical leaves print on the packaging, too. The 300ml wash retails for $29.90 from selected gift stores and pharmacies and at www.kiokio.com

A famous nude who loved bathing? Who else but Venus Anadyomene by Titan, 1525.

Covergirl might remind you of Top Model contestants singing "Easy breezy beautiful – Covergirl." It has combined with Olay a second time to create Covergirl & Olay Pressed Powder. This product is lovely. It might be due to the warm golden pearls working with the silk mica or the serum-infused forumla. Whatever it is, the coverage is light and natural. It doesn’t feel thick or look like we have applied it haphazardly. It is a great price point at $21.99 and you can find it at Kmart, The Warehouse and selected pharmacies.

Venus Before the Mirror, Rubens.

Antipodes Dusky Sounds Pink ($34) is inspired "by rose sunsets over the fjord of Dusky Sound." It is a perfect nude with a depth of strength and is a natural mineral lipstick with no harmful ingredients to put on your lips. It has a creamy texture with a hint of shine. For stockists and more info see www.antipodesnature.com

Reclining Nude, Head Resting on Right Arm. Amedeo Modigliani.

Here’s the perfect nude slip dress for underneath it all when you’re wearing sheer or lace numbers. It’s a scoopnecked lightweight slip dress priced at $16.99. Get it at www.Glassons.com

Hashiguchi Goyô Woodcut "Yuami"

Nude by name, nude by nature! Here’s an interesting shoe from www.styletread.com.au that combines lizard print, patent metallic, and suede – what’s not to love there?! You can shop for Nude Neutrals Leather here for AU$136.32.

Here’s a woman with attitude: wearing nothing but shoes and a flower in her hair. Olympia by Manet.

By Megan Robinson 18 March 2013
Covergirl & Olay by Cyndi Greep