A STYLE Santa Fe Make-Over

This make-over may be in the opposite tradition of glamour make-overs because although being a  woman with Santa Fe style can be a state of mind, it is also a lifestyle; a toned-down, natural, exuberance radiating the warmth of Santa Fe, the enchantment of the desert and mountains, colors of the rich palette here, and the use of natural fibers.  Jewelry is locally made but of excellent quality and famous to the region.  Fashion styles are comfortable, functional and flowing, drawing on the cultural influences that abound in this region.

Make-up, if worn, is subtler, for an attractive yet natural glow.  Colors are blended to almost mute, and tanning is as easy and natural as simply getting out of doors.  Gaudy brightness and overpowering make-up is not meant for Santa Fe style.  A good daytime routine includes a protective moisturizer, a natural base if needed, just a stroke of light blush, mascara, lip-liner if a business or social engagement, and lightly colored lipstick.  For evenings, go a shade darker and add layered earth-tones eye-shadow applying a light base color from lid to brow, adding a darker shade in the crease and blending well, re-blend all with the base shade once more from lid to brow.

As for hair, a lot of sprays or gels are not advisable.  There are some windy days in the Santa Fe and a spritz of pump spray does a lot better than the aerosol so that while outdoors the wind does not Alift@ the entire style. A scrunched natural look is great for this look and if you have fine thin hair, a perm may be a good way to add the body lost in the dry climate as well as to cut down on the static fly-away that can happen here.  Styles that have to be curled or set in the mornings will not hold in the dry climate, you curls will be gone before noon.

Clothing of course should be suited to the occasion but business dress is a little more lax in Santa Fe, sometimes incorporating boots with a western or desert style, while native American fabrics and prints are popular and worn for almost any occasion.  A carefully planned wardrobe can carry you from home to a casual to a dressy affair; rather it is knowing how to piece it all together that is the trick, how to dress up or tone down with colors and accessories.  Individual style plays a much bigger factor in Santa Fe fashions than in other areas.  With such a mix of cultural influences, a mixture of lifestyles and climates, and occupations, a unique blend of tastes make up our STYLE Santa Fe.  Women who want to add a touch of Santa Fe style need to use a creative flair for fashion through the use of colors, fabrics and cultural influences found in the area.