50th Annual ACM Awards: Our Picks For Best Dressed

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April 19th was a star-studded night in Arlington, TX as country superstars and celebrities gathered for the 50th annual ACM awards. The red-carpet event featured Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan as hosts, and awards were won by Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, and performances from guests such as Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley were unforgettable. However, some of our favorite looks from the glamorous evening belonged to the faces that were seen on the red-carpet, but not necessarily the stage. dierks-bentley-cassidy-black

Dierks Bentley had a successful night performing "Riser" (possibly his next single) and he also had a beautiful date, wife Cassidy Black. Cassidy rocked strappy, simple black heels which are a huge trend right now. The more simple of the heel, the better for summer. We love the intricate pattern of her dress and the flattering and unique neckline. Dierks and Cassidy win for hottest couple of the night.

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Olivia Culpo and Nick Jonas made a stunning pair. We love her entire look for its simplicity, yet Olivia was one of the more stunning appearances. Her look is proof that simplicity can be key with the right accessories, makeup and hair choices. Why was Nick Jonas (formerly from "the Jonas Brothers" and known for his pop vocals) at the ACMs? He contributed to a fun and unique twist as he performed his two hits, "Chains" and "Jealous" along country duo Dan + Shay.

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Tracy Ripsin and Troy Aikman were another hot couple seen on the red carpet. We adore everything about Tracy's look, from her  blush-colored gown to her metallic beaded statement necklace to her soft curls and most importantly her radiant smile.

50th Academy Of Country Music Awards - Arrivals

Reese Witherspoon made a guest appearance on the red carpet alongside Hot Pursuit costar Sofia Vergara. Reese also chose to wear trendy, simple and strappy black heels to compliment her bold, glittery gown which we love for its cute skater-girl shape.

Six Steps to the Perfect Summer Look + Glitter Eyeliner

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by  Make-up Artist Ashley Carrel 

Step one: Use skin type appropriate toner and moisturizer. It's great for oil control, and helps makeup go on smooth and evens texture. A good skin care routine helps enhance and create a great canvas for your everyday makeover. Used on this lovely model, Danielle: BC Spa Facial PHA Regenerating Tonic and BC Spa Facial Moisture Lotion with SPF link

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Step two: Choose correct formula of concealer and primer.  Usually for teens an oil free non-comedogenic formula is best. I used a very light and smooth formula in yellow to cover up dark circles under the eyes. I used a bit thicker formula for coverage of breakouts. There are three basic color primers choices:  1) yellow for dark and sallow skin, 2) green to cover pink and red, 3) and mauve (pink) to cover yellow tones common in Asian skin types. Used on Danielle: Secret Agent yellow primer for dark circles and Extra Help concealer in light for breakouts

Step three: Choose skin appropriate foundation. For FL summers I always recommend BC Wet/Dry Perfecting Foundation. It has a perfect balance of powder to the formula, and it blends and soaks up your natural oils throughout the day. Also it has great natural coverage for all skin types and is available in a huge variety of shades. Used on Danielle: Y-2 BC Perfecting Wet/Dry Finish

Step four: Use a good matte bronzer for contouring blush application and a good “pop” color for apple of cheeks. Bronzer is for areas you want to shadow and for the apple of your cheeks. Color may vary for skin types. Used on Danielle: Tuscan Sun Bronzer for mid cheekbone and out to ear applied in circular motions/ Pink Mineral blush for apple of cheek to create that sun kissed, fresh face look.

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Step five: Eye primer, eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara. It is especially important for summer to use a good eye primer.  With oils of the day, your shadow can crease and smear. A good primer will keep that from happening. I recommend urban decays primer potion and for a more affordable option, BC control crème.  A good shadow should come with a full palette to work with like BC Color Shadow Trio’s. It provides three colors to accent the different parts of the eye. For a summer fun flare and a fun pop of color I chose a hot pink glitter eye liner! Used on Danielle: BC Control Crème in Taupe /BC color eye shadow trio in Au Natural /Perfecting Eye liner in black /Glitz Hot Pink Glitter /and Glitz Eye Glue to adhere glitter (water based, it's a one of a kind formula)/ for Glitter Eye Liner use angle tip duo shadow brush to apply (press on, not rub on)

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Step six: Finish with a nice natural Lip Liner, Lip-gloss and Hydrating spray to set foundation. You can't go wrong with a nude lip for everyday wear! Bright lips are all the rage this summer, but may work best with a softer eye look. Used on Danielle: Nude Lip Perfecting Pencil /Bare BC Color Lip Gloss / and BC Herbal Hydrating Mist to set foundation.  It's also great for a cool down mist for a Hot Summer day. Keep it in your purse and on hand; it’s a hot day life saver!

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Article and Makeup by: Ashley Carrel

Photo credit: Elizabeth Garrard

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte