This Food, That Look

Look 2: Pink Kiss

Pink lips are often thought to be quite retro.  But while you may not wear the pastel pinks inspired by Snooki from the Jersey Shore, or the frosted lipsticks from your mother’s 1970’s yearbook, pink lips can be a fun shade to try out, especially with the warmer seasons coming up!

I love pink it’s my favorite color, so naturally with my favorite color comes my favorite food, Cake!  Coconut Cake that is.  I love making this cake for all occasions.  Sometimes I will make it into cupcakes (you just need to adjust the baking time).  And the cream cheese frosting is to die for!

Get the Food:

Cake:

• 3/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup milk
• 4 oz sweetened shredded coconut

For the frosting:

• 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

Then:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, line with parchment paper. Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.

In the bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light yellow and fluffy. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing. Add vanilla and coconut extracts, mix well. The mixture might look curdled; don't worry!
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.
Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.
For the frosting, with an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth (don't whip!).

To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate: sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature.

Get the Look:

I go for more coral pinks, or a berry type stain, this just matches my complexion.  If you are not sure which pink is for you, here is a super cool quiz to find just the right shade and product recommendations!  Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in “Fuchsia Poplin” is a splurge, L’oreal Le Gloss in “Nude Touch” is a steal!

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/quizzes/q_pink_lips

I personally think that pink lips are the most flattering when they have sheen to them.  So I suggest opting for a cream or gloss finish, rather than a frosted or matte finish.