As the ground begins to thaw and the air begins to warm, it is clear that spring is coming around once again. While for many this means nothing more than sidewalks lined by rows of flowers instead of piles of snow, spring’s arrival also means a fresh bouquet of beauty products and trends.
To welcome this new beauty season, take cues from Mother Nature herself, such as the rosy hue of just-blossomed flowers. Soft pinks, roses, and blushes are flattering on faces still pale from winter’s wrath, but brighten up your face as the sun begins to shine once again. Whether applying color to your eyes, cheeks, or lips, remember to keep these colors natural and sheer; the shades should work with your skin tone to bring out your own rosy glow. The idea is to look fresh. If you select dull or opaque pinks you run the risk of looking dated (think frosted pinks from the ‘80s) or older (think thick pinks from your grandmother’s vanity).
When making up your eyes, ditch the heavy black liners so popular for New Year’s Eve parties for softer shades of browns, olives, and greys. These colors will emphasize your eyes without overpowering your stare. Try NARS Eye Liner Pencil in Kyoto (olive) and Lancome’s Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee. As always, good mascara is key. Try a formula that enhances your lashes instead of one that simply covers them with product. Clinique Naturally Glossy mascara lengthens and separates, enhancing your lashes without overwhelming them.
A sheer lipstick helps to keep your lips hydrated while battling the last of winter’s driest days yet doesn’t suffocate your smile with layers of waxy color. Lorac’s Sheer Lipstick, Laura Mercier’s Stick Gloss, and Neutrogena’s MoistureShine Lip Sheers all offer a sheer wash of hydrating color, perfect for the Winter-to-Summer transition.
While floral and fauna-inspired make-up can be romantic, springtime doesn’t have to be soft—you can still find an edge. A splash of color, say a bright orange or cerulean shadow or a hot pink pout, not only ushers in spring but calls ahead to the summer months right around the corner. Stila Eye Shadow Pan in Mimosa packs a punch of color. For a traffic-stopping smile, try NARS Lipstick in Funny Face (magenta), Schiap (hot pink), or Red Lizard. Just remember the golden rule of make-up application—if you use a bold color on your eyes, keep your smile simple by slicking a clear or nude gloss on your lips (like NARS Lipgloss in Triple X). In turn, remember to pair a bright pout with a nude eyeshadow and a quick coat of mascara such as Stila Eye Shadow Pan in Kitten.
For fresh springtime nails, sample one of the twelve new nail polish colors from OPI’s Hong Kong line. These brilliant shades, such as A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find (orange) and Jade is the New Black, offer a more subtle approach to a bright spring palette. For a more romantic twist, check out Sephora by OPI’s Modern Flower collection with colors ranging from a shimmery pink-lilac (Handpicked for Me) to a hot pink (Go With the Flow-er), and even a metallic vine green (Leaf Him at the Altar).
Spring is finally here again. Pack up your winter sweaters to make room for springtime dresses and get ready for a fresh, new beauty season. Whether you opt for romantic roses or prefer a brighter bouquet, embrace this spring’s trends and you will be anything but a shrinking violet.
