One of the things I love about fashion is that, no matter what is going on in the world, the fashion industry is it’s own pretty little bubble where the news is all about colors and hemlines and everyone wears lipstick. Spring, in particular, is always shiny and happy, with color and pattern and fun. And it always puts me in the mood for, well, if not a makeover, then at least a little tap on the refresh button. Apparently, my mom was feeling it too, as evidenced by the following text exchange. (Note: This is verbatim, and I would share a screen shot of it with you as proof, but I’m not techy enough to pull that off.)
Mom: I need blush.
Me: Okay, mommy. Try Nars.
Mom: Mars?
Me: Nars. It’s a brand. French.
Mom: What color?
Me: I can’t say the name. It begins with an “O.”
Mom: Why can’t you tell me the name, habibo. (A term of endearment.)
Me: It’s not appropriate. It’s a nice color, though.
Mom: Why are you wearing blush that is not appropriate?
Me: Try Estee Lauder, mommy.
Even at Estee, I had to sidestep Brazen Bronze before I settled on Poppy Passion. Sigh.
Anyway, the lure of Sephora and Ulta and beauty boutiques everywhere is that blush really does lead to love, and that the right lipstick can change your life. And I guess part of me believes it. Especially about lipstick. That’s why I wrote a whole post on finding the perfect shade of red. It’s that important, especially this season, when designers almost unanimously chose it as the color of the season. Read on for hints on how to wear this trend, and a few other key looks for spring.
Red Lipstick
In a season where pink and coral tend to dominate, red was a surprising favorite on the runway. And not a subtle sheer red either. Bold, unapologetically red lips were shown in every formulation, from gloss to matte. The update? They were shown with nearly nude skin and full, brushed up brows. To get the look in a more wearable way, apply concealer only where you need it, or a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer all over, then finish with a little color on the brows and mascara on the lashes.
2. Blue Eyeshadow
From baby blue to cobalt to navy, bold blue shadow was a key trend for spring, and in small doses it can do so much to brighten your whole look. Try a subtle wash over the entire eye, or a hint of blue liner or mascara to brighten whites and wake eyes up.
3. Mega Lashes
When I was pregnant with my first and could do nothing to my skin or hair, a friend treated me to an at home lash-perming session. The results were amazing, and I admit I was a little vain about my lashes for weeks. Fortunately for my friends, the results are not permanent. Even if you think, like I do, that your lashes are long enough and curly enough, there is no denying the wow factor of truly dramatic lashes. This season, false lashes were a big deal on the runway, and they can be surprisingly easy to pull off, especially when you’re only adding a couple of lashes (and not a full set) for a special event. Or, to cheat, curl your lashes, then dust them with your face powder before applying mascara. The powder helps to build the lashes, making them thicker and longer.
4. Bronze Beauty
Do you remember those old magazine ads for an early mineral makeup bronzer called Rare Earth? Or was it Pure Earth? Oh, you’re not old enough? Um, neither am I. I was just wondering… Anyway, that’s what the bronzed faces on the runways for spring reminded me of, a little. Just a pretty, sunny, natural look. Fortunately, products have come a long way since the questionable “natural” look promised by those old products. The current crop are offered in multiple shades to suit every skin tone, and the formulas are sheerer and so much more wearable!
Red lips, blue eyeshadow, mega lashes and bronze skin… these are my top picks for the four best, most wearable and flattering beauty trends of the season. Best of all, you can try each trend for under $10. Just don’t try them all at once. 😉
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