When I was in college, we had this saying: “Ring by Spring” which meant like 75% of dating couples became engaged sometime before graduation in May. I think they put something in the water. Thankfully, I made it to my senior year unscathed. Whew!
Anyhow. That really has nothing to do with this post… Today, we’re going to help ring IN spring! Bonjour, Spring! I’ll let Mascara Maven take over. Today, she has some AMAZING tips on how to brighten your look to help welcome in the fresh blooms and sunny weather!
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Ahhh, spring. The freshest time of year-the season to shed those dark colors and break out the sunscreen and lip gloss! Peach and apricot glosses, rosy hues of pinks, and glowing dewy cheeks—It’s got such a romantic appeal that lets the whole world know you are in love!
Let me say that I really love the fresh faced, doe-eyed, flushed cheek of a gorgeous bride on the happiest day of her life. It perfectly portrays a youthful, classic beauty with an edge of playfulness that will have the groom (and everyone else) doing a double take.
So what defines a spring look? Brighter cheeks accompanied by pink lips and a subtle eye. But don’t forget about those brows! Fill them in girls! Your brows complete the picture and balance the bright hues of the pink or peach tones on the rest of your face.
If you don’t like using a pencil, I suggest Smashbox Brow Tech– it’s a powder and wax duo so that you can fill in your brows with a brush where needed, create that soft line, and then brush some wax across the hairs to keep them in place and give them a healthy sheen.
To achieve that glowing, just from the spa skin, try a more sheer foundation mixed with a dab of luminizing product, focusing on the cheek bones, nose, and hairline- anywhere the sun would lightly kiss. I suggest Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion or Nars Multiple in Copacabana.
Really play up the apples of the cheeks with pink or peach blush- stray from colors with too much orange in them. And NO glitter. Look for a blush with shimmer- a slight glow to it- but no flecks of chunky glitter floating around.
Blushes I love:
Tarte Natural Cheek Stain- Blushing Bride, Tipsy, Dollface
Bobbi brown- Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick
For that pouty pucker, grab a lip stain and throw some gloss over it. Not only will the stain last longer than lipstick, it’s also kiss-proof- so no lip stamps on his face!
My favorite stains are:
Tricia Sawyer’s Clearly Pretty Lip Stain
*Tip: If the color is too bright pink for your liking, dab some chapstick on before applying the stain.
To compliment the brighter blush and lip, I like to use subtle metallic colors on the eye. When wearing pink- try a soft silver eye shadow with a bit of charcoal for contour. With peach- go for golds, bronze, and even a little copper. But don’t go overboard; this look is all about balance on the face- looking subtle and romantic, bringing out that glow from within!
Eye Shadow I love:
Gold/Bronze Eye Shadow: Nars Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Thebes or MAC – Tempting.
Silver Eye Shadow: Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Paris or Make Up Forever – Silver 82
If you are the kind of gal that likes a little celebrity inspiration sprinkled through her Spring Look Book, may I suggest googling the fresh faces of Gemma Ward, Drew Barrymore, Eva Mendes, and Scarlett Johansson. Here’s a few of my favs to get you started!
Drew: Drew has a gorgeous glow and luminescent skin, with a touch of pink on the cheeks and lips. Perfect!
Molly: The bubblegum pink doesnt work on everyone- but Molly pulls it off by wearing a darker brow and light pink flush to the cheeks.
Scarlett: The blonde bombshell -gone brunette complimented her new look perfectly by wearing a rosy hued blush and lip and a hint of bronzer.
Cameron: Hello Pink! She let her fuschia lips be the star for this look- but the eyes dont take a back seat- they still pop with just a few coats of black mascara.
Eva: Gorgeous subtle rosy apricot cheeks with soft matte lips- a beautiful look for medium toned skin.
