The snowdrops are over, the crocuses are out and the daffodils are starting to blossom: spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to ditch the winter garb in favour of something a little more colourful. But the chilly weather makes donning spring’s maxi dresses and short sleeved knits a bit uncomfortable, so put fashion on the backburner and try some of spring’s biggest beauty trends for size. From 70s luxe to bright orange lips, spring’s beauty trends are both ultra-wearable and achievable with natural, mineral based make-up. Don’t agree? We’ve rounded up some of the top spring trends and got green make-up artist and fashion week regular, Lou Dartford, to show you how to get the looks. Spring has most definitely sprung.
70’s Glam
‘It’s not a typical spring look but it was a definite hit on the runway so be bold and try doing strong eyes, lips and cheeks all at once. Kjaer Weis eyeshadow in Oynx, £32, is great for a sultry eye. Take it all over the lid and work it into the socket line for a smoky look. Smudge Une’s Absolute Black Kohl eyeliner, £5.29, around lashes for even more intensity. For lips go all out glam with Lavera’s Maroon Kiss lipstick, £10.90, or try Jane Iredale’s PureGloss in Mulberry, £13.34, for a softer version. Keep foundation sheer and try using a cream blush to keep skin radiant and fresh; the RMS version is perfect.
Bright Spark
Bright lips were everywhere during the S/S11 shows. Red lips are still going strong but this season fuschia and orange came out to play as well. Elysambre’s Natural Lipstick in 207, £11.29, is a great fuschia while Lavera’s Organic Lipstick in Sunset Orange, £10.90, is nice and bright. Prep lips well with a good lip balm such as Madara’s Ecolips Organic Softening Lipbalm, £8.90, and remove any dry skin by brushing your lips gently with an old toothbrush. Apply your chosen colour with a brush for precision and to help it last, blot between layers for extra longevity. Lip liners aren’t so cool these days but can be helpful for strengthening areas such as your cupids bow to polish your look. If you shy away from colour, a gloss is the perfect introduction.
California Girl
A golden glow is the perfect remedy for a long cold winter. Look for bronzers with gold tones rather than orange; you want sunkissed not tangoed. Dr Hauschka’s Bronzing Fluid, £24.50, is great when dabbed onto to moisturised skin or try applying The Organic Pharmacy’s Organic Glam bronzer, £32.95, with a big brush. Apply where you would naturally catch the sun: temples, cheekbones, and across the nose and forehead. Don’t forget to take it down onto your decolletage if needed. On eyes try RMS cream eyeshadow in Spark, £26.80, a gorgeous bronze, which effortlessly enhances that glow.
Good to Glow
Perfect skin starts with a great skincare routine so make sure yours up to scratch by using a good cleanser and moisturiser at the very least. I like to use Oskia’s Get Up & Glow serum, £58, under foundation as a primer to add instant radiance. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser such as Lavera’s Tinted Moisturising Cream, £11.90, to even out skin tone. Next paint away any blemishes or imperfections with a good concealer such as Nvey Eco Organic Erase, £15.75, using a brush. A brush makes application more precise which not only makes your base look better, it makes it last longer too. Under eyes, use a creamier concealer such as Jane Iredale’s Circle Delete Under-Eye Concealer, £21. Use powder where needed, and for a finishing touch, apply Inika’s Light Reflect Highlighting Cream, £16.35, to areas such as cheekbones and browbones for really glowing skin.
Purple Reign
Purple is big this season but this time around, it isn’t the gothic hues that are in. Instead think more vibrant hues such as eye-brightening lilacs and lavenders. Try Nvey Eco eyeshadow in 164, £16.50, as a wash all over the lid, then Inika’s Purple Haze, £11.50, on the inner corners to open and lift. Use the brush slightly damp for a stronger look, or if you don’t fancy purple all over the eye, try it as a liner along the top lashes. Finish with mascara for definition. Lavera’s Double Black Mascara, £12.90, defines and thickens lashes.
For more green beauty tips from Lou, go to: www.louisedartford.com
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