Springs Looks are lighter and brighter with lots of shimmer, shine and sparkle. Put away flat, heavy colors with your winter clothes and bring out the brights for Spring. Lips are wet looking and lighter and always topped with gloss, eyes are ‘done’ but the colors are sheer and shimmery using liner above and shadow below for added definition. Cheeks have color but its sheer color that gives a lot of lift to the face and the face is natural looking with a perfect complexion.

Face - for the complexion you need to carry off the spring brights, start with concealer and cover dark shadows and imperfections. Use one shade lighter to give lift to dark undereye shadows and blend all the way to the edge of the eye so your eyes don’t appear to ‘sink’ into your face. Dark shadows can ruin the lightweight looks of spring and tend to appear during the spring because of allergies. We recommend using the Undereye Lightening Gel to start (to help lighten dark shadows) and Soothing Eye Gel if you have puffiness. Use the Camouflage Oval Eye Brush and the Mineral Eye Concealer to cover undereye shadows. (The Mineral Eye Concealer also has some lighteners in it to help lighten shadows.) It you start with clear skin, the lighter weight colors and products are easier to use and look better.

Follow your concealer with liquid foundation if you need a bit more help or use Mineral Powder if your complexion is fairly even. Both will give you some sun protection (which can be ramped up if you spend a lot of time outdoors). For the most flawless finish we recommend the liquid foundation followed by the loose mineral powder. You maximize the wear and end up with the smoothest looking skin.

Your foundation and powder should match your skin tone. If you spend time in the sun and get some color, your regular color may need to be adjusted for spring and especially for summer. If you use too light or dark a color it looks made-up. “The look” is natural (you only better!). With a custom blend match, you’ll look and feel better. Use a dry or just damp sponge to blend out liquid foundation – this removes any excess and gives a smooth, even finish that helps prevent caking. Dust everything with loose mineral powder. Even if you have dry skin, the powder will set your make-up increasing the wear and gives a smooth even finish that wears beautifully.

Eyes - for the beautiful eyes that are a highlight of the season, you’ll need to put away heavy matte shadows and try some new sheer, shimmery colors for spring. Below are three ‘looks’ that you can do yourself. Eyes are lined on top and shadow is used below to softly define eyes. Lips have color and shimmer this season but without doing your eyes, you are missing an opportunity to shine.

Start with a medium color on the lid and brush it lightly over the entire lid. We recommend using the Shadow Sponge Brush if you are a beginner but for more precise placement, the Angle Eye Brush is the brush to use.

Your darker colored shadow should be applied in the crease to add definition and shape to the lid and to create additional depth and interest. Use the Angle Eye Brush to apply directly into the crease. Use this same color underneath the lower lash line using the Deluxe Liner Brush. This ties it together, adds definition and finishes your eye.

Use the lightest/brightest color directly underneath the brow bone to add lift to the eye. Use the Fluff Brush to apply onto the brow bone.

Blend all the shadow colors with the Fluff Brush or the Maxi Blender Brush. This eliminates noticeable lines and gives an overall finished look.

Line along the top lashes with an eye liner pencil. The color of the liner should blend with the darkest shadow color. It adds definition and makes your eyes ‘pop’. While the shadows look great alone, for that final bit that turns good to great, don’t forget to line and lavish Mascara over those lashes.

Cheeks - cheeks are sheer but have a natural glowing color to balance your face. Without a hint of color on your cheeks, your eyes and lips will look dark and unbalanced. Cheek color should go directly onto the apple of the cheek (use the Blusher Brush and start at the apple of the cheek and blend back towards the hairline). Be sure to blend your blush with the Angle Contour Brush to eliminate noticeable lines. If you are very active, we suggest using the Cheek Stain underneath to keep some color on your face even if you wear off your regular blush during the day.

Lips - matte lips are okay for Spring if they are topped with gloss but everything is shimmery, shiny or glossy. It doesn’t have to have tons of shine if that isn’t your thing, but a touch of gloss on top of a matte lip will add life and make your lips look fresh and lively for Spring. Colors are bright and cheerful with every color showing up although you’ll see less brown (more mocha and plum) and lots and lots and lots of pinks, peaches, reds, oranges and mauves – all with more or less shine. We still like a lined lip to add definition, especially if you tend to get ‘slide’ but top it with a fun colored lipstick and add a touch of gloss for the most current look. Our glosses are available in both a pot and wand. Use a fingertip with the pot to dot a bit of gloss on or the wand has an applicator. Just dot the gloss on top and smudge your lips together.

The most important keys to looking great for Spring is that everything is ‘pretty’ and light – heavier looks are tired looking. Shine is important and all your makeup should be well-blended. No makeup lines or noticeable color changes. Eye makeup should be blended; you are looking for great looking eyes, not pretty eye shadow! And PLEASE don’t forget to do those brows!