beauty addict

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The latest trends, techniques, and insider secrets—revealed.

Sugar Rush
From mighty magentas to electric greens, spring makeup is getting a sweet shock of color.
By Jenna Mahoney

Granted, the makeup that swept the spring runways was largely nude and natural. But with the recent launch of several high-pigment brands, the forecast for spring is looking a lot brighter than expected. Makeup artists, celebrities, and fashion designers are all punching up the colors to confectionary levels—and it’s about time. “I love the bright hues we’re seeing,” says celebrity makeup artist Shalini Vadhera, whose new Global Goddess line is teeming with high-pigment products. “It’s very refreshing.” Laura Geller, owner of Laura Geller Make-Up Studio in New York City, agrees: “Using color adds a little spark to your look.” And the experts agree that there’s a reason why it’s called color therapy: When applied correctly, bright shades not only enhance your features but also (like sugar) boost your mood.

Admittedly, even the most eager beauty addicts are often afraid to mess with so much color. Remember Mimi from the Drew Carey Show? Or what if we end up looking like dancers from the “Love Is a Battlefield” video? That’s why we asked top makeup artists to share their goof-proof tips and real-life applications for the season’s hottest hues. They agree that sheer formulas are better for blending (and that nothing looks worse than caked-on color). And as always, the key is to pick shades that compliment your skin tone. To figure out yours, do the shirt trick: Hold up a white shirt next to your makeup-free face. If you see more of a yellow cast, choose hues with similar warmth; those with a pinky cast should opt for cooler shades. But the golden rule: Try one trend at a time. Follow their advice, and we promise the results will be Color Me Beautiful, not Rainbow Brite.

Tangerine Dreams
We all equate Jennifer Lopez with style risks (who could ever forget the low-cut Versace dress and high-piled hair?). More recently, La Lopez has mastered the art of wearing orange makeup—a trend that, Vadhera reports, is universally flattering. For a vibrant eye, simply brush the color across your lower lids; for a more dramatic effect, add a pair of fake lashes. Or try the tone on your cheeks, sweeping along the high points of your face, where the sun would naturally hit. “It instantly imparts a warm glow,” says Vadhera. Geller also recommends wearing orange-colored gloss. But take note: Avoid using tangerine tones on every feature at once, or you’ll run the risk of looking like a piece of citrus.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Juiced, Nars Duo Eye Shadow in Mediteranee, Bobbi Brown Blush in Apricot, Clarins Lip Colour Tint 04, Sue Devitt Lipgloss in Taza.

Green Mile
From rich emeralds to acidy chartreuses, shades of green are making a splash this spring. For evening, take a cue from signing sensations Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, and Beyoncé, and choose a lime or jewel-toned shadow. “Use an eye-shadow primer to prevent creasing and make color last longer,” Geller suggests. Slick the primer across your lower lids, and follow with a jade shadow. Lightly smudge the shade along the lower lashes for a more modern—and less severe—smoky eye. And remember: “Less is more, so stick to one color in one tone,” Geller advises. To make emerald or chartreuse eye shadow a more office-appropriate neutral, Vadhera suggests combining it with a shade of brown. “Use the green on the lid, and apply a brown in the crease,” she says. Or you can simply opt for a khaki or sage shade for day, then amp up the drama after dark.
Best Bets: Tarte Eyeshadow in Peyton Place, Clarins Deep Shimmer Intense Eye Colour in Groovy Green, Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Green, Nvey Eco Eye Shadow 154, Benefit F.Y…Eye!.

Fierce Fuchsias
Swiping on a vibrant lip gloss is the easiest, and safest, way to experiment with this season’s magenta madness. What’s more, a glossy finish imparts a soft and sexy look at any age, says Geller. For best results, think (bright) pink, high-sheen kisses. The trend can also be applied to eyes, but be warned: Fuchsia eye shadow is not for the faint of heart. If you fall into the fearless camp, experiment by brushing a light coat of bright magenta shadows across your lids and using a bit more in the crease. For even more shock value, apply the shadow with a damp brush.
Best Bets: Nars Single Eye Shadow in Twisted, M.A.C. Cream Color Base Shadow in Fuchsia Perfect, Chanel Glossimer in Spark, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss in Craving for Sweets, Sephora Stain & Gloss in Fig.

True Blue
Blue eye shadow might conjure images of frosted, cobalt shades a la Dallas, but Vadhera says that’s all in the past. She suggests following the lead of Into the Blue’s Jessica Alba, who’s often spotted sporting bright blue eye makeup. To replicate Alba’s look, apply a sheer wash of color to the lower lids only. Don’t go overboard with matchy-match blue mascara. Instead, finish with a coat of brown or black. For a funkier take on the trend, experiment with Hilary Duff–style eyeliner. Rim your lashes with a deep-sea blue, and finish with a few coats of thickening mascara. If you still fear you’re channeling Cyndi Lauper, skip the shadow and liner completely, and stick with a simple coat of blue mascara.
Best Bets: DuWop Blue Eyes Palette, Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Shadow in Blue Heaven, Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Denim, Goldie Mini Smudgeable Liquid Eyeliner in Night, NYC Curling Mascara in Cobalt Blue.

Really Rosy
Our experts agree that experimenting with color should be limited to one feature at a time. And that’s why sweet, rosy cheeks are still in. “It creates a look of femininity and softness,” explains Vadhera. For a soft, flattering flush, choose a cream blush, says Brian Duprey, makeup artist and founder of Duprey Cosmetics. To find your cheek’s high point, smile. Then, using your fingers, blend in the blush. “Keep the color focused on the front of your cheek, not the side of your face,” advises Duprey. The rosy trend needn’t be limited to cheeks only. In fact, shades of pink can look surprisingly flattering on eyes. For most of us, though, the trend works best with more neutral shell-colored shades—at least until the sun goes down.
Best Bets: Origins Blush in Pink Petal, Nars Blush in Outlaw, Benefit Benetint, Pout Rouge in Pearly Queen, E.L.F. Non-Stop Eye Color in Pretty in Pink.

Photo credit: Lise Gagne

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