spring beauty trends

Spring 2013 Beauty Trend: Flawless Faces, Get the No-Makeup-Makeup Look

Backstage at NY Fashion Week this September I took note of the top beauty trends for Spring, some of which included buff nails, nude lips, electric eyes, deep side parts and flawless faces.  Flawless faces, which to me is more than just a trend, it's a way of life.  It's your skin! I got some tips from CoverGirl Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jake Bailey, on how to achieve the no-makeup-makeup look, flawlessly. 1.       Start by removing any excess oil or makeup with a toner or astringent.

2.       Apply lip balm at the start of your makeup routine so it has time to be absorbed. Then, when you’re ready to apply lipstick, lips will be soft and supple, but not sticky.

3.       Spread a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer over entire face as a primer and then blot with a sponge to remove excess.  I'd recommend Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Free Moisturizer, $16.99.

4.       Using a flat-topped brush, dab a creamy foundation like Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20, $65, onto your face and décolletage.

5.       Conceal under eye circles with a light reflecting concealer.  Be sure to keep the product away from your lash line  It will only highlight puffiness.

6.       Use the sponge to blot away excess foundation before applying blush and bronzer to prevent a “cakey” look.

7.       Using a brush, apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks, then blend it out around your entire cheek for a natural flush.  The brush gives it a more natural look.

8.       Warm up the look with bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks and around the perimeter of your face.

9.       Use an oversized, soft brush to set the look with a light powder.  The soft bristles provide less resistance, helping keep makeup intact.  I use the CoverGirl + Olay Pressed Powder, $10.49, because it's a bit moisturizing and doesn't make my skin look cakey.  Check out my review here.

10.   Finish with mascara. For a smudge-free application, place a business card at the base of the lash line, then brush mascara over top lashes. The business card helps separate lashes and prevents clumping and excess.

 

Nail Trend: Introducing The New Pastel

One of the biggest trends this Spring is donning pastel tips, but pastel has undergone a makeover.  The crop of pastels I'm falling in love with this season are much more sophisticated than those of Cadbury Egg Minis (which after this weekend, I should be in rehab for).  From pistachio and cotton candy to lilac, lemon and eggshell blue, I just can't get enough and that's rare for a girl who always wears dark colors. When I received the Spring 2012 Dolce & Gabbana collection in the mail I flipped over the polishes.  Of course, the cosmetics are gorgeous, but these lacquers were my first introduction into the new pastel.  They're milky pastels and after applying, it looks as if you painted a white coat of polish underneath the pastel shade to make it pop.

The first thing that caught my attention about Rococo Nail Apparel's Spring 2012 collection was the packaging.  It's special and I think there's nothing better than getting a beautifully packaged set of beauty products.  Like the Dolce & Gabbana shades, the pastels are also creamy.

While these polishes may be a bit pricey, it's nice to treat yourself once in a while.  Of course, there are other options!  Here are some of my other favorite pastels by Essie and OPI that you can find in your local nail salon and will keep you on trend: Essie in Mint Candy Apple, Essie in Play Date, OPI in Do You Lilac It and OPI in Pink Friday.