These are the five beauty trends we really want to wear this spring…
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Spring brings a refresh. Open the windows, let in the light. And it’s time to hit reset on makeup, too. Take inspiration from the SS24 catwalks – while not every trend is translatable (few can carry off black glossy lipstick, as at Burberry), it’s inspiring to cherry-pick small details. That might mean experimenting with a coral-pink blusher, or a stronger eyeliner. We can all get stuck in our own beauty safety zone, and a new season offers ideas for change, recalibration and perhaps a fresh attitude. If you’ve ever considered a make-up lesson, now’s the time. Follow Amanda Grossman of E11even (@amanda.grossman) for ideas on what suits women over 40 (she excels in beauty-enhancing make-up for stars such as Rosamund Pike and Lesley Manville).
Designers including Victoria Beckham, Erdem and Fendi showed a cool, nude beauty, centred on strong brows and healthy, balmy lips, a modern take on the 1990s. If you’re up for introducing some colour, a coloured eyeliner can be refreshing without being radical; look to natural shades, such as moss green and cerulean blue. Or choose a single strong element: recently, I talked to a seriously stylish woman who rarely wears make-up, but chose a strong lip colour for a big event, and she described it as “a weapon” – a coat of armour that gave her confidence and strength. Make-up at its best.
1. HIGH STAKES LIP COLOUR
Ruby-red lips are always a good idea. And this spring sees a celebration of the joy of lip colour, in a full range of different textures, from attention-grabbing super-matte (as at Schiaparelli) to the glossiest, as at Gucci. Experiment with different textures – if you haven’t worn gloss for years, you’ll find that the latest formulas offer high shine without stickiness. Softly balmy lips, as seen at David Koma, are another way to go – think balms but with a tint. Lip oils are big, and a subtle stain of colour is an easy way to try new shades.
2. THE SKIN’S THE THING
The catwalks continue to champion skin that looks fresh and dewy. And the trick isn’t to apply more foundation, but to lighten up on our bases – look to new-tech primers, skin tints and glossy finishes. Prada’s first foundation, for example, is all about the glow. Keep skin fresh, and just use concealer where you need it. Photograph via; Maria McManus.
For a low-key glow
Prada’s refillable Skin Optimising Foundation, as used in our shoot delivers a bare-faced finish. €58, at Brown Thomas.
For radiance
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Primer (€50) helps to pack in the glow, and is great for older skin.
For a quick fix
Poco Universal Glow Treatment SPF30 (€30) is a one-stop base for all ages; www.pocobeauty.com.
For sheer radiance
Sculpted HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum SPF20 (from €20) is quick and easy to use.
3. SMALL CHANGES TO TRY
BOOK a make-up lesson: a fresh, expert eye is the way to find a foolproof spring beauty update.
SHARPEN your eye pencils – liner is back with a bang. See Saint Laurent for the most classic take on smokey eyes – it makes you want to grab your blackest kohl. Also, try a coloured one – we love a green, or even cobalt blue. Similarly, a coloured mascara is an easy way to change things up (Pat McGrath’s, are fabulous – find them at The Loop, Dublin Airport; www.theloop.ie).
GLOSS over your eyelids – a wash of light-catching texture or cold frosting on the inner eyelids (as seen at Jason Wu, Prada and Max Mara) is simple and effective.
4. BLUE EYES
Ready to brave blue eyeshadow? For some of us, it’s too much of a throwback to the days of 1980s perms. Versace matched baby-blue twinsets with the palest sweep of colour across the eyes. Try Byredo’s Colour Stick, for easy application (€36, at Space NK). Photograph via; Versace.
5. COOL CORAL
Pantone’s colour of the year is “Peach Fuzz” (which is also the name given to the downy hair on your face, which some people remove to ensure smoother make-up application). Really, though, the peach theme is a reboot of coral. And even hardened pink-avoiders will find that warm, soft, comforting shades on lips and cheeks help to suggest that post-outdoor exercise healthy glow. Try MAC Silky Matte Lipstick in Flamingo, €30. Legendary make-up artist Kay Montano rates Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Blush in Corail Givré (€65): “Use things that are light-reflective on your cheeks,” she advises.
