Wake Up Your Makeup, Spring Is Calling!

With springtime comes that long-awaited inspired feeling when color makes its way back into our dull, humdrum winter wardrobes, we become slightly more adventurous with our makeup choices, and there’s suddenly a collective spring in our step.  That’s all really only true if you live somewhere other than LA – we barely have to endure a “winter” and now we’re pretty much just waiting for all our sister cities to thaw so they can hop on the bandwagon.

There is something to be said, even here in paradise, about the shifting of seasons.  Just because we may not necessarily realize when they’re shifting without fall and spring Fashion Weeks around the world doesn’t mean a thing.  But since Fashion Week in New York has just ended and Paris is on its first legs, it’s high time we explored just what springtime has in store for us.  (Not weather-wise, obviously.  We already know.)

One beauty trend set to make an impact this season that we can all enjoy is the really, truly red lip.  Whether you prefer a more dark, vixen look or the pop of color feel, this is something that flatters any face with any coloring.

For the bright, pop of color, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red will do the trick. This color is not for the faint of heart, though.  We know you can handle it.  ($24.00)

For a red that reads both seductive and approachable, go for Revlon’s Matte Lipstick in Really Red.  You can pick it up at any pharmacy or beauty supply that sells Revlon – which is just about all of them.  ($8.00)

When you want to mix a little bit of business with a little bit of pleasure, there’s nowhere to go, but to Chanel’s Rouge Hydrabase Shanghai Red Lipstick.  ($28.50)

If you want your lip color to say “don’t even think about it,” pick up a tube of Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Mystery.  ($25.00) He knows he’ll have to work to get your number.

During winter months, if you forget (mon dieu!) to moisturize your skin, it can feel like someone’s nipped and tucked your face into oblivion because you can’t seem to smile or look surprised without something feeling tightened. In this ever-so-tricky transition into spring, here are some of the best skin treatments to add to your daily skin routine – they’re especially useful for recuperating that gorgeous punim while you’re traveling.

We all know about the wonders of La Mer and SK II, but for those whose wallets would stage a coup if you spent over $200 on a cream, try the NV Perricone No Foundation Foundation ($50).  It moisturizes and acts as a one-color-fits-all foundation that brings out the natural tones in your skin making you look all dewy and glowy and like you’ve just stepped off a beach in Spain.

Its very important to protect your skin from the sun – thank you, Mom – and there are a host of products that act as moisturizing and spf double agents.  Which one is the best? We’ve got two we love and adore: the simple 1-2 punch of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($19) and La Mer’s The SPF 18 Fluid Tint ($65).

Lastly, if you’d rather get all this “work” done while you sleep, your best bet is to try Kinara’s Nighttime Skin Quencher ($80).

Moisturizing your skin is essential, but what if you’ve spent no time in the sun lately and you’re so pale you practically glow in the dark? Golden hues have always been a popular choice for women with every shade of skin – whether its NARS’ classic The Multiple ($38), a multi-purpose bronzing stick you can use for eyes, cheeks, and even décolletage, or the Bella Bronzer Liquid Illuminator from Le Metier de Beaute ($85).  (We especially love the NARS in Mustique or Maldives.)

The best way to complete this whole Brigitte-Bardot-just-off-a-yacht look is to tie in a seductively nude lip color like Guerlain’s Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss Lipstick in Vanilla Beige ($30).  We’re also more than partial to LORAC’s Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow Trio ($25) in either Superstar (all generally golden and bronze) or Starlet (think pinks and muted purples).