Now that spring is firmly here and I'm no longer fighting a runny nose, I thought I would share with you the subtle changes I make to my everyday makeup in the spring.
The main change is that I tend to add a lot more colour (not that I shy away from colour during the autumn/winter). I've noticed that my palette changes from more burnt copper hues, mauves, and plums (and sometimes neutrals), to fresher pastels, pinks and bright reds.
EYES
There are two ways I like to add subtle colour to my eyes:
The first; (as seen above), is with an aqua eyeliner (from last year's Tropic Heat Collection by KIKO). Although to be honest I wasn't very impressed by the colour payoff of this one, so I'm going to try the same look again but with the NYX Faux Whites Eye Brightener in Mint Cream (it's the only mint eye pencil/eyeliner I can find).
When I'm using a lighter eyeliner (pastel or bright coloured) above my upper lashline, I first want to create the appearance of a thicker lashline with a thin line of brown or black eyeliner (we're not going for a 60's cat eye here). Then above that I put my lighter "fun" eyeliner (effectively doing double eyeliner lines in different colours). This way you still get the subtle hint of colour with the added benefit of a fuller lashline.
The second way; you may remember from my coloured eyeliner post, involves purple eyeliner and mascara. Both dark enough that it's only really in sunlight that you'll be able to tell it's a purple. (One of my best friends in high school took two years to notice I actually wore purple mascara every day, so don't be offended if no one really points it out). This time, because the purple eyeliner is dark enough (109 Pearly Purple Cranesbill - KIKO Super Colour Eyeliner), you don't need to create a thicker lashline first, and can directly create a wing. Then add the purple mascara, my favourite is the YSL Effets Faux Cils in 4 Violet, and you're done!
CHEEKS
For cheeks, it may not be a surprise to those of you who have been reading me for a while, but I don't deviate from my favourite blushes the Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes of course!!!
The gorgeous Gerbera daisy design embossed in the product and clear clean packaging makes it a real treat to use! Especially during the spring when all the flowers are starting to make an appearance. For more info on the three colours I own from this range, feel free to check out my Clinique Cheek Pop Blush "US Exclusive" post (yes, I was crazy and ordered a limited colour all the way from the United States...#spoiler so worth it!!!).
LIPS
Even though I wear reds all year round there is a marked difference between the autumn/winter ones, which tend to be more blue based (as seen in my Top Berry, Plum & Red Lipsticks post) and my spring/summer ones; which are more orangey or pinky and a lot brighter in tone.
Also, come the warmer weather, I like to change to a glossy finish every once in a while, (when it's not a windy day and there is no chance of the whole "hair in the lipstick" scenario)!
However, in all these particular photos, I'm wearing Mac's Retro Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red. Contrary to what the name might make you think, it's not really a red but more a pinky red/dark magenta pink lipstick (so no, the photos aren't deceiving you!).
This is another option for all the red lovers out there; Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic. (I love this range from Revlon and I feel like I own every colour by now).
This particular shade is a rather fluorescent orangey red, with its minty freshness and easy to apply pencil shape (it self-sharpens as you use it), it's one of my easiest and quickest reds to apply. Because of its orangey tinge however, it will make your teeth look slightly yellow, but I feel that it is "fluorescent" enough that no one will notice!
Lastly, we have Revlon's Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Love. A true red (again not actually on my lips here), this is an interesting formula; it goes on like a gloss and stays quite creamy/shiny for a looong while (if you're in a rush, quickly blot your lips on some tissue to speed up the drying process). For the long haul, this is a nice moisturising and comfortable formula.
NAILS
Finally, I can't not talk about my nails! They also usually get an overhaul this time of year too (majorly influenced by the springtime releases of course!). Again, I seem to ditch the darker/neutral colours and gravitate towards more pastel shades. This one is Blue-La-La from last year's Essie Summer Collection (post coming soon).
I've swatched all three red lipsticks on my arm here. From left to right: Mac's Relentlessly Red, Revlon's Unapologetic and Revlon's Love.
So, there you have it, my subtle switchups come spring.
What do you like to change in your makeup bag this time of year?
What fun things have you been doing whilst the sun was out?
Any bright eyeliner formulas you can't get enough of? I'm always open to new suggestions!
xxxemma