Less is more: 2008 Spring makeup trends

Posted by Molly Hutchins

Posted: March 17, 2008 - 12:16 am

I always look forward to the changing seasons as a way to reinvent myself, even slightly. For me, winter brings with it comfortable sweaters, delicious food, fabulous boots and deeper, more dramatic makeup. I look forward to matte skin, plum lips and the cold weather's more decadent looks. However, I will say that my heart belongs to spring and summer and I excitedly look forward to everything that comes along with it- glowing skin, open-toed shoes and thinking that 40 degrees is warm.

Some distinctive makeup trends have shown themselves on the runway in New York City during fashion week- let's take a look!

Overall, less is more. Spring calls for a clean, fresh look that isn't over done and showcases your most perfected 'you'. Take this time to give your skin a break from heavy foundations and chalky powders- try a liquid or cream concealer to cover any trouble spots and a mineral based powder to even the complexion without leaving a heavy matte finish. Be sure to dab some concealer under your eyes, around your nose and at the corners of your mouth, as these are areas that tend to look dark even if you're blemish free. A highlight powder or cream is a wonderful secret weapon to keep in your cosmetic arsenal- a finely milled shimmer will keep you looking glowy instead of glittery (try Nars the Multiple in Orgasm). Apply your highlight powder or cream to the top of your cheekbones and above your eyebrows. A cream or gel blush can give you a natural looking flush that stays all day- try Tarte Cosmetics Natural Beauty Cheek Stain.

Nanette Lepore, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera and Valentino (to name a few) all had lips as the focus feature of their makeup looks on the runway for Fashion Week. The colors ranged from bold coral to neon pink, but the theme was bright, vibrant and daring. Orange really did dominate, and that doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds. Try Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss by Sephora in Orange #23 for a sheer wash of color that isn't overpowering, but is still fashion forward. Coral colors tend to look intimidating in the tube, but don't let that detour you- give them a try, and you might be surprised. You can always head down to Nordstrom or Gottshalks to try on a shade before you buy.

Gilded lids were glittering along the runways at shows such as Anna Sui. Gold shadow shades are universally flattering and are the perfect offset for summer's bronzed skin. Try Max Factor Eye Shadow in Hollywood Gold or Deluxe Eyeshadow by Urban Decay in Honey. Don't forget to sweep a little of the shadow along your bottom lash line for a more finished look. Finish off with a few coats of a non-clumping mascara such as Cover Girl's Lash Exact or Clinique's Naturally Glossy.

The changing seasons are a wonderful excuse to experiment with your day to day look and try new things- be adventurous and reject a few 'rules' while you're at it!

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