Spring is (finally) here, which means it’s time to get your beauty regimen in shape for the warmer weather as we stock up on floral dresses, dewy makeup, and mimosas. We talked to makeup expert Sarah Laidlaw about beauty tips and trends for the warmer months.
Here are some of Sarah’s top tips.
What are the latest cult products and why?
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam – After Kylie Jenner’s Instagram post (with 5.5 million likes) stating that her favourite Tan was Bondi Sands, it shot to cult status. And quite rightly so. It’s a mousse formula that’s streak free and gives a deep glowing tan.
Revlon PhotoReady Insta-fix Highlighting Stick – This has become a major favourite. The peachy Gold Light shade is a universal choice and flatters almost every skin tone. It’s easy to use as it’s a sheer wash of shimmer and gives a gleaming golden magic without that disco ball effect.
Bioderma, Sesnbio H2O Micelle Solution – this has been a cult buy for some time, but stands the test of time. Found in every pro makeup artists’ kit, it’s a super gentle and highly efficient makeup remover that leaves the skin perfectly clean and feeling fresh.
NYX Professional Makeup Precision Brow Pencil – With our current brow obsession, this range has shades for every hair colour, even grey. It has a flat tip for drawing in individual hair-mimicking strands and a spoolie brush on the other end to keep them brushed up and neat.
Real Techniques Core Brush Collection – with the bright colours coming through in the Spring trends, it’s important to get the blending right with good quality tools. The range is colour coded to make it easy- orange for base, purple for eyes and pink for finishing. Made of super soft synthetic bristles, they give a soft airbrushed finish and are vegan friendly.
What are latest beauty trends this season? What are your top tips for each trend?
The makeup looks that starred on the international runways for the Northern Hemisphere Spring were sweet, popping and definitely Spring worthy.
High Shine Gloss – Lips were glossy, but so much better than in its previous incarnation in the 90’s. The products are better, and the colours are beautiful. Lips are super shiny without being the sticky mess you remember.
TOP TIP – apply a clear high shine gloss over your favourite lipstick to update your look for Spring
Under liner – Sounds pretty obvious, but think an eyeliner under the eye. Instead of following the top lash line, it follows the outer half of the lower lash line and flicks upward.
TOP TIP – This is a strong look and not infinitely flattering on every eye, so try a soft blended eyeshadow version of this under-eyeliner look.
Cleopatra Eyes – this is your favourite winged liner amped up to a thicker, bolder and more dramatic width. The runways showcased a variety of interpretations of this trend. We saw sharp points, rounded finger-print-esque ends, but all blackest-black and striking.
TOP TIP – take your winged liner double thickness and wing it out to a fine point for a wearable version of the Cleopatra inspired eye.
Yellow Eye shadow – Everything from a bold wash of bright yellow on the lids, through to a subtler flash on the inner corners of the eyes was to be seen on the runways. It’s bold, its popping and its very, very yellow.
TOP TIP – Use a foundation on your lids to screen any blue-ish tint from the veins in the lid, if you’re going yellow, you want it to be yellow. If you’re not sure how to wear it, start with a little flash of yellow in the inner corners, or a sheer wash across the lids.
Draping – This came in a variety of strengths and tones, but the placement of the colour is what makes this trend. It’s all about blush blended across the cheekbones and right up around the outer edge of the eye onto the temple and brow bone in an arc of colour.
TOP TIP – go for a soft peachy pink version for a wearable option. Be wary of darker pinks and reds or you may end up looking sunburnt in the harsh light of reality.
Neons – worn on eyes or lips, bright neon colours were sent down many a runway. From lime green to neon orange and fuscia pink… a bold swipe of colour has us crushing over colour.
TOP TIP – This look is so young and fun and can be worn with almost any fashion choice if you’re game. If you’re going for a neon eye, team it with minimal foundation and a coat of mascara. If you’re up for a neon lip pop, keep the rest of your makeup fresh and dewy for a modern fashion forward finish.