What I look forward to most is a huge re-shuffle of my makeup collection. Instead of seeing it as a headache or simply not doing it (I know a lot of makeup wearers don't consider changing up their makeup by season) I see it as an opportunity for a clear out, to embrace the new season and the opportunity for a bit of a makeup splurge!
Below I've put together 5 areas I believe benefit from changing up when it comes to spring makeup, starting with all important skincare to a few lighter and brighter shades to drop into your makeup bag. I recommend reading How to Create a Capsule Makeup Collection as you may want to ditch old products and have a re-organise first!
Think Hydration
With months of central heating and harsh weather conditions, your first aim it to get your skin back in tip top condition. This will lead to a brighter more radiant complexion not to mention a smoother base to apply products onto - something that makes a huge difference! For initial hydration and instant results applying a hydrating sheet face mask twice a week and making sure to remove makeup with a nourishing balm or cream cleanser instead of a face wash or micellar solution can work wonders.
Next, I highly recommend adding in a hydrating serum to use before your current moisturiser. A good hydrating serum will work on all skin types (my oily/combi skin love the Vichy serum below) and basically act like a drink for the skin. A total must after winter!
To create that perfectly smooth hydrated base you can't beat a hydrating primer. Don't be fooled by silicone pore-smoothing primer, they may give good instant results but won't do anything for the skin and can often lead to blocked pores and uneven skin texture - bleurgh. My rule of thumb when it comes to primers is if it feels soothing to apply and sinks in nicely, rather than creating a film over the skin, then it's doing what it should do. I've included two of my favourite primers below which are on the pricey side so I've included a low-cost £5 option as well!
Recommendations: Vichy Aqualia Hydration Serum, Too Faced Hangover Face Primer, Illamasqua Hydra Veil, The Ordinary High-Spreadability Fluid Primer
A Lighter, Radiant Base
Next, you want to start thinking light layers. This starts with a light base, something that gives that your-skin-but-better effect along with a dose of radiant. You may be hesitant if you have areas of pigmentation or blemishes but as long as you have a full coverage concealer then you will be fine. When it comes to application you can go for what you normally use but for an even lighter natural finish a damp makeup sponge is the way to go, or on the flip side if you want to build up a little bit of coverage in some areas, opt for a buffing brush instead.
My current Spring base of choice is Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder, which is just perfect for this time of year. Perfectly radiant and untraceable on the skin. However, around that time of the month when I'm prone to an oily t-zone and a few blemishes my go-to is La Roche Posay Effaclar BB Blur, a skincare meets makeup product with some key ingredients to tackle problem skin along with a mattifying but light finish - something that's often hard to come by!
Recommendations: Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation, La Roche Posay Effaclar BB Blur, L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation, Gosh Foundation Drops
Natural Cream Formulas
Spring is the time for pulling out them cream formulas or to treat yourself to a few new cream/liquid products. Cream formulas are fool-proof to use and will always look natural and never heavy on the skin. For that spring flush I always opt for a Bourjois Cream Blush and as peach/orange tones are on-trend this S/S I'm currently using 01 Nude Velvet. It's a total dupe for Benefit Majorette Cream Blush once blended into the cheeks and just looks so fresh and pretty! As for highlight I always go liquid when I want that glowy radiant look. Thankfully the high street/drugstore are awash with choices, my favourite right now has to be Maybelline's Strobing Cream in light (for my pale skin). It really does shine on the cheekbones!
I also like to go for cream eyeshadows come Spring. The effect of a cream eyeshadow is always more relaxed and fresher I feel and works well with a spring lip. I have quite a few cream eyeshadows in my collection but the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr shadows are easily my favourite; so easy to work with and in some gorgeous gilded shades.
Recommendations: Bourjois Cream Blush in Nude Velvet, Maybelline Strobing Liquid Highlighter, Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow 'Pink Gold' and 'On and On Bronze'
New Lip Products
A few new lip products in Spring are a must I think. Okay, I just can't help myself when it comes to lovely new product launches!
Come Spring it's all about wearing the prettiest lip shades you own that work with your skin tone. For me, that's pinky nudes and soft pink shades, but only paired with comfortable formulas - I'm a girl obsessed. My go-to lip colours right now are Burt's Bees Lipstick Blush Basin, the entire collection is pretty swoon-worthy, and NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Tea & Cookies (see my swatch of it here)- the prettiest pink lip colour I've ever come across I think!
If are prone to dry lips especially after Winter, now is the time to try out a few lip oils! You can go budget or high-end, they all do the job of keeping the lips from drying out whilst adding a hint of colour. Totally perfect for Spring if you ask me! My absolute favourite lip oil right now is Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss in Peach Fuzz. Not only is it additively yummy, think peach gummy sweets, but it's the perfect hint of colour and so comfortable to wear. Extra Reading: Spring Nude Lip Liner Lineup
Recommendations: NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick 'Tea & Cookies', Burts Bees Lipstick in Blush Basin, Too Faced Peach Oil Lip Gloss 'Peach Fuzz'
A New Spring Scent (or two)
Now is without a doubt the time for a new fragrance to take to through Spring/Summer. I often think a fragrance is so much more than just a scent, it can make you embrace a season, feel happier and even more put together.
Deciding on a new scent is definitely personal, however anything fresh and floral is perfect for this time of year. My go-to scent for sunnier days has to be Calvin Klien Eternity, it's very much a nostalgic scent for me and I absolutely love wearing it when the sun is out - it makes me instantly happy! I also have a glorious new scent from Michel Kors, beautifully named Wonderlust. This is a vibrant and sweet floral scent that has good silage and works expectantly well as a Spring/Summer scent. Also, can we just appreciate the gorgeous ombre bottle?!
Recommendations: Calvin Klein Eternity, Micheal Kors Wonderlust, Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely
Spring is a time to embrace lighter makeup, new launches and old favourites. I hope this post has inspired a change in your makeup bag!
Let me know your favourite Spring makeup products. I'd love to know!
Fee xo.
