One of the biggest cosmetic trends for Spring 2011 is vivid, colorful makeup. You know, intense shades you fall in love with when they’re in the pan- the ones that often become intimidating when they land on your vanity table. Quite often, even the most shocking hues can be wearable even for work or to brunch with a light hand and some balance. Here are six gorgeous, vibrant shades for Spring 2011.
1.) Benefit Bella Bamba: I’ve been a fan of this Benefit mini-line since it hit shelves (gasp!) over eight years ago in Dandelion. The generous size, the adorable mini brush, the mirror- these little powders are always so much fun to open. 70s glam packaging encases a vibrant shade described as “watermelon” and interlaced with gold shimmer. This blush would pair beautifully with bronzer or work well alone on fairer skin tones.
2.) Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush: If you’re not feeling powders for an intense cheek shade, or you’re trying to cultivate a dewier complexion, Hourglass has these saturated, sheer stains for cheeks. Described as providing a “subtle lit-from-within glow,” Aura Sheer Cheek Stain clicks up to dispense product, and is buildable for more color.
3.) MAC Eye Shadow in Zingy: Although it seems eyes are an area in which you can be a bit more creative with color, bright eye shadows can make even the deftest shadow users apprehensive. Zingy is a pure, matte sea blue, and there’s a trick that makes a shade like this eminently wearable. Brush a neutral shimmer shade over lids, and at the outer corner, touch in three dots of your selected bright shade very close together with a medium, flat-ish brush. Tap the brush in to diffuse the shadow- the small, unadulterated pop of color at the edges looks a little edgy without too much intensity. Finish with a coat of mascara, and an optional super-thin application of black kohl at the lashline only.
4.) Sephora by OPI Glee Collection in Slushied: An opaque, true turquoise- all the shades are springy, but this is a very bold option for a clean and bright nail look.
5.) Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Classic Red: Red popsicle stains are a bit of a perennial, and though a matte red lip is always chic, a sheerer gloss feels somewhat more appropriate as warmer weather rolls in. This glossy, balmy red stain adjusts to most skin tones and is longer lasting than a simple gloss.
6.) Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer: Felt tip products can be hit or miss- some go on watery and meek, leaving too little color that settles awkwardly. This “richly pigmented” formulation in Rose Impression is both realistic and enduring. The color goes on matte, and you can finish with a thin coat of moisturizing balm to set off the color.
Do you have any super-colorful secret weapons? What’s your most vibrant go-to shade?
