When the cold winter finally subsides and the first few warm days of spring arrive, along with it come lighter outfits and new shoes. But your clothes shouldn't be the only thing that changes in the spring. Swap your dark winter makeup for bright spring pastel colors that echo your lighter wardrobe and the feeling of spring's new attitude. Spring is the perfect time to try out new pastels. Gone are the 80s pastels of old; modern spring pastels are fresh and perfect for the new season.
New Colors
Try something new. The spring pastel colors aren't as dramatic as summer or fall colors, which tend to be highly pigmented and brightly colored. Don't be afraid to try a green or lilac. You may find that you like the pastels on your eyes. Most people expect style to change when spring arrives, so it won't be out of the ordinary if you start wearing brighter makeup.
Sheer Formuals
Go with a sheer formula. If you're nervous to try a bright color, or work in a conservative setting, choose a sheer formula of pastel makeup that you can glide on and give the suggestion of color, without going too far. Sheer pinks, purples, greens and blues are all workplace appropriate.
Eye Colors
Choose a color that is the opposite of your eye color. The contrast will make both the pastel eye color and your natural iris color mutually stand out. For example, if you have brown eyes, try a pastel blue; if you have blue eyes, try a pink; and if you have hazel eyes, try a purple. The pastel color doesn't overpower the eye color, only enhances it.
Mixing Colors
Don't be afraid to mix your eye makeup colors. You can layer pastel colors because while they are usually bright, they are also sheer and matte, making them perfect for layering. Try doing a green on the entire lid, and then bring in a pastel purple for the crease. Dust a little ivory on you brow bone, the inner corner of your eye and even on top of your cheekbones to add polish and sparkle to the layering of colors.
Matching Clothes
Never match your pastel makeup to your clothes; the effect is too "Easter." Instead, wear pastels when you're wearing more neutral colors; browns, blacks and grays. The effect is to brighten an otherwise serious outfit. A pink- or purple-based outfit doesn't need any brightening up, so it's best to wear neutral makeup with those clothes.
Cream Based
Powder formula pastel makeup can be hard to wear, as it doesn't blend easily, wears off fast and can be powdery and unnatural. Buy a cream-based pastel makeup that will last longer, has more pigment and is easier to apply and blend. Cream shadows are especially helpful for creating new pastel colors by blending two colors together for an interesting look.
Rethink Eyeshadow
Don't just use pastel colored eyeshadow on your eyelids. You can use it as a multipurpose pastel makeup for all over your face. Choose a lilac purple or light green, and use it on the inner corners of your eyes for interest, wet it to use as an eyeliner, or use a shimmery ivory to bring some light to your cheeks. Choose a good mixture of pastel colors that can brighten up your spring look all over your face.
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