Spring 2012 makeup trends you can wear now

1.  Matte complexion: The irony of this trend is that to create a timeless look, you need to step away from the trends. This balanced-out skin tone is an inspiration from the 80s and 90s, where a shiny or glossy face was nowhere to be seen. Opt for muted colours, be it for eye shadow or nail lacquer.

• First rule is to always apply primer. You want your skin to be as close to perfect as it can get before applying foundation. When picking foundation, go for a powder-based variety.


• Steer clear of applying illuminator or highlighter in your t-zone. 


• Leave your forehead bare, as the foundation isn’t a mask. Apply it only in the center of your face and then blend outward for a natural look.

2. Contoured cheeks:  During damp wintery days, a minimalist beauty look is usually the fastest way to look crowd-friendly. The secret behind this no-makeup drama is inspired by spring’s take on a sun-kissed look. Nude and muted tones are coming back for spring 2012, but that’ll also work for fall due to its versatility. A high cheek bone with a kiss of peachy pink blush is an epitome of Hollywood glamour.

• Sweep bronzer under the jaw line from the ear to the chin, it has a slimming effect and will make the face look more angular.


•  Make a fish-face and apply the bronzer under the cheekbones. Always stroke in an inward motion – from the ear towards the center of the face. 


• To perfect the sun-kissed guise, dab cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and take it out all the way till your ears. Apply blush in circular, dabbing motions. 


• Add some highlighter powder on the top of your cheeks to create a halo effect.

3. Bare eyed mascara:  Ditch every other eye tool in your make-up drawer, as to master this trend, all you need is an eyelash curler and mascara. This 60s-Twiggy-inspired, bare-eyed mascara look has taken the celebrity-filled red carpet by its horns and it’s only fair that you include that in your daily ritual too. This trend is all about the lashes, but the secret is to keep them natural.

• Curl your lashes and whack on an eyelash primer to create a base. 


• Avoid lumps by brushing lashes with a lash comb after wriggling on the mascara. 


• Beef up the fringing on the corner of the lashes with some individual false eyelashes.


•  Black and dark browns are colour picks for summer 2012

4. Metallic colours:  To update your look from summer to fall, include accents of warmer hues in your everyday make-up routine. If plums, violets and olive scare you, then opt for metallic shades. A little dust of silver under the eye or a sparkly topcoat of nail lacquer will not make you look like a teenager.

• Use loose sparkle powder for summer, as opposed to creamy-based gels. They tend to stick-on and create high shine. 


• Two spots for metallic sparkle for the eyes – under the eye and on inner and outer corner. 


• Metallic nail polish is a subtle way of approaching this trend. You can stick with a natural flawless face, but make a statement with the nails. 


• A smoky eye is always a winner, be it any season. Opt for metallic eyeshadow shades of charcoal and grey to fit the trend.

5. Brows are bold but feminine: Not sleeky thin or roughly thick, for the next couple of seasons, brows are strict but groomed. This involves a lot of filling, perhaps even growing them out to get optimum results for next year. For now, stay clear from pointed or bushy looks.

• Observe the directions towards which the hair is growing. When filling the brows, follow the path and colour in that direction. 


• A brow pencil always needs to be a shade or two lighter than the hair colour.


•  Keep it sophisticated but strong. Brows are the map of the face, let them make a statement.

Enjoy my beauties & Next will be a special post to my Russian girls who have been showing great support!!

Love & Peace Xx