The Spring Makeup Trends to Start Wearing Now

Anybody else desperate for spring? Same, girl, same. But until someone invents a magical remote control that would allow us to fast-forward through the final (excruciating!) weeks of winter, we’ve figured out another way to cope: try all of the best spring makeup looks now.

Swiping on a fresh lip color or gorgeous eye shadow is an instant mood-lifter and an easy distraction from whatever unpleasantness is happening outside.

As you’ll see here, the standout trends of the season are different enough to fit your every mood and—even better—they look insanely gorgeous on everyone. That’s yet another reason to give them a whirl, pronto. Read on for all the essential D.I.Y. tips.

The newest iteration of smoky eyes requires all of us to lighten up. “Black or charcoal can be too much for every day, but smudged brown shadow works with any eye color, anytime,” says Christine Cherbonnier, who did all the makeup here.

And P.S., Cherbonnier did each of these looks entirely with natural beauty products, which—spoiler alert—deliver just as much oomph as synthetic versions.

How to nail it:

Smoky eyes are meant to look messy, so you’re off the hook as far as perfection is concerned.

To copy what you see here, use a small brush to line your top and bottom lash lines with metallic brown shadow.

“Buff it out with a brush to create the smoky shape, then add a darker brown shade on top for depth,” says Cherbonnier.

When your shadow is good to go, define your lash lines with a black eyeliner pencil. Soften the line with your finger or a brush, add a couple of coats of mascara, and that’s it!

Pro tip: To avoid competing with eye-catching shadow, stick with a subtle lip color. “If you’re using something matte, add a little gloss, balm, or even a cream highlighter on top for a touch of moisture,” says Cherbonnier.

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When top beauty writers feel the need to unpack the power of red lipstick, that’s when you know the iconic color has become more than just a much-loved trend. To make the look feel fresh for 2019, try an Old Hollywood red with a bit of shine.

How to nail it:

Depending on the state of your lips, you might need to prep first to create a smooth canvas for your color (bold shades show everything).

To get rid of flakes, gently slough your pout with a lip scrub or a wet toothbrush. Apply a moisturizing balm (not too much) followed by your chosen red.

Lips should be the focal point here, so use minimal makeup on the rest of your face. Just do quick swipes of liner and mascara to frame your eyes, then use your fingers to apply a teensy bit of highlighter to your lids and the tops of your cheeks. Gorge.

Pro tip: For a perfectly polished look, dip a cotton swab into a little face powder and trace around your lip line. This easy trick will clean up any smears and help prevent your lip color from bleeding.

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The Look: Golden Highlight