Spring 2014: Colored Eye Make-up

Brightly colored make-up is one of my favorite beauty trends for spring.  The wide array of colors are wonderful for brightening up your face and making features pop.

The color of the year, Radiant Orchid, is being extensively used in make-up.  Pantone even created a line of make-up for Sephora called "Sephora+Pantone Universe The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry."  It was inspired by the color of the year, with 25 shades formulated to compliment Radiant Orchid.  Plum shades blend together well to create a summery take on the smokey eye.  Truly make heads turn with a violet hued lip.

Blues and aquamarines are making their way back to the beauty scene this spring.  To avoid looking like an 80's movie extra, don't cover the lid from browbone to lashes, instead sweep the color in selected areas.  One of my favorite tricks is to use taupe shades on the eyelid and line the lower lashline with blue liner.  One of the creamiest (and affordable!) eye liners I've used are the Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liners.  Get lost in the depths of the ocean with a nautical smokey eye- utilize shades of blue and teal to create this sultry beauty look.

Emerald might no longer be the color of the year but it can be seen making a revival at make-up counters everywhere.  I love a green nail polish!  I used a hunter green for winter and I will transition into spring with olive and mint tones.  The mint shade is an excellent compliment to numerous spring colors and is the perfect base for nail art.

Whether it be an ombre nail or a bold lip, raise your beauty standards this spring!

Color of the Year

When I heard that Radiant Orchid was going to be the Pantone 2014 color of the year, I was ecstatic.  It is the perfect color for every skin tone and hair color.  In direct contrast to last years deep emerald, the bright color was a breath of fresh air. The undertones of both pink and purple exude warmth and happiness. Pantone describes the color as

"an invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality"

This color is already popping up in Spring runway collections of Juicy Couture and BCBGMaxAzria. A huge trend this spring will be the mixture of soft pastels with vivid bright tones. Use the pinky purple to invigorate your winter wardrobe; the tone is the perfect pop of color amongst the drab blacks and grays. When the snow is melted and the sun begins to spread its warmth mix Radiant Orchid in with a monochromatic outfit of light toned neutrals for a fresh take on the trend.

Not just regaled to the wardrobe, this color will translate beautifully to accessories and cosmetics.  One of my favorite ways to wear the color is in a bright toned nail polish!  For a bolder approach, transition the deep berry lipstick popular this winter to a lighter mauve tone for spring. The make-up giant, Sephora is developing makeup for the romantic beauty trends next season.

As always, Pantone was right on target with the 2014 color, Radiant Orchid will softly welcome spring with its warm hues and influx of color.

Keep your standards high and heels higher!