Spring Beauty Trend: Pretty Pastels

Alexandra Perron
·Editor
Updated

Pastel purple eyeshadow works best with green eyes. (Illustration: Regina Yazdi)

Pastel makeup seems like the obvious choice when it comes to spring beauty. The color palette is one that always feels light, fresh, and perfect for sunny weather. This season we saw the muted hues manifest on the runways as pale liner at Christian Dior, a soft pink lip at Moschino, and a pretty peach blush at Jason Wu. To help guide us through the trend this year, we asked New York based makeup artist Lisa Aharon for her tips and tricks.

For Eyes 

When going for a pastel liner, Aharon suggests pairing it with your regular black or brown liner. “This way, you’re not losing the definition you get from the basic liner but you get a fresh pop of color too,” she says.

Pair your pastel liner with a basic black liner for added definition. (Illustration: Regina Yazdi)

Want to give the liner a go? Try Stila’s Smudge Stick in Mint Julep, the perfect mint green.

With blue eyes, try a pastel peach eyeshadow. (Illustration: Regina Yazdi)

For eyeshadow it’s best to select your pigment based on your eye color. “Brown eyes work well with almost all pastels, but blue and green are my favorite,” says Aharon. “Peach looks beautiful on blue eyes, and lavender or pink on green eyes.” Be sure to avoid shades that are too close to your skin tone, though—if your skin has yellow undertones, stay away from a yellow or green shadow. Aharon also recommends using a cream eye shadow to get the most depth and vibrancy.

Brown eyes work with blue and green pastel shadows. (Illustration: Regina Yazdi)

Ready for pastel shadow? Try Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Oversized Orchid, Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Pastel Blue, and e.l.f. Essential Smudge Pot in Aint That Sweet.

For Cheeks

To avoid looking too washed out with a pastel blush, Aharon recommends using a cream formula. “Using a pastel cream blush will still leave you with a little radiance and glow,” she says. “You can use a fluffy powder brush, your fingers or a sponge. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and be sure to blend!”

When it comes to pastel blush, it’s best to stick with peach and pink tones. We love Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Pale Pink and Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin.

For Lips 

Pastel lips are best when within the peach or pink range. “I’m a huge fan of matte lipsticks on the runway or in fashion, but when it comes to daily wear I think a cream texture is a better option,” says Aharon. “If you put it on and feel like there’s too much shine, just blot and apply a little powder on top.”

Get the look with NYX Simply Pink Lip Cream in Flushed, Nars Lipstick in Barbarella, Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Sweet Pea, and Chanel Rouge Allure in Craquante.