Head out into the warming temperatures with pearlescent eyeshadows, frosty lips and metallic nails because this Spring 2014, it's all about the subtle shimmer.
Photo courtesy of Chanel
Spring is the season of new life and awakening and what better way to mirror that spirit than with sweet, almost girly, makeup that glows. With the on-pour of new makeup collections arriving all dedicated to this season, we teach you how to best achieve the etheral glowing look with the help of a little shimmer and a lot of sweet pastel colours, a package made perfect just for Spring.
Clinique All About Shadows Quad, Chanel Illusion De'Ombre Shimmer Shadow, Estee Lauder Pure Colour Instant Intense Eyeshadow Trio and Kanebo Lunasol Summer Eyes Shimmer Pallete
For the eyes
Sweet pinks, perriwinkle blues and muted nudes are constant Spring staples but this season, they are amped up a notch with shimmer so they not only brighten and liven up the eyes, but add a touch of magnetism that cannot go unnoticed as well. Our advice: create a more mature look with colours from the duller end of the spectrum so you don't risk looking like you're going to your senior year prom too much.
Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc Blush, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Bronzer, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multicolour Blush
For the face
Shimmer goes best with healthy, glowing skin so keep sallow, dull complexions at bay with a pop of colour to your cheeks. Laura Mercier's Shimmer Bloc glides on with a natural tinge and soft glow, without looking too metallic and Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Bronzer is perfect for faking those sun-kissed cheekbones. For the not so daring, Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multicolour blush is a universally safe option that will add just a slight flush without looking over the top.
Lancome Absolu Nu Shimmer Lipstick, Clinique Buttershine Lipstick, Chanel Rouge Cocoshine
For the lips
Leave the bold red lips at home -- pinks and peaches are the colour for Spring. Let the shimmer in these Lancome, Clinique and Chanel tubes plump up your pout for the appearance of fuller, more enticing mouth. These stay on for hours and moisturise and hydrate at the same time. Choose pinks with blue undertones like lilac to help teeth look whiter.
Chanel Shimmer Lipgloss, Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Gloss, Shiseido Lacquer Gloss, Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss
For less impact
Alternatively, dab on a thin later of a sheer, shimmery lipgloss on naked lips for barely-there colour if a full pout of solid shimmer sounds too intimidating. Glassy gloss comes together with frosty shimmer to make lips look temptingly irresistable. The fun part about glosses is that all colours go because they borrow the natural colour of your lips and tinge it just that little bit with its own.
Bobbi Brown Pink Pearl Nail Polish, Chanel Papparazi Nail Lacquer, Estee Lauder Explosif Shimmer Nail Lacquer, OPI Next Stop... The Bikini Zone Nail Colour
For the nails
One of the quickest trick to looking pulled together is to match your nails with your lip colour. That doesn't apply to only bold and matte colours. Shimmery hues work just as well and are even easier to coordinate because they are not shade-specific. Pearlescent lacquers are great for easy matching with just about anything but for something statement-making in the event of a night out or a glamourous cocktail party, shimmer and glitter in the polish are the way to go.
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