Our favourite beauty looks for the new season

 Gone are the days of “no-makeup” makeup, along with any sort of “I woke up like this” forgery. Spring beauty this year is all about embracing the fact that you are wearing makeup, and having fun with it. As the temperatures rise, read on for the top five beauty trends this Spring 2017 to give a go.

See also: 5 Beauty Antidotes for Pale Winter Skin


Slick lipstick: matte is out, gloss is in

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NARS Satin Lipstick in Kiss Me Stupid, NARS Lip Gloss in Asphalt Jungle, Chanel Topcoat Gloss in 776 Impulsion, Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in 426 Roussy, Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in 318 Pretty Thing, Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in 156 Hey Stranger

Matte lips might finally be on their way out with the re-advent of lip gloss—but don’t worry, this isn’t the sticky, gloopy variety of your childhood. The goal here is a lightweight yet saturated effect. Check out the glossy pouts from Maison Margiela or Dior for inspiration or, if you’re feeling really bold, the glitter lips from Fendi.

Pro tip: Blend lipstick and lip gloss together on the back of your hand before applying to the lips with a brush, using a circular motion.


Vivid eyelids: no colour is off limits

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Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette, By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow Stick in Misty Rock, Nars Limited Edition Velvet Eyeshadow Stick in Grande-Large, Shiseido Maquillage Shimmering Cream Eye Colour in Konpeito, Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Colour in Lagoon, NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Chiang Mai

Give the neutrals a pass. The spring runways saw every colour of the rainbow on the eyes, from the wine-stained lids at Anna Sui and flicked stripes of khaki at Victoria Beckham to a pastel blend of sea green and apricot at Jill Stuart. Don’t be shy with shapes, either—the more graphic, the better.

Pro tip: For a more wearable option, use a smudgy pencil in your colour of choice along the lashline and then blend the same colour of eyeshadow along the bottom waterline.


Heavy highlighter: go with the glow

highlighters.jpg3 Concept Eyes Back to Baby Glow Beam, Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone, Givenchy Beauty Highlighter Mémoire de Forme in No.1 Pink Ink, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting Highlighter in Candlelight

Is it sweat? Is it makeup? Why not both—a glowy complexion for spring is practically a no-brainer. Popularised by Korean beauty brands ages ago from our side of the globe, a dewy sheen is the perfect way to embrace the rising temperatures and the humidity that comes with it.

Pro tip: The key is to moisturise under and highlight on top. Use a glow balm under your foundation before sweeping highlighter over the tops of the cheekbones.


Healthy flush: don't hold the blusher

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Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Face Stick in Pink Glow, Daniel Sander Watercolour Liquid Blush in So Pretty, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks in Blushed Rose, By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Blush in 04 Nude Dance, Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Love is the Drug

Contouring was pronounced dead a while ago and we finally have a new successor on our hands: draping. The 80s-inspired technique turned heads at Kenzo, Chanel and FentyxPuma, and involves sculpting your face with a lot of blush in lieu of plain highlighter.

Pro tip: Apply blush on the highest points of your cheeks as well as the temples for a fresh-faced yet defined look.


Wild brows: the bigger the better

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Laura Mercier Sketch and Intensify Pomade & Powder Duo in Ash, Laura Mercier Double-ended Brow Brush, Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil, Make Up For Ever Brow Pencil and Brow Gel in Dark Brown

The perfect brow can do wonders for your face—they're the frame to your eyes, after all. This season, the bold, bushy brow is still going strong, but to keep the look modern, even out the arch—a straighter, more boyish brow will make you look younger.

Pro tip:  Most importantly, don’t forget to brush all the hairs upwards with a spoolie to keep the brows natural.


Read more: 5 Express Facials To Fit In Your Lunch Hour

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