There's nothing like a few days of blue skies and sunshine to put me in the mood for Spring makeup. After a recent spree at Victoria Square, Belfast, I've revamped my everyday stash, adding bold colour, sheer textures and a golden glow to the mix.
BASE
Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning for Face is an old staple that's hard to beat. This milky lotion is easy to apply and gives a subtle golden glow that camouflages imperfections, giving me the confidence to wear a lighter base. I've recently switched to YSL Touche Eclat Le Teint foundation in the shade B20... slightly less dewy than the original formula, this gives medium coverage with a natural looking finish that gets better as the day goes on. It has good lasting power even without powder (though Blur Primer does help it go the extra mile) and is perfect on my normal to dry skin at this time of year.
Clarins new Skin Illusion Blush in Luminous Pink is the prettiest soft rose shade in very cute packaging. A built in puff in the lid picks up just the right amount of powder blush to apply directly to cheeks and blend... great for on the go, though I do normally use a brush.
EYES
I'm a big fan of one step eye products as I rarely have time to apply a full eye shadow look. Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Amber Haze provides subtle definition as liner or added drama when applied all over the lower lid. Just smudge the edges with a ring finger and you're good to go. This gorgeous metallic bronze is recommended for brown eyes, though I think it works well with blue too.
YSL The Shock Mascara has been a bit of a game changer for me. When keeping liner and shadow low key, big lashes are a must for me - and this gives instant length and volume in a single coat. You can of course keep going for an even bolder look (subtle this is not)... I'm absolutely hooked.
LIPS
I've found the perfect Spring pairing in this lip duo: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk with Chanel Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur in Rose Violine. Both are a flattering mauve toned mid pink and very wearable for every day. Chanel Rouge Crayon de Couleurs have the most gorgeous creamy texture that goes on glossy, settles to an almost matte finish and stains my lips with surprising staying power. On days when I want a bolder look, I opt for Tom Ford Lip Colour in Wild Ginger (2nd pic from top), the most beautiful vivid orange-coral. I'm loving the new counters for all three of these brands at House of Fraser, Belfast... much as I love online shopping, it makes such a difference being able to try products in person.
NAILS
Mild weather makes me want to switch to bright nail colours immediately and Nails Inc Gel Effect in Chelsea Grove is a gorgeous glossy fuschia shade that brightens up any outfit.
I was joined on my Spring spree by blogging friend, Avril of A Life to Style ... pop over to see her new season fashion picks here! Local readers might like to check out Victoria Square's Spring Carnival on 8-9 April for fashion shows, beauty demos and loads more.
*Some of the featured products were bought from House of Fraser Belfast with a Victoria Square gift card.