Go soft or bold -- this spring's makeup trends run the gamut. Plus, there's a multitasking cream to add to your routine (psst, it'll save you time and promises to improve your skin) and if there's ever a time you need to learn how to contour your face, this is it. Here's a rundown of new products and looks to try this season.
Spring Beauty 2012: 5 Makeup Trends To Wear Now
New Product Must-Have: BB Cream(01 of05)
We're finally catching up in North America and getting in on the BB cream craze. These multitasking creams have been popular in Asia for years, says Andrea Claire, a celebrity makeup artist based in Singapore. On our side of the pond, we've gotten a version that's a tinted treatment moisturizer that provides benefits including anti-aging, acne, brightening and hydrating. "As a pro-makeup artist, I can see the benefits for women to use them daily as you treat your skin and even out skin tone all in one step," says Claire. The one she's added to her pro kit most recently? Bobbi Brown BB Cream with SPF 35. (credit:BeautyFool.com)
Crush On Orange(02 of05)
"Orange and warm red lipsticks are big this season," says Amelie Ducharme, COVERGIRL makeup pro. Apprehensive about wearing such a bold shade on your lips? Ease into it with by going lighter on your blush, she says, and if a pure orange lipstick is too shocking on you, start with a shade that has more red pigment in it -- it's easier to pull off. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Lesson On Contouring(03 of05)
Confused by how to contour? Now's the time to learn as adding dimension to your face through contouring is a look that's "in" right now. The celeb who does it best: J. Lo, says Claire. The most important thing to remember, she says, is you're aiming for subtle contouring; this will help slim the face by blending into your cheek hollows. "You should not see a hard stop on either side of the contour," adds Claire (do this and you'll look dated à la Adele -- we love her music, but not so much her heavy contouring). Pull off subtle contouring by using a foundation two shades darker than your skin or a sheer bronzer such as the ones from Armani or NARS, says Claire. "To apply, suck in your cheeks -- like making a fish face -- to find your hollows." If you want to amplify the look, apply a highlighter on top of your cheekbones. (credit:Getty Images for Glamour Magazine)
Play With Bold Colour Blocking(04 of05)
"Colour blocking is in for fashion so why not try it with your makeup and nails," says Bree Powell, a makeup artist based in Toronto. Do your lips in a flamingo pink and paint nails a neon orange, she says. To really pack a punch when it comes to your lip colour, Powell suggests a bright lipstick such as NARS in Heat Wave and topping it with the neon pink pigment, such as Magenta Madness from MAC. (credit:NARS/MAC)
See The Softer Side Of Things(05 of05)
Much like the pastels we're seeing in fashion for spring, pastel and sorbet shades are on trend when it comes to eye makeup. Think soft greens and lavender, says Ducharme. "To avoid your eyes looking washed out, pair these muted shades with heavier, almost overdone mascara to open up your eyes," she says. (credit:Shutterstock)