Living largely in the world of product releases, I often forget that spring doesn’t actually officially kick off until March 20th (and ends June 21st!)–plus I live in Arizona, where our winter is many regions’ spring. It’s always hard to think spring when it’s January 15th and feels so close to the holiday season (aka winter).
To stretch my creative muscles a bit, I’ve been thinking about what would my spring makeup bag look like; what products would I reach for more often, if any. I’ll happily wear whatever strikes my mood, but I also enjoy playing to the season, too–it’s like decorating with pastels for spring or bringing out garlands of leaves and pumpkins during autumn.
These are some of my top picks for spring looks, and how I selected products was creating a mix of budget-friendly and higher-end favorites, cool and warm-toned shades, and paying attention to depth. There’s no way to make every single pick work for all skin tones, so I tried to feature enough that, at the very least, these might inspire you to search through your own stash for something similar!
I’m thinking about also posting my dream spring makeup edit (you know, like if I wasn’t testing new products on the regular!) that would be just based on my personal preferences and coloring–let me know if something like that would interest you!
Eyes
While I love the idea of pastels during spring, I find that they are more misses than hits when it comes to how they translate in makeup products, so the way I like to spin that is by using them as brighter pops of color anchored by more grounding shades. I also find that brightening using sparkly products placed on the inner corner/tearduct area or underneath the lash line are easy ways to incorporate something extra, particularly for those who may be less comfortable with brighter color.
Pops of Color
Mid-to-High-End
Matcha, Purple Reign, M748 Coral, Golden Rose (60M)
Pops of Color
Budget-Friendly
Meadow, Flannel, Lay Low, Come and Get It
Pop of Sparkle
Frog, Big Ego, 104 Blue White, Topaz Flash
Shades like Frog and 104 Blue White are perfect for layering over a myriad of other products and brightening the inner tearduct area (or try it as a halo eye on the center of the lid). Big Ego and Topaz Flash are shades I’d tend to apply on my lower lash line for an extra pop.
Cheeks
Every spring, there’s a slew of new foundation and concealer releases, and there is a definite emphasis on skin-like finishes–a little dewier, a little glossier–and my favorite type of finish is luminous when it comes to cheek colors and highlighters.
Luminous Blush
Warmer-Toned
Dolly, Drop of a Hat, Fig Pop, Faux Sure
Dolly, which has a softer sheen, slightly less warmth compared to Drop of a Hat, which is a cream-based formula and has a bit of more of a sheen. Fig Pop is fantastic for a skin-like finish and a warm, pop of orange-coral. Faux Sure is the most shimmery in the group but buffs out so beautifully on skin.
Luminous Blush
Cooler-Toned
Wrapped Candy, Plum Pop (04), Lush & Libido (500), B204
Wrapped Candy is the most shimmery in this group, and it is a cooler-toned shade though it is the least cool-toned of the four–I’d expect it to run a little pinker/cooler on those with cool undertones. Plum Pop and Lush & Libido more have a similar, satiny sheen, but Lush & Libido is lighter and more blue-based. B204 is lighter and brighter without having a strong white base, so it will work for more skin tones than some bubblegum pink blushes.
Luminous Highlighters
Dew You, Light (01), Spotlight, Rocket Science
Dew You is a liquid highlighter that offers a warm, golden glow to skin that works well mixed in with foundation, layered over bare skin or base products, and isn’t so yellow/orange that it isn’t workable for cooler undertones as well. Spotlight is cream-based but lightweight and thin, and it has a similar effect on skin as Dew You but in a platinum hue. Rocket Science adds shimmer and pearl with a hint of lavender in a cream-to-powder formula.
Light (01) is a subtle highlighter that adds shine and luminosity to skin without overt shimmer, and it doesn’t have a strong, white base and isn’t powdery, so it can work on deeper skin tone BUT really, the formula is fantastic and Medium (02) and Dark (03) have similar effects on darker skin tones so swap the concept based on your skin tone!
Lips
For lips, it’s a mix of finer pearl and luminous, glossier finishes with medium (or buildable) coverage that give lips a smoother, plumper look and help them feel hydrated while temperatures are still warming up (well, for some of us!) along with sparkling, easy-to-wear glosses that work alone or layered over other products for extra shine and twinkle.
Luminous Lipsticks
Warmer-Toned
Rose Muse (211), Varnished Rosewood, Coral Aviator (81), Hot in Havana (37)
Luminous Lipsticks
Cooler-Toned
Dazzling Doe, One Mauve Time, Milan Mode, Glassy Garnet
Juicy Lipglosses
Luce (101), Earth Angel, Fu$$y, On Board
Products Mentioned
NARS Matcha Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright pop of light-medium lime green with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly…
NARS Matcha Eyeshadow (2018) ($19.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright pop of light-medium lime green with warm undertones and a matte finish. It had nearly…
Pat McGrath Purple Reign Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright, medium purple with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It was richly…
Pat McGrath Purple Reign Eyeshadow ($25.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a bright, medium purple with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It was richly…
Make Up For Ever M748 Coral Artist Color Shadow ($17.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark pink-coral with a matte finish. The color payoff was…
Make Up For Ever M748 Coral Artist Color Shadow ($17.00 for 0.08 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark pink-coral with a matte finish. The color payoff was…
Golden Rose (60M) is a medium, rosy pink with warm undertones and a strong, metallic gold sheen. It had good pigmentation with a blendable texture…
Golden Rose (60M) is a medium, rosy pink with warm undertones and a strong, metallic gold sheen. It had good pigmentation with a blendable texture…
Sydney Grace Meadow Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a light-medium lime green with soft, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. …
Sydney Grace Meadow Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a light-medium lime green with soft, warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. …
Sydney Grace Flannel Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright violet with subtle, cool undertones and a frosted finish. It had nearly…
Sydney Grace Flannel Pressed Pigment Shadow ($6.00 for 0.06 oz.) is a bright violet with subtle, cool undertones and a frosted finish. It had nearly…
Colour Pop Lay Low Pressed Powder Shadow ($5.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium coral with strong, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. There was very…
Colour Pop Lay Low Pressed Powder Shadow ($5.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium coral with strong, warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. There was very…
Come and Get It is a medium-dark pink with strong, more contrasting golden shimmer that gave it a more metallic finish overall. The eyeshadow…
Come and Get It is a medium-dark pink with strong, more contrasting golden shimmer that gave it a more metallic finish overall. The eyeshadow…
Colour Pop Frog Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, peachy pink with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish that was…
Colour Pop Frog Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, peachy pink with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish that was…
Colour Pop Big Ego Jelly Much Eyeshadow ($8.00 for 0.23 oz.) is a medium, pinky-lavender base with flecks of gold that tends to look lighter and more…
Colour Pop Big Ego Jelly Much Eyeshadow ($8.00 for 0.23 oz.) is a medium, pinky-lavender base with flecks of gold that tends to look lighter and more…
Make Up For Ever 104 Blue White Star Lit Diamond Powder ($26.00 for 0.08 oz.) has pale, almost silvery-white base with a strong, aqua-to-blue sheen,…
Make Up For Ever 104 Blue White Star Lit Diamond Powder ($26.00 for 0.08 oz.) has pale, almost silvery-white base with a strong, aqua-to-blue sheen,…
Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a smoldering, medium-dark taupe with subtle, war, reddish…
Marc Jacobs Beauty Topaz Flash See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow ($28.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a smoldering, medium-dark taupe with subtle, war, reddish…
Buxom Dolly Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush ($22.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a soft, medium plum with warm, rosy undertones and a satin sheen. It had…
Buxom Dolly Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush ($22.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a soft, medium plum with warm, rosy undertones and a satin sheen. It had…
Colour Pop Drop of a Hat Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium coral with warm, pink undertones and a golden sheen. It had nearly opaque…
Colour Pop Drop of a Hat Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium coral with warm, pink undertones and a golden sheen. It had nearly opaque…
Clinique Fig Pop Cheek Pop Blush ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deepened, orange-coral with a hint of pink-red and a subtle, golden micro-shimmer that…
Clinique Fig Pop Cheek Pop Blush ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deepened, orange-coral with a hint of pink-red and a subtle, golden micro-shimmer that…
MAC Faux Sure Extra Dimension Blush ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark, rusty copper with warm, red undertones and fine, gold and pink pearl. It…
MAC Faux Sure Extra Dimension Blush ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a medium-dark, rusty copper with warm, red undertones and fine, gold and pink pearl. It…
MAC Wrapped Candy Extra Dimension Blush ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) is rich, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and cooler, violet and pink…
MAC Wrapped Candy Extra Dimension Blush ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) is rich, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and cooler, violet and pink…
Clinique Plum Pop (04) Cheek Pop Blush ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a cool-toned, plummy pink with blue undertones and a satin finish. It is lighter, less…
Clinique Plum Pop (04) Cheek Pop Blush ($21.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a cool-toned, plummy pink with blue undertones and a satin finish. It is lighter, less…
Marc Jacobs Beauty Lush & Libido (500) Air Blush ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a bright, medium peony pink with subtle, cool undertones and a satiny sheen….
Marc Jacobs Beauty Lush & Libido (500) Air Blush ($42.00 for 0.28 oz.) is a bright, medium peony pink with subtle, cool undertones and a satiny sheen….
Make Up For Ever B204 Artist Face Color ($23.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light, cotton candy pink with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. The…
Make Up For Ever B204 Artist Face Color ($23.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a light, cotton candy pink with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. The…
Marc Jacobs Dew You Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter ($44.00 for 0.80 fl. oz.) is a medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a pearly sheen. The…
Marc Jacobs Dew You Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter ($44.00 for 0.80 fl. oz.) is a medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a pearly sheen. The…
Natasha Denona Light (01) All Over Glow Face & Body Shimmer In Powder ($38.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a light, golden beige with soft, warm undertones and a…
Natasha Denona Light (01) All Over Glow Face & Body Shimmer In Powder ($38.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a light, golden beige with soft, warm undertones and a…
Marc Jacobs Beauty Spotlight Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator ($42.00 for 0.49 oz.) is a silvery beige with a hint of warmth and a pearly, dewy…
Marc Jacobs Beauty Spotlight Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator ($42.00 for 0.49 oz.) is a silvery beige with a hint of warmth and a pearly, dewy…
Colour Pop Rocket Science Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light lavender with subtle, warm undertones and a sparkling, pearly sheen. It…
Colour Pop Rocket Science Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a light lavender with subtle, warm undertones and a sparkling, pearly sheen. It…
Shiseido Rose Muse (211) VisionAiry Gel Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a soft, medium pink with strong, warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had…
Shiseido Rose Muse (211) VisionAiry Gel Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.05 oz.) is a soft, medium pink with strong, warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had…
L’Oreal Varnished Rosewood Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with warm, rosy undertones and a luminous finish. …
L’Oreal Varnished Rosewood Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with warm, rosy undertones and a luminous finish. …
YSL Coral Aviator (81) Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick ($38.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium coral with strong, warm orange undertones and a…
SephoraNordstromNeiman MarcusSaksThe Bay (CA)SelfridgesMacy’sBergdorf GoodmanNet-A-PorterBarneysHarrodsHarvey Nichols (UK)House of Fraser (UK)John Lewis (UK)Sephora BrazilBootsSephora (France)Adore BeautyBloomingdale’sYSL (Canada)FeelUniqueCosbarEscentualSephora (PL)Beauty BrandsDillard’sYSL
YSL Coral Aviator (81) Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick ($38.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium coral with strong, warm orange undertones and a…
SephoraNordstromNeiman MarcusSaksThe Bay (CA)SelfridgesMacy’sBergdorf GoodmanNet-A-PorterBarneysHarrodsHarvey Nichols (UK)House of Fraser (UK)John Lewis (UK)Sephora BrazilBootsSephora (France)Adore BeautyBloomingdale’sYSL (Canada)FeelUniqueCosbarEscentualSephora (PL)Beauty BrandsDillard’sYSL
Sephora Hot in Havana (37) Lipstories Lipstick ($8.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a medium-dark orange with warm undertones and a cream finish. This one ended…
Sephora Hot in Havana (37) Lipstories Lipstick ($8.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a medium-dark orange with warm undertones and a cream finish. This one ended…
L’Oreal Dazzling Doe Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a light brown with subtle, warm undertones and a luminous sheen. It was…
L’Oreal Dazzling Doe Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a light brown with subtle, warm undertones and a luminous sheen. It was…
Marc Jacobs Beauty One Mauve Time Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss ($28.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a soft, medium mauve with subtle, cool undertones and fine…
Marc Jacobs Beauty One Mauve Time Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss ($28.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a soft, medium mauve with subtle, cool undertones and fine…
L’Oreal Glassy Garnet Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a soft, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and barely-there…
L’Oreal Glassy Garnet Colour Riche Shine Lipstick ($9.99 for 0.10 oz.) is a soft, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and barely-there…
Giorgio Armani Luce (101) Ecstasy Lacquer ($38.00 for 0.20 oz.) is a light-medium peach with warm undertones and golden pearl. It is a new shade for…
Giorgio Armani Luce (101) Ecstasy Lacquer ($38.00 for 0.20 oz.) is a light-medium peach with warm undertones and golden pearl. It is a new shade for…
Pat McGrath Earth Angel LUST Lip Gloss ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) has a soft, yellowed peach translucent base with gold and pink sparkle. It had sheer…
Pat McGrath Earth Angel LUST Lip Gloss ($28.00 for 0.15 oz.) has a soft, yellowed peach translucent base with gold and pink sparkle. It had sheer…
Fenty Beauty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer ($18.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is a medium pink with soft, warmer undertones and lighter pink and gold pearl….
Fenty Beauty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer ($18.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is a medium pink with soft, warmer undertones and lighter pink and gold pearl….
Colour Pop On Board Ultra Glossy Lip ($6.00 for 0.11 oz.) has a subtle, peachy-brown-tinted base with multi-colored flecks of sparkle. It had…
Colour Pop On Board Ultra Glossy Lip ($6.00 for 0.11 oz.) has a subtle, peachy-brown-tinted base with multi-colored flecks of sparkle. It had…
Source: Temptalia – Christine