‘Spring’ into action !!

Yes, there may be snow (yes snow….) in your garden if you look out of the window. And yes, you may choose to look out of the window as opposed to actually go into open air as it is SO cold, but rejoice, it’s SPRING!!! No, it really IS!!

If you don’t believe us, then one sure sign that things are brightening up is that the clocks have gone forward. As a result, it is lighter for longer in the evening, and we can start to dream of hazy, hot evenings, revealing skin, and more flowing, free clothing that means you can portray your personality in other ways other than a full length coat.

And spring also means changes in make-up trends, so it is time to embrace what is new.

Spring may make you think of fluffy white lambs prancing about in fields, and cute little bunny rabbits hopping their way through the day, but there is nothing cutesy about make-up looks.

Eye colours can be as strong as you like, with blues and greens evident on the catwalk. The look is all about emphasising one feature, so if you want the eyes to have it, go bold and brave whilst remaining subtle elsewhere.

On the subject of eyes, feature eyebrows that in years previous would have been plucked in an instant, are now bang on trend. Structure is in, but the go with the flow of hair growth look is acceptable too. Emphasise to the max, or not – the fashion choice is all yours.

In line with the ‘I can do what I want’ ethos, when your mascara clumps, don’t rush for the eye make-up remover. The clumped look, if played with some cleverness ad well as with a sense of having put thought into the look, may be daring, but is a fashion forward statement. The same applies to the exaggerated separated look, a bit like that first coat with a new mascara and an initial sense of panic leads you to pinch them flatter.

Pale and interesting skin with a sense of innocence and purity is a good look, but push boundaries with a bright red lipstick. Crimson, velvety  vamp is not just for Goths or would be burlesque dancers, but the look that will get you trend recognition. Gloss it up or indulge in the matte – it is all good .

Pretty as a Peach!

Do you dream of looking as pretty as a peach for your spring wedding?

Well, your luck is in! With 2013’s trends, you can look prettier than a whole punnet of peaches. Yes, peach is one of the looks that experts are trending, in line with a look that is natural, but can be adapted to suit a whole myriad of skin tones. Going along the same spectrum, from apricot and terracotta, sun kissed and dewy skin is a look that enhances the freshness of the season. Nothing is brash, just subtle and emerging, and with apologies for the poet slant, imagine new flowers emerging from the ground and the innocence of new life, and your kind of on the same wavelength. Tint the lips in similar shades to complete the look.

So with natural being the way to go, it may seem harsh, and almost frightening, but for your wedding day, and if only for this one day, it is time to ditch the false lashes. Unthinkable it may be, but with a make-up look that is about blending into nature, bold and black on the eyes will draw all attention to the wrong area and make the rest of your face literally invisible.

Take the look through to your dress, with dainty lace and sweetheart shaped full dresses that are as detailed at the back as at the front. Style hair up with a soft, clean emphasis.

Another look that will be of appeal to quirky fashionistas is the 1940’s era. This is more about pinks and reds, with almost blushing cheeks and ration book red lip stain. A mere flick of brown or bronze liner is all that is needed to stylise your look into this era, and don’t overdo the lashes again.

This year, wedding dresses aren’t just about the the more traditional ivory and white, as pastel shades are breaking through. Think lemons and blues that are idea for someone who wants to make a fashion statement on their wedding day. 1940’s hair is big on waves, not curls, and put to one side for added authenticity and a touch of nostalgic glamour.

This time of year is great for celebrity inspiration, with occasions such as the Oscars and Baftas providing us with what fashion is dictating. Don’t be afraid to take your inspiration from the red carpet and check out magazines and websites that capture the photos from these occasions.