Spring Awakening

by Dara • Monday, February 11, 2008 • No comments

With warmer climes around the bend, now’s the time to fill your make-up bag with this spring’s must-have beauty staples. Having just returned from a Sephora shopping sojourn (my fave cosmetics retailer), I was taken aback by the endless assortment of eye-popping colors and cool packaging. From fluorescent shadows and velvety-soft, fire-engine red lipsticks (gloss is so 2007) to fancy SPF-infused bronzers, brightening-up for spring has never been more fun!

Perk up your pout and pearly whites with a bold red lip shade. Try this jumbo-sized, pigment-rich pencil for a matte, creamy finish that stays put without drying out your lips. Wear it day and night for an ultra chic 1930’s look. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $24, sephora.com

For a contemporary take on the cat eye, line your top lids with a shimmery turquoise pencil – the season’s hautest hue. The creamy waterproof formula glides on like buttah, yet won’t budge ‘til bedtime. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deviant, $16, sephora.com

Make your peepers really pop with crayola-colored eye shadows. This punchy Urban Decay palette is packed with 8 of the season’s must-have matte and shimmery shades, including golden yellow, hot pink, glimmery turquoise and metallic green. Wear ‘em alone or layer ‘em for a more dramatic effect. Sugar Cosmetics Round The Clock Eye Shadow Palette in Punch Out, $28, sephora.com

Unless you’ve yet to visit a dermatologist, the days of the deep, dark Coppertone tan are totally out. For the ultimate faux glow, swipe Stila’s Sun Bronzing Powder SPF 15 across your cheeks, temples, shoulders and décolleté. Just remember, a little bit goes a long way. Sun-Kissed Skin: Stila Sun Bronzing Powder SPF 15, $28, sephora.com

Chanel’s Black Satin polish has had its day. For Spring ‘08, try jumping-in on the blue bandwagon with Chanel’s Blue Satin – a luxe, long-lasting cobalt lacquer. Top your tips with a thin line of opaque white polish for a fab futuristic finish. Chanel Blue Satin, $19, chanel.com