Finding the Spring Beauty Picks that are Pretty & Practical
Spring beauty is all about those pretty pastels and softer hues, looking fresh-faced, ethereal and almost fairy-like. It sounds all good of course, but it’s not a look I easily carry off. Against my medium skin tone, those pretty pastels either look too candy or just don’t show up at all. Ultimately, however, it comes down to finding what works for you, your skin tone and style.So if you are one of those people that struggles with embracing the pastels and softer hues that come with spring beauty, I’ve got some of my favourite picks that are pretty and practical….
For Something Softer on the Lips
Finding those softer, natural lip colours is something I always struggle with. Those gorgeous pale pinks and nudes tend to make me look sallow so I need something that will give my complexion that lift. There are some favourites I’ve been loving recently though – they are lighter on the lips than my normal reds and corals yet still uplifting against my skin tone:
Burberry First Kiss Lip Balm in Soft Peach 01*. This gorgeous lip balm and lip gloss hybrid is from World Duty Free Beauty and is so nourishing on the lips. The barely-there hue is perfect as a lip topper adding that bit of gloss, but it also comes in a variety of other shades if you want something a bit deeper.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace. Finally I’ve found that perfect my lips but better shade. This warm-toned pinky coral is neither too candy nor too pale and it’s a gorgeous creamy matte finish, which leaves your lips looking plump.
Rosie for Autograph Lip Glossy in My Best Girl Friend*. This lip gloss comes in a lip crayon formula and is equipped with natural-shine and gloss. Pinky-coral in colour, this is also great as a lip topper, helping to brighten up my look without being too overbearing.
Rosie for Autograph Lipstick in Rose Lace* is the perfect warm-toned pinky nude that’s creamy and matte in formula. It’s a great everyday shade and equally looks lovely paired with a smokey eye. For swatches of this gorgeous lipstick, check out my M&S Beauty Haul.
Light-Reflecting Multi-Coloured Pearls
The Guerlain Meteorites* are just the perfect addition to any spring beauty wardrobe. Essentially a loose powder encapsulated in pastel-coloured pearls, this is one of Guerlain’s cult products. As well as giving the skin a luminous finish, each coloured pearl has skin-correcting properties – yellow to counter redness, pink for freshness and mauve to catch the light.
There’s just something so very decadent and feminine about this product. Just a few swipes across the face is what’s needed for a luminous finish. I was kindly gifted this by World Duty Free and it couldn’t have come at the right time.
Subtle on the Eyes
Being able to work with those dreamy, soft-toned hues can be a challenge when it comes to the eyes. My natural dark features are better accustomed to the warmer tones, so I normally just go in with a light hand instead.
But if there’s one all-season favourite, it has to be the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Jean. This champagne beige tone is universally flattering and compliments any eye look, any time of the year. 
I can’t get enough of this as it’s the perfect balance of shimmer and frost, yet suitable for the day time too. It’s also the best cream formula I’ve tried.
However, when I do want to go a little more subtle on the eyes, I find matte eyeshadows are my go-to. The Tartetelle Amazonian Clay Matte Palette has a great mix of cool and warm-toned shadows which epitomise that spring beauty pastel trend without being too doll-like – something I can get on board with!
Super easy to blend and buttery in formula, you can just as easily achieve a smokey eye using the shades in the last two columns on the right. However, the mauve tones are by far my favourite as I don’t really own shades like this outside of this palette. The lighter colours, in contrast, work great as a base or brow bone highlight.
Equally, I love pairing this palette with the Charlotte Tilbury formula in Jean – the combination is just dreamy.
The Perfect Nail Set
Lastly, if you are quite set in your ways when it comes to makeup, then changing your nail colour to match a seasonal colour palette is the easiest way to embrace spring beauty. Whether you want to go for those ice-cream shades or something a bit more neutral, the options are endless. For me, however, it’s that time of the year when I love the classic beige tones.
That’s why this OPI Go Nudes Set*, another travel exclusive from World Duty Free, is my favourite this season. This set of 5 mini nail varnishes plus a rapid dry coat gives me everything I need from the pale pinks to the warmer sand tones. Swatched below from left to right is: Passion, Tickle My France-y, Dulce De Leche, Bubble Bath & Step Right Up.
I find these products are a great way to inject a bit of spring into my beauty wardrobe without pushing the boat too far. It needs to be practical too – right? So what about you, do you easily succumb to those pretty pastels? x
