Spring and summer are known for bright, vibrant colors while fall and winter are more subdued. Wish you could brighten up your look long before summer? Now you can! Even though it’s still winter, you can take some of your favorite summer looks and adapt them to be seasonally appropriate. Wearing brighter colors will not only boost your mood, but allow you to bust out of the winter blues. Here are a few ways you can brighten up your look now:
Lips
If you’re looking for a vibrant lip color, search no longer. Magenta is a bright alternative to classic red lips and works great for any look, all year long. When wearing brighter lips, it’s important to keep the rest of the makeup neutral to avoid looking overdone. For a perfect application, exfoliate lips using a dry washcloth. Simply wipe them a few times with the washcloth and then rub in a lip moisturizer and pat dry with a tissue. Next, apply the color to the lips when smiling, which will leave the lipstick crease-free. Blot the lips with a tissue, and then re-apply for a long-lasting look. Check out Clinique’s High Impact Lip Colour or Milani Lipstick in Rose Hip.
Nails
If you love to experiment with polish colors, now’s your chance to step out of the box. One must-try vibrant color for winter nails is lemon. Lemon is perfect for any dreary winter day, since it reminds you of sunshine and lemonade on warm summer days. If you want to play it safe while still going brighter, opt for the pastel version of a bright shade for the hands and go for a bright polish on the toes. One color to try? Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Lightening Crème or OPI Nail Lacquer in Need Sunglasses?
Eyes
Tired of the gray and brown eyeshadow colors for winter? Brighten up the eyes by using a purple-inspired color. For winter, keep the application sheer to avoid looking overdone and be sure to keep the lips and rest of the face neutral. If you want to try the color but still hesitant, you can line the upper lashes with a lilac or lavender pencil. For all-over color, prep the lids with a small amount of primer or foundation and then sweep on a sheer lilac shadow starting from the lash line and moving up towards the brow bone. Another vibrant color to try in the form of eyeliner is green. Green eyeliner goes well with any eye color and adds a perfect pop of color for a night out. Check out L’Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Crystal Shadow Duos in Charming or Maybelline New York EyeStudio Color Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadow in Lawless Lavender. For a green eyeliner, be sure to check out CoverGirl LiquiLine Blast in Green Glow.
Cheeks
Pale skin is the norm during winter, but it doesn’t have to be. Add color to the face by using a coral blush on the cheeks. The warm orange and pink undertones will brighten up your face without looking like a clown. To apply the coral blush, start out in the middle of the cheekbones and draw a backwards ‘C’ going over your temple and stopping near the brow bone. Use a sheer application to add just enough color without looking too obvious. Applying the blush this way will warm up the face and bring attention to your eyes. For a coral blush, look for NYC Color Blushable Cream Stick in Plaza Pink or Nars Cream Blush in Lokoum.
Each of these cosmetics will ensure you brighten up your look for the rest of winter!