Lipstick Masala

Spring is here. This means flip-flops, t-shirts and cherry blossoms. But, most importantly, this means being able to try out the fabulous new colors that have appeared in Spring makeup lines. In order to market the latest color trends, cosmetics companies are both toying with new tints and also repackaging old pigments to seem original. Regardless, I love Spring makeup, and like all the seasons, there are some shades that I absolutely adore and some colors that I plan on staying far away from despite how “in” they are.

Ladies, go ahead and pack away the dark eye, lip and nail choices that were hot in the Winter. To reflect the changing weather outside, the fun flirty colors of the Spring are lighter and brighter. Some shades are probably already in your makeup bag, while the new “it” colors of the season may require a little loosening of the purse strings as you peruse the counters at your local drug and department stores.

The first set of colors belongs in the nudes category. Luckily for us Desi girls, whose skin tones range from fair to dark, this set of colors will suit all of us. So, break out your beiges, taupes and creams. Also, according to the fashion world, bronze is back in – when exactly was it ever out? I know I never stopped wearing bronze, how about you?

You’re probably thinking “neutral colors are not fun and flirty” – hold your horses I’ll get to the good stuff in a minute! But, first, don’t be put off by the word “nudes,” there are many advantages to these colors being “in” again.

- The term “nudes” encompasses a great range of shades, from fawn to pinks. This means that every skin tone can wear the same general color, just slightly adjusted to meet each girl’s needs. Go for a lip color with shimmer (check out MAC Viva Glam V lipglass) or a high shine nude gloss from Clinique (we like Tenderheart).

-For the girls that hate wearing a lot of makeup, these colors are perfect. You can rock the taupe eye shadows with a little bronze in the crease and you’re good to go without looking too done up.

- Also, with the other, brighter colors of the season, you will definitely need nude to balance your face out or else you run the risk of ending up in our Makeup Fail section.

Now, for the fun stuff. Every season there are a few colors that continue on to the next one. These bold colors of the Spring are expected to sizzle into the Summer. Wherever you turn you will be seeing every shade of purple you can imagine, from lavender to plum as well as a wide assortment of pinks for each skin tone. If these colors don’t excite you, then you may be inclined to try out the corral and blood orange pigments that have made their way onto runways and into your local Sephora.

What I love: I am a big fan of the corral. I know it’s slightly jarring and a bit intimidating if you don’t like bright colors, but it looks absolutely gorgeous when paired with the right eye makeup. As someone who finds it difficult to find colors that suit my tone, I’m excited because corral looks good with both yellow and pink undertones. The color is great enough that you only need mascara and a little eyeliner (bronze!). If you really want eye shadow, I’d lean toward the nudes on the rest of your face to complement this one, we have a couple in mind but we’d love to hear your suggestions on great basic neutral eye shadows in your makeup kits.

What I hate: Purple. I REALLY hate it. It’s fine in clothes. But, purple lipstick? No no no no

no no! It is very difficult to look good with purple lips, I don’t care what your skin tone is. Purple eye shadows can be carried off when used the right way and in moderation (think blended with three other eye shadows). But, for those that have trouble picking the right shades, I would pass this one by. Lilac eye shadow on darker skin is not flattering, same goes for deep purple on really fair skin – please don’t end up looking like New York from Flavor of Love! As much as I dislike this purple make up trend, I have a feeling I’m going to be seeing it everywhere I turn this season.

If you’re wondering where to start on picking the right shades of these colors for your skin tones, here’s a basic guide.

- For the fair-skinned Desi, reach for the lighter spectrum of these colors, i.e. lavender for purple, pastel and bubble gum pink, and sheerer corals.

- If you have a darker complexion, check out plum lip glosses, lipsticks and eye shadows, deep pink blushes, and rich blood orange lipsticks (hopefully not together!).

- And, if you’re medium-skinned you have the luxury of trying all types of colors, along with lilac and rose shades, which are the middle ground between pastel and bold.

Finally, bronze eyeliner suits everyone! We’ve heard Lancôme makes a great one. If you’re on a budget, check out shades by L’Oreal.

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