by Maya Rock

This season's palette is all about fresh, fun colors. Our expert shows you how you apply these shades flawlessly

At last, spring is here! There's something about the season that makes you feel daring and ready to come to life, just like the budding flowers. And your makeup should reflect that: This season, pops of bright color -- like rosebud red lips or an aqua-lined eye -- are in.

Nervous that your makeup will look more clownish than starlet? Don't be! With the following tips, you'll look fresh and new for the spring.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Exfoliate.

A smooth complexion is essential for evenly distributed color. Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliant to scrub away rough patches and dead skin. After drying off, wipe down your skin with a soft facial tissue to remove all traces of the exfoliating particles.

Powder up.

Your skin becomes oily in warmer weather. To avoid smudges and smears, opt for powder instead of liquid foundation. The powder will absorb some of your skin's natural oils throughout the day.

Put on primer.

This silicone-based product helps smooth your skin, providing a perfect canvas for eyeliner and eye shadow. Apply a coat of primer to your eyelids before you put on makeup.

Step 2: Apply Bright Shades

Single out one feature.

A rainbow-like assortment of colors is fine for sherbet, but not for your face. Instead, think one bright swipe. If you want to play up your eyes with an aquamarine eye shadow, use a neutral palette for your cheeks and lips. Coral-colored lips mean less color on the eyes. If you decide to highlight your lips, blot your lips on a facial tissue to set your lipstick and keep it from feathering.

Blend, blend, blend.

Blending bright cheek and eye colors is key: It prevents a jarring look. Use a brush to blend that blush or shadow into the skin. Or if you're in a pinch, wrap your pointer finger in a facial tissue and gently blend in the product.

Take a smaller step.

Still not ready to embrace those vivid colors? You can achieve that playful look in a subtle manner: Try out a colored mascara, such as a blue or purple shade. (Just place a facial tissue beneath the eye during application to catch any falling pigment.) Or paint your nails a sunny orange or pink for an office-appropriate flash.

 

 

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"Spring Makeup Trend: Brighten Up!"