Beauty Tips: Hot Hues for Spring

With color blooming everywhere this spring, makeup is boldly following suit: Taking its cue from the purples, blues, reds and greens that ruled the runways and recent red carpets, you’ll find a plethora of new shades in vibrant colors for lips, eyes and nails. Here are the chicest color choices and how to wear them, without looking like you had a power struggle with a paint brush.

MAKE A SINGULAR SENSATION:  Using color works best if you choose one feature – either lips or eyes – and make that your focus. The rest of your face should be subtle. For instance, a bright pink lipstick (like Pro Minerals Natural Mineral Lip Color in Berry Pink) should be offset by a dusting of taupe shades on your eyelids, and light peachy tones on your cheeks.

GO FOR BOLD:  Don't be shy this season – pick purples, blues and greens to play up your eyes. Choose a palette of varying intensities and complementary tones (like Lancôme ColorFocus Palette for Ombres). "The best way to wear intense color is to take it a few shades down. It can stay in the same color family of what you're wearing, but should be lighter and not matchy-matchy," says Sarah Lucero, a makeup artist for Stila based in Los Angeles.

PAINT IT ON:  Want to make a huge color statement? Show it off on your nails. Peony pinks, spicy reds, golden yellows, even deep blues are the of-the-moment hues. Punch up your toes with the brightest choice. Then go for lighter, sheerer versions of the same shade on your fingers, to keep it from clashing with your colorful clothes. Try Clinique Glosswear Nail Enamel in Coral Snap.