Beauty

Facing Spring

This spring's face is inspired by the tropics--aqueous eyes and sun-kissed cheeks. "It's a sophisticated glamour, like in the South of France," says makeup artist Laura Mercier. "Think golden tans and pastels inspired by stucco houses on the Riviera."

By Beth Landman

(Photo: Firstview)

(Photo: Joe Scafuro)

Lip Trick . . .

Pretty Pouts
Whether sheer, glowy naturals like Calvin Klein’s Cranberry Lip Lacquer or mattes like M.A.C.’s muted plum-rose Glamapuss, lips are bright, but not loud.

From left to right: Calvin Klein’s Cranberry Lip Lacquer ($17 at Sephora); Nars’s Stella lip gloss ($20 at Bergdorf Goodman); Chanel’s Victory Iridescent ($22.50 at Bloomingdale’s); M.A.C.’s Glamapuss ($14 at Macy’s); Giorgio Armani’s Shine No. 19 ($21.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue).

(Photo: Joe Scafuro)

Chic to Cheek . . .

Natural Glow
The look on cheeks is shimmery and golden, but not as intense as last year’s deep bronzes. Says makeup artist Kim Weinstein: “There’s a new idea of putting gold into pastel blushes.”

1) Chanel’s Reflex Powder Blush ($38.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue).
2) Prescriptives’ Creamy Cheekcolor in Hopeful ($25 at Bloomingdale’s).
3) Light Bronzer from Bobbi Brown’s Bronzer Blush Compact Duo ($28 at Saks Fifth Avenue).

(Photo: Joe Scafuro)

Eye Openers. . .

Pastel Art
Pastels are everywhere this season, particularly in marine shades. From Laura Mercier’s pale, sheer sea-blue Mermaid to Clinique’s luminous lavender Sweet Nothing, the look is soft and feminine.

1) Lancôme’s Colour Focus Créme in Sunset ($16.50 at Bloomingdale’s; 2) Estée Lauder’s Pure Color EyeShadow in Mint Ice ($20 at Bergdorf Goodman); 3) Laura Mercier’s Mermaid eye color ($18 at Henri Bendel); 4) L’Oréal’s Wear Infinite Eye Shadow in Blue Bangles ($4.95 at Duane Reade); 5) Clinique’s High Impact Eye Shadow in Sweet Nothing ($12 at Saks Fifth Avenue).

(Photo: Joe Scafuro)

Finishing Touches. . .

Bronze Leaf
Smaller than a credit card, Lancôme’s Blush Papier Nacré looks like gilded sheets of blotting paper. One quick dusting, and it’ll give your cheeks—or anything else—an instant healthy glow ($15 at Macy’s).