A look at some of my favourite launches from this season.
Most of this seasons new collections all have a common theme: nudes with a pop of colour to accent. But every year we always have the 'usual suspects': pinks & corals , so I want to highlight some of my favourite launches this season and how to get the best out of your beauty buys!
Yves Saint Laurent have chosen pink to accent their Spring makeup launch, Desir De Jour or Desire Of The Day. Famed for their elegant compacts, they have not disappointed this season, choosing to adorn the collections infamous gold compacts with pink and white crystals. Try their Lumiere De Jour (£42) , a soft rosy pink highlighting powder which is perfect for brightening dull looking skin or to be used as a subtle blush. Great on the decollate too!
Illamasqua's gorgeous cooling Gel Sculpt (£22) is a quirky contouring and colour stick which whilst being waterproof ,can also be subtle. My favourite shade from the three available is Charm ( an orangey apricot), which can give a hint of colour on the apples of the cheek. I've tried it on the eyelids for a dewy look ,which in this shade looked fab, so feel free to be creative but remember that it hasn't been designed for the delicate eye area so do be careful. The Gel Sculpt launches nationwide 31st March.
When it comes to lip colours in the new collections, take a look at Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Matte lip colour(£26) in La Romanesque which is a gorgeous berry tone, that is lightweight and not at all drying. This is a perfect shade if you want to switch the focus to the lips as opposed to the eyes. It's also a pretty versatile shade that can lift a complexion. If you prefer a more neutral shade of Lippy then why not try Lippygirl's Vegocentric lipstick in Surf Betty. Lippygirl (www.lippygirl.com) are a vegan & cruelty free brand that use as many certified organic ingredients as they can. If you're a coral fan then try Tropic's ColourClick lipstick in Sweet Pea, also Vegan/cruelty free company this lovely lippy is packed full of gorgeous ingredients like Argan Oil and Camellia oil. Tropic are a really interesting British company who take pains to create natural and organic skincare and makeup
Fancy a Handbag Hero?
Charlotte Tilbury's Rock N Kohl eyeliner in Bedroom Black(£19) is a super soft pencil liner which is easy to apply and is long lasting...even in the waterline. With ingredients that include crushed pearl and a cocktail of waxes, you can understand why the application is smooth and non dragging, whilst being versatile enough to create a blacker than black smokey eye or a feline flick.
What's In My Kit......?
One of my favourite products...and it goes practically everywhere with me is Tiana Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil (£8.75 for 250ml)
The reason why I prefer a cold pressed extraction technique is that no heat is applied during the process therefore the coconut oil retains all of its natural purity, goodness and nutrient content.
With it's rich source of Lauric Acid, it makes a wonderful organic moisturiser, hair conditioner and great on cuticles. I also love to cook with it and...have a spoonful in my double espresso...don't judge me until you've tried it!
Trend watch: look out for darker or distinctive lips for summer from Scarlett to Blue!!
Have a great spring!
Armand Beasley is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty columnist. He is a regular contributor to beauty magazines and publications, and appears on TV, radio and podcasts.