Spring has sprung

Kirsty Clelland reveals the most stunning makeup styles this season.

As a self-confessed makeup junkie, my attention is usually drawn to the makeup rather than the clothes that models wear down the runway. It is undeniable that the words ‘runway’ and ‘wearable’ are not usually synonymous. However, much to my excitement, the trends of Spring/Summer 2014 are diverse and largely wearable. Many designers have ditched the fabulously avant-garde but completely unwearable styles of past seasons in favour of looks that us mere mortals/non-supermodels can wear or adapt on a day-to-day basis without looking like we’ve gone a bit mad with a Crayola.

I usually reluctantly take the beginning of spring as a sign to tone down the black eyeliner that has carried me though the winter months in favour of a look that is a little less dramatic. However, this year, those of us who are fond of our liner have no reason to fear. Vogue reports that futuristic, graphic takes on the classic retro winged liner have graced the shows of Stella McCartney and Versace this season, with straight, angular wings being all the rage. For those feeling a little more daring, add a pop of colour: blue and purple have featured prominently, notably in the shows of Armani and Marc Jacobs. While many of us won’t have the desire to rock up to a seminar wearing aquatic blue eye-shadow, a delicate flick of coloured eyeliner is all you need to be on trend.

Photo: Flickr / Renata Alves dos Anjos

With the impending stress of term three it is a relief to know that the ‘no makeup’ look is perhaps the hottest of all this season. Although the recent no makeup selfies that have dominated Facebook may be enough encouragement for some girls to leave the house without full coverage, more impetus may come from knowing that designers such as Balmain and Alexander Wang have sent their models down the runway with next-to-nothing on their faces, with the endorsement of Vogue. Few of us have been graced with the complexion of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, but several steps can help us replicate her glowing skin. Perhaps the most important – yet often overlooked – skincare product of all needed to achieve a glowing complexion is moisturiser. Moisturiser does for your skin what conditioner does for your hair, so it should be an essential part of anyone’s skincare routine. It is imperative to use a moisturiser that is designed specifically for your skin type – one that is not in harmony with your skin may end up doing more harm than good. In terms of foundation, if you want natural coverage rather than the dreaded cakeiness, opt for one with a dewy rather than matte finish such as Nars Sheer Glow or Rimmel Wake Me Up. Alternatively, you can use a BB-cream for a lighter look. For sculpted yet natural looking cheekbones, don’t let Kim Kardashian’s infamous contouring process put you off. Brands such as Sleek do affordable yet quality palettes which make contouring a lot less intimidating.

Finally, your Spring/Summer makeup bag would not be complete without a bright lip product. Last year the runway was dominated by reds, from crimson to cherry. However, orange appears to be the colour of 2014. Makeup is extremely subjective and you may decide orange is not your shade, but you can still emulate the lips seen on the runway by using any bold colour with a matte texture. If you don’t want to fork out on a MAC or Illamasqua lipstick, both Barry M and Sleek have great collections of bright yet wearable shades.
If one thing embodies Spring/Summer 2014 it is diversity. You can replicate the dramatic looks or go au naturel, but rest assured that you can always be on trend.