Bright make-up looks
The mood-boosting power of colourful cosmetics will instantly make your spring better. Sarah Cooper-White discovers how updating your make-up bag can perk up more than just your skin
One thing I love about my job is discovering brilliant products and spreading the word on the transformational joy they can bring – it’s not just about what they can do on the outside, it’s how they can make you feel internally that’s just as important. There’s nothing more uplifting than a swipe of bright lippy, or a sweep of mascara to cheer you up just when you need it most. My mum was feeling down recently – she’s recovering from breast cancer and, quite understandably, >>
From subtle violet lashes to sweet coral lips, make-up is getting colourful this season
the experience has taken its toll on her confidence. To perk her up, I grabbed some lovely make-up samples that had just landed on my desk and gave her a mini makeover. Fresh brows, defined lashes, a pop of pink blusher and a delicious shade of raspberry for her lips – Clarins Joli Rouge Lacquer in Grenadine, £22. The result? She felt wonderful – restored, brighter and in a much more positive mindset.
“Applying make-up can be a valuable self-care ritual,” says makeup artist and Human Givens Institute psychotherapist Lee Pycroft (leepycroft. co.uk), who uses her combined skills to help uplift women with practical beauty tips and therapeutic techniques.
If you’re stuck in a rut with your make-up, there’s no better time than now for an update. From a subtle stroke of violet on your lashes (we love NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara in Purple, £9, cultbeauty. co.uk), to a sweet pop of coral on your lips (try Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Intense Velvet Lip Colour in Topaze, £31), make-up this season is getting colourful. This is music to the ears of colour psychologist Chrisoula Sirigou (chrisoulasirigou.com), who says, “Colour choice and how this can affect you both emotionally and mentally can be therapeutic and self-healing.”
Not sure how to inject colour in a flattering way? For a start, don’t apply it everywhere all at once. “Try swapping your usual brown eyeliner for teal, or trade your neutral lip gloss for a creamy pop of coral,” advises Lee.