Pastel makeup, from sky blue eyeshadow to a floral lavender lip, has been popping up on every fashion and beauty blog as the makeup trend of the season. However, this bright look can be a big switch for those used to neutral browns and an occasional red lip.
“Makeup is made to enhance, not mask”, preaches Carola Myers, founder of Carola Myers Makeup & Hair Artists. This beauty creator based in Washington, D.C. urges people curious about the pastel trend to make it fit their own personal style and beauty, not just how the celebrities wear it. However, “everything should have a time,” says Myers, meaning that a bold yellow eye shadow might not be professional at that pitch meeting.
It’s important to fit the trend into different aspects of your life, which is why Ana B, founder of Makeup by Ana B, showed us how she struts the perfect pastel look for every business, date or weekend getaway occasion.
Work Look: “Blue Streak”
Myers thinks that a stroke of eyeliner in the waterline can enhance the vibrancy of one’s eye color and be a subtle, professional way to rock the trend. “A swipe of light blue liner will brighten your workday look and still be appropriate by keeping the rest of the makeup neutral. Try MAC Technacolor Pencil in Smooth Blue for a pastel pop”, explains B.
Date Night: “Date Night Dazzle”
To break your date night makeup rut, B suggests “changing up your regular brown smokey for Urban Decay Tonic Eyeshadow, a pastel purple hue that compliments every eye color. Add a swipe of MAC Bootblack eyeliner to define the eyes for a sultry look that is sure to stand out”.
Be a chemist with your colors and create one that is unique for you, adds Myers. She loves green eyeshadow and mixes a hint of a shimmer pastel into the inner corners of the eye to make them look brighter.
Weekend Look: “A Pink Pairing”
Myers loves contrast, and mixes a more natural pink with some color contrast into the cheek to brighten the face. B understands that “the perfect weekend getaway look starts with a dab of pink cream blush paired with pink lips. Dab Glossier in Puff on the apples of cheeks for a pastel flush. On the lips, try Smashbox Be Legenday Lipstick in the color Pout, a bubble gum pink shade. Top it off with a bit of Limelife Perfect Gloss in the color Grace.”
