Two Unexpectedly Summery Shades for Winter: Lilac and Aqua

Mon, 7 May 2012 12:40PM

If there was one thing that MBFWA and the international runways taught us it’s that pastel shades are a) more than just a little divine and wearable and b) they suit everyone, as so delightfully demonstrated here. Now while your makeup mind may be knee-deep in rich, wintry hues, there’s nothing like a dreamy pop of colour to brighten up a dreary Monday as well as your makeup palette, right Primpettes?

Take this most recent example of Jessica Alba. Not only is she currently sporting beautiful brows, she’s also the latest celeb to jump aboard the pastel plane (or train), by adding subtle lilac accents to her overall beauty look.

First up, I love the glowing complexion teamed with a pink-peach blush on the apples of her cheeks – so soft and pretty, mirrored with her glossy pale pink pout. Then, that shimmering purple-grey shadow, with a few coats of mascara causing the whites of her eyes to pop. Lastly, her high-shine glossy lilac nail. As Eliza mentioned last week, lilac is one of the more versatile pastel shades because it suits all skin tones, whether it be part of your makeup or adorning your nails.

If you’re looking to give the eyeshadow a try, Revlon’s new ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Seductive, $25.95, from pharmacies, available this week, is the perfect pick. For a soft, pastel finish, apply the paler purple shades as a soft wash over your lid, keeping the rest of your makeup to a minimum. Or, for a night out, use the dark purple and plum hues blended into the outer corners of your eye for a smoky, smouldering finish.

Now for our other hero shade, a bright aqua hue starring in another one of our favourite new releases that hit counters this week: Dior’s Croisette Summer Look Collection. Drawing inspiration from the French Riveria – Cannes, in particular – my current makeup must-have is the 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Swimming Pool, $103, 02 9695 4800.

As you can see it features five picture perfect pastel shades, from the striking Sky Blue and Ultramarine to the deeper Turquoise and shimmering accents of Bikini Pink and Pearl Grey. And if you’re one to take the trend down to your talons, there’s also a gorgeous duck-egg blue nail shade, Dior Vernis in Saint-Tropez, $39. Too divine for words.

So Primpettes, has the news of these two palettes brightened up your day no end, as it did mine?

Are you one to try lilac or these soft sky shades on your lids?

And what about Dior’s new nail colour – gorgeous, no?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: aqua, colour palettes, dior, jessica alba, lilac, nails, pastel, revlon