Trending for spring are bright colors – everywhere you look from pillows, shoes, and lip colors that match. Wearing bright eye shadows or lipsticks can be stressful to some but essentially the goal is a look that is glowing and easy-breezy. I’ve created a look which works for almost everyone using products that create luminous healthy looking skin that “gives good glow.”

Let’s begin with: beauty starts with skin care! I’ve said it time and time again, it is much better to have flawless skin over a flawless foundation so do not overlook the importance of a skin care regimen. I’m a little OCD when it comes to skin care and I’ve always been a product junkie, but this is a large subject we will continue with next month (I could write a book on skin care with what I’ve learned over the years). This month we highlight achieving the perfect glow and how to play with bright colors while keeping a look that is natural and never over done.

Choosing the right products: finding the right coverage and an illuminator that works with your skin tone/texture is very important. I often will use a concealer and powder bronzer rather than layering foundation, concealer, powders and creams all together. Day to day makeup should be light, easy, and quick to apply – only when a camera gets involved do I add a little extra. So for most a little concealer (around the nose, eyes and on any spots/red areas) blended out with a bronzer can be all that’s needed. If you prefer a foundation I suggest something that has a light to medium coverage and I would recommended purchasing foundation that does not have skin care claims – those claims are best left for your moisturizer or serum to handle. Your foundation shouldn’t be over formulated otherwise the end result will most likely be cakey, flaky or dull. Please, I beg, keep skin care separate from makeup.

When it’s time to play with color I suggest adding a perfect pink or red lip-gloss/lip-stick to your collection. It may take a little shopping around but finding the right shade and texture is more important than you may think – if in doubt go for sheer! If you do decide on sporting a bright lip, keep the eyes minimal. I like using peachy or champagne colored illuminating eye shadows. No dark crease color necessary, however feel free to add a little of your blush color on the center of the crease/lid area. Finish with mascara and for day skip the liner – the mascara usually is all that’s needed for some definition. It’s quick and easy with this application to add and go into an evening look.

If you are looking for a product to reflect the light and add a glow try to avoid anything that has glitter. There is a big difference between glitter and shimmer- there are few times glitter is okay but it’s never during the day. I like using a cream that can be easily blended with a brush or fingers onto the cheeks, lips, and around the eyes. Depending on your preference (if you’re oily or combination skin go for powders) there are many options on the market to choose from. Also remember to avoid colors that weigh too heavily on the metallic side, unless of course you are actually on your way to the club.

Ali wears the perfect glow look created by Dylan with ‘Edward Bess’ cosmetics. Call 214.559.4510 to book a beauty appointment.