While Punxsutawney Phil might have just predicted six more weeks of winter, we’re dreaming of warmer days and an earlier spring. Erin Williams, professional makeup artist and founder of Erin’s Faces cruelty free makeup, skincare, and bodycare is already thinking of spring makeup trends. Williams told American Spa she predicts that a soft, dewy face with neutral eyeshadow, matched with dramatic liner and lashes is the look that we’ll be seeing a lot of in the coming months. The trend offers a clean, modern aesthetic, while being deeply rooted in vintage looks from the '50s, '60s, and '70s on stars like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy.
“The best thing about softer neutral [eye] shadows is that they open your eyes up,” says Williams. “Darker colors close your eyes in and make them look smaller. Lighter colors make your eyes look bigger so if that’s the look you’re going for, neutrals that are a few shades lighter than your skin tone can accomplish that”.
Williams also feels that neutral eyeshadows are a good backdrop for bold lashes and liner, as lashes tend to show up more prominently against a lighter backdrop as opposed to a smokey eye. She also suggested contrasting a neutral eye with a bright pop of color on the lips. “If you combo a strong eye and lip it isn’t bad, it’s just a lot and might look like you’re auditioning for Chicago,” Williams jokes. “So I’m always a fan of a sweep of skin-toned shadow – could be matte or shimmery – lots of mascara, some liner and that’s it for the eyes. That way we can focus on your beautiful mouth and the bright color you chose to paint it with!”
Another tip from the pro? Always start with a primer when doing eye makeup — it will help keep your shadow in place all day and it will keep the shadow from creasing. For more tips on creating the perfect neutral eye, take a look at William’s list below:
- Apply a primer (like Erin’s Faces Brightening Eyeshadow Primer) to your lid. Start with a tiny bit (you don’t have to take it to the brow) and make sure you cover the whole lid. Primer will brighten the eye area and create a water-resistant and crease-proof barrier that will keep shadow on until you wash your face.
- Sweep on a neutral eyeshadow that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone all over the lead. This will brighten the eye area and open it up to make your eyes appear bigger. Try the Erin’s Faces neutrals like Café, Sandstone, and Snow, the first of which is matte followed by two shimmers.
- Contour another shade on the outer corner and along the crease of your eye so that there is some dimension in the look. This should be a slightly darker shade than your initial base shade.
- Follow the shadow with eyeliner and mascara to complete the look.
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