With the weather in New York City warming up and graduation a few short weeks away, it’s finally beginning to feel like spring at NYU. To reflect the changing seasons, here are some of the best upscale makeup and beauty products to splurge on if you have the cash—and how to use them.
1. Aqua Eyes eyelinerby MAKE UP FOR EVER in bright, bold colors ($17)
This eyeliner applies smoothly, lasts all day, and comes in several intense, bright colors that are perfect for spring. The brand is a favorite among professional makeup artists, and has won a number of awards from beauty and fashion magazines. To get a fun, 60’s era look, apply the liner in a vibrant color (try Turquoise 7L, Purple IIL, or Green 16L) in a thin line along the top lash lines. A little bit of color goes a long way, so stick to a shimmery, neutral shade of eyeshadow. Finish with black liner and mascara to create a pretty and edgy cat eye effect.
2. Ombre d’Eaueyeshadow by Chanel, $32
This is a gorgeous, long-lasting liquid eyeshadow that comes in a few different iridescent colors. The price makes it a splurge, but if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it. Unlike other liquid or cream shadows, this one doesn’t crease, and it compliments a wide variety of skin tones. It’s pretty and somewhat subtle—try Cascade (shade 90) to brighten eyes and add a little shimmer for a more natural, “no makeup” look.
3. Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder, $34
Laura Mercier has great loose powder, this one is especially great for spring because it isn’t too heavy and is absolutely amazing at preventing skin from getting too oily. Skin can become shiny in the spring after being dried out all winter, and this powder is as good as any blotting sheets in keeping skin looking fresh. Use it over foundation for a dewy, natural look, or add a little concealer underneath if you want more coverage.
4. Dior DiorShow Black Out Mascara, $24.50
I have to confess that I’m biased: I love DiorShow. I adore it. I’ll occasionally try other, less expensive mascaras, and I always wind up coming back. It’s pretty intense for the spring, but it adds just the right amount of volume, length, and drama without looking fake or tacky. Also, it’s the only mascara I’ve found that can make it through a Bikram yoga class (and the shower afterwards) without giving me Taylor Momsen raccoon eyes. It’s a must—just don’t buy the waterproof version. You’ll thank me later.
5. NARS Illuminatorcream shimmer blush, $29
I’m not normally a huge NARS fan—I think the much-renowned Orgasm powder blush is overrated, and their makeup is a little shimmery for me on the whole. This blush, however, is great. It isn’t too thick, and it doesn’t concentrate in splotches the way other cream blushes sometimes do. It’s peachy and pretty, and subtly draws attention to cheekbones without making it look like you’re wearing stage makeup. Check out their lip glossesin complimentary shades.
6. Hot Tools Big Bumper Pro Spring Iron, $39.99
Get big, pinup style waves with lots of volume using a curling iron with a wide barrel, such as this one by Hot Tools. Curl hair in big sections, spraying locks with a medium hold hairspray first (strong hold if you have fine hair), and with a heat protecting spray, too. Girls with fine hair may want to wash hair the day before, as opposed to the day of- sometimes the grit in “next day” hair helps it stay more easily than slick, clean hair.
7. Two-Toned Nail Polish
The spring is all about pretty, fun colors, but it’s tough to wear bright-colored nail polish without looking a little immature (and a little 90’s). Try two-toned nail polish as a solution: pick two shades that compliment each other, or one pretty color with a neutral hue. Use them to give yourself a reverse French manicure (use the less intense shade for the whole nail, and the brighter/more vibrant color for the tip). This will give your hands an eye-catching look that’s more sophisticated than single-color nails, and more fun than a simple French manicure.