Spring 2011 makeup is three words: playful, bright, and glamorous.  This season is about having fun, being bold, and going retro.  70’s retro glamour with bright lipsticks, beautiful bronzed golden skin, and wild waves of color on the eyes and the return of pink cheeks all confirm, spring is all about color.

“Spring is a time to have fun and be playful with makeup,” says NARS professional makeup artist, Norman Sands. “Makeup choices can be like trying a new accessory in your wardrobe. Try a lip shade that you have never worn before.  You will be surprised at the compliments you receive.  Do not be afraid to try a coral lip.  Coral shades are universally flattering and make teeth appear whiter,” continues Sands.  “Experiment with a vintage bold lip color.  Bold lips ruled the Spring 2011 runways in shades of pink, vibrant red, deep plum and sunshine orange.  Create statement-making lips with a matte or glossy NARS Velvet Pencil.  NARS Velvet Matte or Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils can be worn alone or layered together to create a beautiful lip for spring.”

“From coral to hot pink, bright, highly pigmented lips will make a bold statement this spring,” says New York based professional makeup artist Bethany Brill. “Choose a Matte finish like NARS in Vesuvio, a Satiny smooth shade like YSL Pure Lipstick in Fuchsia Pink or an ultra-shiny showstopper like Lime Crime’s Retrofuturist.  For richer color, apply lipstick to entire lip, blot with a tissue, and repeat.  For an extra long wear dust a thin layer of translucent powder on at the end.”

According to celebrity professional makeup artist Nathan Johnson, to make the most of the lips go with matte corals, pinks, and neutrals. “Outrageous by Stila is beautiful and works on almost everyone,” says Johnson.

The big look for spring 2011 is the dramatic eye like a bright violet shadow above a well-defined liquid lined cat’s eye. “For the eyes, it is all about dramatic color…bright purples, golds, pinks and peaches will be among the hottest colors. Do not be afraid to play with the colors or eyeliner variations. The options are endless and with key word being BOLD, there is a lot of room to play. NARS and Chanel have some amazing colors this season,” says Johnson.

Brill’s advice is to prepare for a kaleidoscopic spring with bold eye shadows. Look for colors such as sunny yellows like Mac’s Chrome Yellow, electric blues, and aquas like Buxom Stay There in Saint Bernard and Makeup Forever’s Cream Shadow in Aqua.  “Swipe a hefty arc of color from tear duct to the outside corner of the lid.  Soften the edges slightly with a cotton swab without looking too fussy,” she says.

“Bright eye shadows bring light to the eyes and can compliment any eye look. Sweep a bold shadow across the eye lid such as NARS Soft Touch pencil in Celebrate, a Parrot Green,” adds Sands.

Rosy, glowing cheeks with a kiss of contour will really add definition to the face this spring. “The Amazonian Long-wear Clay Blushes are a new favorite of mine,” says Nathan Johnson. “The colors Amused, Tipsy, Natural Beauty, and Doll face are exceptional choices. If it appears a bit too bright after you apply it, tap a touch of makeup primer over it to soften the color and make it look as though it is coming up from inside.”

The fresh and feminine pink flush is finally making its comeback.  Bethany Brill recommends, “Get the freshly-pinched look with blush shades like “Pink” by Lorac, and La Vie En Rose Blush by Too Faced.  Dust on lightly from temple to apple in a C shape focusing on the apples.”

“This is the season to bronze and highlight your complexion,” according to Norman Sands.  “To find the perfect bronzer for your skin tone shy away from bronzers with an orange base.”  NARS Laguna and Casino give a natural golden hue to the complexion.” Highlighters also give light to the skin and luminosity.  “NARS Illuminators, including three new spring colors, can be used either by tapped over your makeup on the high points of the face or mix into your foundation,” adds Sands. “Bronzing and illuminating the skin adds warmth, depth, and dimension.   You can also use a NARS Multiple to add a luminous glow and 3D effect to the skin.  Applied with the fingertips to the eyes, cheeks, and lips the Multiple is beautiful layered with your favorite powder blush.”

Sands goes on to say, “Spend most of your makeup time on your complexion.  Making your skin look as immaculate as possible is the best investment of your time in the mirror.  Beautiful skin is timeless and is key to great makeup regardless of trend or season.  A good moisturizer and makeup primer used with your favorite foundation or powder is important.  Makeup primers provide a base layer for smoother, longer lasting makeup.”

For spring, it is all about the fun factor, so play!

Beth Anderson, CEO of Chic Galleria Publications, LLC, is a member of STYLE COALITION, an elite group of beauty and fashion publishers for HEARST DIGITAL GROUP. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest.

Financial compensation was not received for this post. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Tags: Beth Anderson, bethany brill, cheeks, eyes, eyeshadow, gloss, lips, lipsticks, NARS, Nathan Johnson, Norman Sands