Well, well, well, if it isn't spring. It seems like we've been waiting for this forever. The sun is shining and the temperatures are holding steady in the double digits. Now that we've shed our winter layers, it's time to lose the hat hair, pasty skin and somber eye shadow shades. Here's how to brighten your beauty routine by embracing the season's get-pretty trends.
1 The new foundations Avoid makeup meltdown by switching to a lightweight foundation. There are a host of new high-tech formulas that offer sheer and natural-looking coverage, but boast bells and whistles, such as 18-hour hydration, light-perfecting particles, skin-tone correcting pigments, anti-aging peptides and, most important: sun protection. Try: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 ($55 at department stores); Lancôme Teint Miracle SPF 15 ($37 at department stores).
2 Orange crush After years of pink ruling the spring runway and red carpet, orange is having its day in the sun. Even traditionalists will warm to this youthful, retro shade, with its mood-boosting brightness. Swipe it on lips, cheeks, even eyes for a tropical punch. If a true day-glo orange scares you, go for a subtler hue. Peach warms up fair skin and coral is universally flattering. Try: Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit ($25 at Extrados salons, extrados.com); Topshop Velvet Finish Lipstick in Infrared ($16 at topshop.com).
3 Bronzers with benefits A tan is always in, especially when it's achieved without exposure to the sun's harsh rays. Self-tanners have made great strides since the early days, when they turned skin orange and left a chemical smell. Now they're getting a multi-tasking boost from anti-aging ingredients, built-in exfoliants (for a streak-free glow), mood-enhancing vitamin D and formulas for specific skin types, so you can skip the moisturizer. If only they could rub sunscreen on your back. Try: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pads ($32 at Sephora); Tarte CelluFIGHT Anti-Cellulite Self-Tanner ($40 at Sephora).
4 Citrus with a twist Warmer weather calls for a lighter, fresher fragrance. Even if you're not normally a fan of fruity scents, consider the new citrus cocktails: blood orange, tangerine and grapefruit laced with earthier elements like musk, sandalwood and white moss. The resulting scents are more sophisticated, less syrupy-sweet. Try: Marc Jacobs Splash collection in Curacao ($68 at department stores) or Burberry Summer ($65 at Sephora).
5 The eyes have it Put away the browns and grays and feast your eyes on this season's jewel-toned shadows. Regal purple, watery blues and seafoam green are the new neutrals. Use them as eyeliner for a pop of color, or layer on lids for a seasonally adjusted smoky eye. Either way, just be sure to keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Try: Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner palette in Party Pop ($9 at drugstores); NARS Cap Ferrat Eyeshadow Trio ($45 at Macy's Minneapolis).
6 Two ways to nail it Nail color has never been more fun -- or schizophrenic. This season you have two options: go bright or go nude. Neon shades of pink, orange, blue and lemony yellow are pool-party perfect. On the pale end of the spectrum, taupe, beige and pale pink give a modern, monochromatic look against summer skin. Can't decide? Wear nudes on your fingers, brights on your toes. Try: Sonia Kashuk Nail Color in Jammin, Tutti Fruitti and Tauped ($5 each at Target)
7 Pony up The easiest styling trick in the book just got upgraded from lazy-day hair to updo-of-the-moment. But don't just toss your hair in a scrunchy and go. Work that pony! Try it high and sleek, low and soft, teased and tousled, or curled and off to the side. It's all about looking like you didn't try too hard -- even if you did. Try: John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer ($9 at Target); Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray ($4 at drugstores).
