This time, the shimmer’s soft
This spring, shimmering hues of rose, golden coral, platinum pink and cool bronze are showing up in lip glosses, eye shadows, body oils and whimsical face palettes set in swirling floral designs. Unlike shimmer makeup’s last appearance in the frosty fuchsia glosses and blinding baby blue shadows of the ‘80s, these shades are anything but intense. They’re luminous touches that complement the metallic accessories and airy, laid-back style of the season.
The new products are easy to use, and there’s just one rule of thumb: Apply sparingly. Overdoing it will result in a look that’s more disco ball than glowing spring goddess.
“For day, limit shimmer to one part of the face,” says makeup artist Bobbi Brown, whose pink shimmer palette and shimmer body oil give a transparent sheen to face and body. “For night, you can take things up a notch with shimmer on two parts of your face, like your cheeks and lips or your eyes and cheeks. For the most flattering effect, choose makeup that has sheer and super-fine -- rather than opaque -- shimmery flecks.”
Keep the contrast between shine and skin to a minimum. It should emphasize features, not jump off the face. Brown suggests that people with fair skin should stick to soft colors such as pink or lilac. Medium skin looks best in rose or gold shades and darker skin in copper or bronze hues.
Shimmer isn’t just for teens, Brown says. If you’re in your 40s, 50s or beyond, be sure to choose shimmery products that are super sheer, not dense. A light, fine shimmer is less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Or try using a shimmery blush -- no one really has wrinkles on their cheeks -- or a shimmery lipstick.
The dazzling effect of shimmer goes a long way, making it a wise beauty investment. And it leaves you glowing -- no matter how long it’s been since your last facial.
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