Electric Circus

Updated ’70s glamour brings an eclectic new edge to spring makeup. “People played with makeup a lot in the ’70s,” says Eddie Maleterre, Artistic Director for L'Oréal Fashion Week. “We’ve updated that period’s bright hues into a colour palette every woman can wear.”

Maleterre’s radiant take on Spring 2009 is simple yet sophisticated. Spotlighting the eyes and lips in juicy shades of pink and orange, the trick this season is to pop neutrals with an intense blast of colour.

“Everything is applied with a light touch to keep the face clean and fresh,” says Maleterre. That pared-down philosophy results in a luminous, natural look full of polished spring style.

“Spring’s key colours are very feminine and look very natural on any woman. But the season is really all about how far you can go with colour,” says Maleterre.

TRUE COLOURS
Electric hues paired with African-inspired neutrals pump up spring’s new beauty vibe.

EYE LIGHTS
Inspired by crisp spring blooms and African and Middle Eastern influences, Maleterre’s luminous day look begins with a strategic sweep of high-pigment shadows on the eyes.

“The idea is to apply a natural colour over the lid and then add an intense colour on top to make the eyes pop,” says Maleterre.

From jewel-toned greens to vibrant pinks and oranges, Maleterre’s strong day look needs nothing more than mascara and eyeliner to add evening drama. Calling L'Oréal’s new Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara his favourite spring essential, Malterre says, “I’ve tried it. It makes your lashes look so long, it wears very well and the colour is non-transferrable.”

SHINE ON
Lips that gleam with sheen are a strong spring focal point. “I love the glossy textures and shiny varnishes on shoes today. We’ve picked up on that fashion trend and created non-stick lip glosses in very bright shades of pink and orange you can wear alone or over lipstick.” The trick, says Maleterre, is to pair dramatic lip colours against a neutral eye. “If the eyes are really played up go for a neutral lip. Always make one feature the focus,” says Maleterre.

GO FOR THE GLOW
Bare, beautiful skin is the foundation to spring’s sophisticated new look says Maleterre. “Blush is present this spring but it’s very light. The idea is to create a glowing finish, keep your foundation sheer and neutral and let your skin shine through.”

HAIR WITH FLAIR
The updated “Twiggy” cut, incredible sheen and rich, redefined brunette shades are the new must-haves for spring’s best-tressed fashionistas.

THE MANE EVENT
"Hair this season is all about returning to polished, feminine looks that give women the freedom to express themselves," says Eric Del Monaco, the Official Hair Artist and Colourist for L'Oréal Paris.

CUT ABOVE
Inspired by “Twiggy” pixie cut, spring’s new cropped topped is 2009's cut du jour. "When you look at Victoria Beckham you see how great a cut like this can be,” says Del Monaco. “Even if a woman doesn’t want to go that short, hair accessories are making a big comeback this season. You can pull hair back into a ponytail with scarves and clips. You can even use hair as the ornament and wrap into a tiny crown on your head. Any of these options will let you create the illusion of the spring’s hot pixie cut.”

BOMBSHELL BRUNETTES
New, monochromatic brunette shades rule the runway this season. "We’re redefining brunette hair with undertones of cinnamon, amber, and copper. The overall effect is one that’s got that tortoiseshell shimmer to it,” says Del Monaco.

Féria’s new Tortoiseshell Brown Collection will help fashionistas capture spring’s hot runway shades. Shiny hair is also a key accessory.

“Shiny hair has no age limit,” says Del Monaco. “Whether you’ve got long bouncy curls or a very short cut healthy, shiny hair is a spring staple.”

By Constance Droganes, CTV.ca | Photo courtesy of L'Oreal Paris