By now you’ve cleaned out your closet and your
makeup bag, all set to kick-start your new spring look—or at least you’ve thought really hard about doing it. Breaking out from your winter beauty rut is almost as hard as packing away that comfy, go-to wool sweater for the season. “We’re creatures of comfort and most Canadians are in hibernation mode during winter,” explains Grace Lee, Maybelline New York’s lead makeup artist. “Women are in a rush and always multitasking, so they tend stick to a beauty routine that they know best.” We asked Lee to share her spring forward tips for updating your beauty regimen to the fresh, sunny looks of the season.

Spring beauty tip #1. Think pink

“I always tell people that the surefire way to brighten up their look is to use a brighter lipstick in either fuchsia or orange tones,” says Lee, who promises that sweeping pink blush along the cheeks is the easiest and fastest way to add a pop of colour necessary for creating a spring glow. “It’s an instant pick-me-up!”

Spring beauty tip #2. Try a classic red lip

Bold red lips are back this season—as seen on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways of Jean Paul Gaultier and Jason Wu—though we contend that the crimson pout never really lost its edge. “The best way to embrace the red lip is by wearing it and getting used to seeing yourself in red lipstick,” Lee advises. “I think a lot of people shy away from a red lip because it can be bold and it makes a statement. It also requires more maintenance and upkeep.” She recommends dabbling in the red paint with Maybelline New York’s SuperStay 14 HR Lipstick in Timeless Crimson.

Our best picks for adding red lips to your spring beauty routine.

Want to add the cat eye to your beauty routine? Read on for more spring beauty tips…

Spring beauty tip #3. Create a glowing foundation

“Spring is an ideal time to introduce bronzer into your regimen,” says Lee. It’s also the season to switch up your foundation routine. Lee explains that most winter-friendly foundations are creamy and emollient to help skin cope with the dry weather—which means that warmer temperatures should usher in lighter foundations and powders. Hint: Replace your mascara too.

Spring beauty tip #4. Embrace the cat eye

“The secret to creating the perfect
cat eye is all in the brushes,” says Lee about the black, winged eyelids that became the signature look for famed ‘60s actress Brigitte Bardot and resurfaced on
Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2012 runway. “Find a liner that suits your comfort and makeup skills.” The trick to perfecting the come-hither look is even application: create a precise line using small strokes and avoid extending the line too far out. As Lee says, “Adapt the line to suit your eye shape and personal style.”

Spring beauty tip #5. Transition into fall

For a smooth beauty transition into fall, hang onto that red lipstick and black liner: “I love seeing that the red lip is transforming into something a little darker and richer for fall,” says Lee, who was also the head makeup artist during this past
Toronto Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2012 season. “I also love that black is making a big comeback. Almost every designer wanted a hint of black in their makeup designs!”

Read more:
Spring 2012 beauty: 5 fresh takes on red lips
Spring 2012 beauty: 5 spring eye makeup trends
Spring beauty: The best eyeliner looks

Spring beauty: Runway blushes