5 Tricks for Getting a Natural Springtime Glow

So fresh, so pretty. (Photo: Gallery Stock)

We all know about the bronzed babe of summertime, but what about the glowy, natural goddess of spring? She was all over the runways this season, at Michael Kors, Isabel Marant and Rag & Bone to name just a few.

Instead of a deep sun-kissed tan, designers opted for a golden, bright complexion — like their models had been on a jogging on a warm spring afternoon, or perhaps laying on a blanket in Central Park. The look was refreshingly natural for pre-summer, complete with strategic additions like a slight hint of blush or soft swipes of bronzer on the forehead and beneath the cheekbones for definition.

If you’re not quite ready for a full-on Tahitian tan, or simply like a softer glow, try these makeup artist tips for just the right amount of warm, seasonal color.

Blur Your Blemishes
In order to achieve a true spring glow, you want a fresh canvas. Camouflage blemishes with the perfect warm-weather foundation. “I love Urban Decay’s Naked Skin One and Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector ($34),” says celebrity makeup artist Anna Branson. If you have a slight tan (faux or natural), Branson suggests keeping sun off your face and going one shade darker to match your body. “This formula blurs any blemishes and flaws, and leaves your skin with a subtle glow,” she explains. “And it has SPF 20.” SPF = a must.

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Opt for Creams to Create Subtle Color
Start your glow with a dewy base. Try a cream or liquid bronzer formula. “Creams always come off softer than powders because they are much more blendable,” says celebrity makeup artist Dana Delaney. “This allows you to move the product much easier.” Try Chanel Tan De Soleil ($50) if you want a subtle “bronze veil” for your complexion, or Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Illuminator ($32) for an even softer golden sheen. Delaney suggests mixing the cream right into your foundation for easy application.

Use Circular Strokes for Powders
Lots of bronzer-lovers get the stroke wrong, says Delaney. For a softer touch of color, apply circular motions instead of swipes. “Quick circular buffing motions,” instructs Delaney. “Duo fiber brushes are great for this, such as Sigma F15 Duo Fibre ($27). The infamous Beauty Blender ($20) is also perfect for blending and softening blush and bronzer.” For barely-there luminous color and a dot of shimmer, try a loose powder like Dior’s special edition Diorskin Nude Air Glow Loose Powder ($56) or Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder ($35).

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Do Not OD on Powder
One of the biggest color mistakes Delaney sees: overdosing on bronzer or contour powder. “Do not put dark bronzer all over,” she explains. “Bronzer is meant to kiss the face and accentuate your features, and it is not meant to replace a self-tanner.” Powder can be perfect for defining and showcasing. Try Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder ($42) or Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Bronzing Veil for highlighting those cheekbones, or even illuminating the forehead and nose (in which case, skip the loose powder!).

Add Color to Lips and Cheeks
Since spring brings a slightly biting wind along with that sun-glazed glow, a little coral or pinky pop on lips and cheeks is the perfect way to finish off this season’s a vibrant coloring. Branson suggests keeping it simple with a multiple. “Try Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Es Vedra ($45),” she says. “This color is my favorite, and it works on all skin tones.” If you’d prefer blush and lipstick separates, try Make Up For Ever HD Blush in “Coral” ($26) and NARS Audacious in “Juliette” ($32) for a natural flush.

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