Who doesn’t love the palette, with its pretty colors and pre-matched eye shadows and/or cheek stains? It’s like a one-stop shop for makeup that takes the guesswork out of which colors work together—and it’s often compact enough to bring along in your bag for those much-needed touch-ups. This spring, you’ll find plenty of the much-touted ‘marsala’ shade, but there is a surprising profusion of the ever-popular nudes, too. Meanwhile, lavenders remain big, and the newcomer appears to be green—maybe in response to all those pretty yellows popping up in spring clothing!
[sparkling pinks]
» Nars Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration
Nothing feels more spring-y than pink, which is why we chose this sparkling pink duo from Nars. Use the dark shade to contour the cheeks, then the lighter shade on the cheekbone. These can be worn in the traditional dry method, or wiped on wet for a more translucent wash of color. They come in six fabulous shades, including several gold/yellows.
Sephora, narscosmetics.com, $45
[pleasantly purple]
» Vincent Longo Baby Dome Baked Eyeshadow in Peralisa
Purples have shown staying power, and this trio from Vincent Longo offers expanded opportunities for day and night. The lightest shade is iridescent, for a pop of sparkle at night; the matte shades work well as complements anytime. And don’t forget that purples can create an uber-dramatic smokey eye. Can be used dry or wet.
Soft Surroundings, $36
[bring on the brows]
» Laura Mercier In the Nude Custom Compact for Eyes
An artist’s palette for the eyes, Laura Mercier’s new set was hand-picked by her exclusively for Neiman Marcus. Called nudes, the colors range from flesh tones to shades of coffee. The tiny ‘quads’ offer pre-selected complements for ease, or you can work off the grid and create your own look. The slim compact is for keeps, since all the colors can be popped out and replaced!
Exclusive to Neiman Marcus, $110
[embrace the green]
» Tom Ford Eye Color Duo in Raw Jade
The deep forest green shade is perfect for the eyelid crease and wherever you like to put your dark color, while the yummy seafoam shade is the complementary highlighter. We love the toney case—it’s so Tom Ford—and the real bristle brush.
Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, $60
[all that glitters]
» Sisley Phyto 4 Ombres in 1 Dream
Are you feeling like coffee or wine? You can have either, or both, with Sisley’s quartet of mocha, espresso, rose and champagne. The four irridescent shades let you mix and match, expanding the possibilities to suit your mood. And since it’s Sisley, you can expect wonderful botanicals like green tea, camelia and white lily.
Saks fifth avenue, $115
Photo: Bill Barrett