We don’t really get that graduated transmogrification from the earliest signs of springtime to full-blown spring here, but rather it was snowing until a few weeks back and now it’s about 20 degrees and being an individual who typically feels generally warm, I’ve been wearing shorts so some of my recomendations here might be on the summer-esque end of the spectrum, so be warned. You know the drill; I’m not someone who believes that the seasons completely bind what makeup shades can be worn at a specific time but I do admit, I do enjoy these little changes in the daily routine to go along with the weather conditions. So here are my thoughts about these little changes:

The Transitional Bronzer: Throughout the winter, I tended to go for much cooler-toned products to shape my face such as my loved MAC Harmony, but as we come into warmer weather and are left looking a bit drained and dull from the winter – and pale in my case – we want to go for that golden glow, but it’s easy to go too far to the orange artificial-looking side of things. Simply put, you want a shade that will add warmth without having too artificial of an undertone or being too dark in contrast to your skin and for me this is the Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Warm Tan($10). However, the shade is quite a warm-toned one that can lean on the orange side of things but is not particularly dark and the cream texture blends like a dream but I have fair skin that’s on the warmer side of things so I can suit warmer shades without going overboard, I think. I tend to apply it like a contour on my cheekbones and then blend it out towards my temples with the leftover product on the brush because I like the added definition on the cheekbones.

The Weightless Heat-Resistant Base: I know that we don’t typically use the world ‘base’ here in Canada to describe products that are applied all over the face but it was the only term that seemed to encompass foundations, tinted moisturizers and all the BB/CC creams in existence. Even though it may mean extra effort as far as concealer is concerned, there is something refreshing and appropriate with going for a somewhat sheerer, skin-like option on the face. However, this does not necessarily mean going for the dewiest thing in the world regardless of skin-type as I think it is important to make sure that it’s a low-maintenance option for all day wear despite the warming weather and the impending doom of oil-production. I’m definitely on the drier end of the spectrum but I think that my current love the Diorskin Nude Skin Glowing Makeup ($48) would also suit those with an oilier t-zone with its medium-coverage satin finish with a glow that appears skin-like. Weirdly enough, I’m almost always sensitive to chemical sunscreen but not the chemical sunscreen in this one but I’m not one to complain about this all-in-one everyday kind of foundation.

The Coral Lipstick: I’m sure some of you are not surprised about this one as I take any reason I can to go for anything of the coral variety but in this case I think it’s generally appropriate. Despite the fact that I find the formula unflattering on any sort of dry patches on my lips, I’ve been going for the softer tangerine-coloured Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Mischievous ($9) that lies on the more orange-end of the spectrum – but hey, orange is supposed to be particularly trendy this summer and it tends to suit me so I’m not going to complain.

The Subtle Gold Shadow: While I veer towards warmer shadows throughout the year given my colouring, I’m particularly drawn to them in the warmer seasons and MAC Woodwinked ($12/18) — second from left in the bottom row in the picture — has that golden tone to it but has that muted quality that makes it more Spring-appropriate and soft. The shadow is a cult-favourite for a reason, applying like a dream and staying put with ease.

The Expected Pink-y Blush: There’s nothing that screams Spring like that true pink flush of colour on the cheeks. Although I’m not wearing it in the above photo, I have been in love with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow ($41) and wearing the satiny pale-pink that leans on the cooler side of things but is actually flattering and noticeable on my warm-leaning skin. The finish and texture of the blush seems to make it worthwhile the hefty price tag and it’s one of those easy blushes that gives you that flush to the cheeks that works with any sort of eye makeup or lip makeup craziness.

How have you updated your daily makeup for Spring?

Maggie, x.