Seasonal Color Trends: Spring 2024

As the winter frost melts away and flowers begin to bloom, it's time to refresh our makeup palettes with the vibrant colors of Spring 2024. This season brings a delightful mix of playful pastels, earthy tones, and unexpected pops of color that reflect our collective desire for optimism and self-expression after the colder months.

In this article, we'll explore the hottest color trends for Spring 2024 and offer practical tips for incorporating them into your makeup routine, whether you prefer subtle enhancements or bold statements.

The Color Palette of Spring 2024

This season's trends have been heavily influenced by both runway shows and street style, with a focus on colors that evoke feelings of renewal, joy, and connection to nature. Here are the standout color categories dominating Spring 2024:

1. Botanical Greens

Green is having a major moment this spring, with variations ranging from soft sage to vibrant emerald. This trend connects us to the natural world and brings a fresh energy to makeup looks.

How to wear it: Green eyeshadow is surprisingly wearable when applied thoughtfully. For beginners, try a wash of sage green across the lid or a thin line of emerald along the upper lash line. More adventurous makeup lovers can experiment with graphic liner shapes or a full emerald smoky eye.

2. Serene Blues

From powder blue to deeper cornflower shades, blue is making a sophisticated comeback this spring. Unlike the electric blues of previous seasons, these are softer and more approachable.

How to wear it: Blue looks stunning as an eyeshadow, especially when used to create dimension in the crease. For a modern take, try a sheer wash of powder blue on the lid with well-defined black lashes. For more impact, a cornflower blue eyeliner along the lower lash line creates a subtle pop of color.

3. Lilac and Lavender

Purple tones, particularly in the lilac and lavender family, are dominating this spring. These shades convey a sense of whimsy and romance while remaining sophisticated.

How to wear it: Lilac and lavender look beautiful as eyeshadows and can even work as subtle blushes for fair to medium skin tones. For eyes, try a light wash of lilac across the lid with deeper lavender in the outer corner. For a more adventurous look, lavender eyeliner creates an unexpected twist on a classic cat eye.

4. Coral and Peach

These warm, flattering tones bridge the gap between pink and orange, offering a universally flattering option that brings warmth and radiance to all skin tones.

How to wear it: Coral and peach are extremely versatile and can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes. A coral blush applied to the apples of the cheeks and swept up toward the temples creates a healthy, youthful flush. Peach lipstick or gloss is an excellent alternative to traditional nudes, offering more warmth and dimension.

5. Buttery Yellow

Soft, buttery yellows are making a surprising appearance this spring. These are not the bright, primary yellows of summers past, but rather subdued, creamy tones that feel fresh and unexpected.

How to wear it: Yellow can be intimidating, but these butter-soft versions are surprisingly wearable. Try a light wash of buttermilk yellow on the lid with a more neutral brown in the crease. For a subtle approach, use a yellow-toned highlighter on the high points of the face for a sun-kissed glow.

Trending Makeup Techniques for Spring 2024

Beyond specific colors, certain application techniques are defining the Spring 2024 makeup aesthetic:

Watercolor Eyes

Inspired by impressionist paintings, this technique involves applying sheer washes of color that blend seamlessly into each other. The effect is soft, dreamy, and perfect for showcasing spring's pastel palette.

How to achieve it: Use a fluffy brush to apply sheer layers of eyeshadow, focusing on blending the edges. Try combining complementary colors like lilac and powder blue, or sage green and buttermilk yellow. The key is to keep the application light and diffused.

Glassy Lips

High-shine, translucent lip finishes are replacing matte formulas this spring. These glossy looks range from clear with a hint of shimmer to sheer washes of spring colors.

How to achieve it: Start with well-exfoliated, hydrated lips. Apply a tinted lip balm or sheer lipstick in one of spring's trending colors, then top with a clear or complementary gloss for that perfect "glassy" finish.

Flushed Complexions

The "just came in from the cold" look continues into spring, but with warmer undertones. This technique focuses on creating a natural-looking flush that extends beyond just the apples of the cheeks.

How to achieve it: Use cream or liquid blush in coral or peach tones. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend upward toward the temples, then add a touch across the bridge of the nose for that authentic flushed effect. Cream formulas work best for this technique as they melt into the skin for a natural finish.

Adapting Spring Trends for Different Skin Tones

While all of spring's trending colors can work for any skin tone with the right application techniques, here are some specific recommendations for finding your perfect match:

Fair to Light Skin

• Eyes: Powder blue, lilac, and buttermilk yellow create a beautiful contrast
• Cheeks: Soft peach and light coral add warmth without overwhelming
• Lips: Lavender-tinted glosses and soft coral lipsticks

Medium Skin

• Eyes: Sage green, cornflower blue, and warm peach
• Cheeks: True coral and deeper peach tones
• Lips: Coral-orange and lavender with warm undertones

Deep Skin

• Eyes: Emerald green, rich lavender, and vibrant coral
• Cheeks: Bright coral and deep peach with red undertones
• Lips: Deep coral, rich lavender, and glossy finishes that show off natural pigment

Integrating Spring Colors into Your Everyday Routine

Not everyone is ready to embrace a full pastel eyeshadow look for their 9-to-5. Here are practical ways to incorporate spring's trending colors into even the most conservative makeup routines:

For the Office

• Try a thin line of emerald or cornflower blue eyeliner along the upper lash line with an otherwise neutral eye
• Opt for a sheer wash of peach or coral blush for a fresh-faced look
• Choose a tinted lip balm in a soft spring shade for a subtle hint of color

For Weekend Casual

• Experiment with a soft wash of sage green or lilac on the eyelid paired with mascara
• Try the flushed complexion technique with a natural-looking coral cream blush
• Embrace the glassy lip trend with a colored lip oil or gloss

For Special Occasions

• Create a watercolor eye look combining several of spring's trending pastels
• Add a pop of unexpected color like butter yellow in the inner corner of the eye
• Layer a spring-toned blush over a complementary highlighter for dimension

Final Thoughts

Spring 2024's color trends offer something for everyone, from the color-shy to the bold experimentalist. What makes this season particularly exciting is the versatility of these shades—they can be worn sheerly for a whisper of color or built up for dramatic impact.

Remember that makeup should be fun and expressive. Don't be afraid to experiment with these trending colors to discover new combinations that enhance your natural beauty and bring joy to your daily routine. After all, spring is all about renewal and fresh beginnings—the perfect time to refresh your makeup palette as well.

Which spring 2024 color trend are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!