This Spring's Lipsticks Go Beyond Simple Natural

While "matte" is a trend, for several years now, makeup items like foundation, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick have predominantly featured transparency and a dewy finish. Could this spring's lipsticks be a further evolution of that transparency? They don't just look sheer; they meld with the lips, creating a finish so seamless you might mistake it for your natural lip color. The result is an utterly light impression. The sheen is more than lipstick, less than gloss, and entirely natural.

This might sound like "so, they're natural lipsticks," but that's not quite it. Many of this spring's lipsticks feature pearls of various sizes embedded within that natural texture, giving the impression that they're not just "normally" natural. The combination of a non-coating texture with the sparkle of large pearls emphasizes a light, cute aesthetic.

Effortless Mood with Lipstick

Fashion is also embracing effortless styles that appear "unforced," but upon closer inspection, even seemingly basic designs often feature slightly altered proportions, like oversized sleeves. In other words, the current basic style might be characterized by appearing unforced while actually requiring a subtle effort.

This spring's lipsticks similarly play with balance by incorporating slightly exaggerated pearls into natural colors and textures. I believe this reflects the contemporary sensibility that also resonates in clothing.

When you think about it, lipstick is the item most easily linked to fashion trends. This is because lips are the part of the face where trends can be most casually adopted. Foundation, eyeshadow, brows, and mascara, on the other hand, are deeply connected to a woman's concerns and inner self, making them items where simply following a trend isn't always appropriate.

A Little Extra Effort for an Effortless Lip

However, the trend towards effortless lipstick also brings its own challenges. One such concern is "dark lip pigmentation." The characteristic "non-coating" quality of this spring's lipsticks, conversely, means they may not have enough coverage to mask dark lip tones. Consequently, the natural darkness of the lips can show through, making it difficult for the lipstick's color to appear as intended.

In such cases, try this extra step: Before applying lipstick, lightly apply liquid foundation, concealer, or a light beige lipstick with a matte finish using your finger to brighten the lip's natural color. This will slightly compromise the effortless feel, but it will allow the lipstick's color to show through effectively. You can finish with just lipstick for everyday wear, and for a more polished look, apply it over a brightened lip base. Try alternating between these methods. Spring is a season when we feel like embracing something new. Experience a fresh mood with these light, sparkling lipsticks!