I don’t talk about makeup and fashion as much as I would like to here at MamaNYC. My readers likely do not know or realize how much of a makeup mogul I am! So, I decided to at least discuss some of my beauty tips for transforming that beautiful face of yours from a dark and dreary Winter woe of a woman (admit it! we all go dreary in the colder months!) into a bright and colorful (not TOO colorful!) Spring flower!

This isn’t the BEST season for women, especially those of us that have to deal with drastic seasonal changes (cough-New York *cough!). We start thinking about bathing suits, shorts, tank tops! There’s enough to think about with our families and now we need to remember it’s time to get back into shape. Luckily, I have a few simple beauty tips to transform that face in five simple tips!

#1 EYES
Start buying waterproof eye makeup. Winter is over; I know it’s not easy to accept, but you’ll need to make the transformation as soon as possible. There is nothing worse than having raccoon eyes on a hot, sweaty, yet beautiful spring day (or night). You are going to start staying outdoors (or, out altogether) in the upcoming weeks, so make sure your waterproof makeup is also long lasting. We don’t remember to bring all of our cosmetics at all times (I try, but sometimes I forget with the abundance of toys and changes of clothes!). 

TIP: You will need to purchase a waterproof eye makeup remover! Two of my favorites are Lumene Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($5.99 from Ulta) and Sephora Eye Makeup Remover (4.2 oz. @ $9.00). 

 #2 LIPS
Stop thinking dark and dreary; transform those lips into hot and bright! Runways around the world are displaying hot pinks, reds, and oranges. According to Harpers Bazaar, 2012 spring lip trends are all about red! Don’t get too worried – you can do red without looking too bright and bold.

Some women are okay with red lipstick, but others may want to look trendy without the superb brightness! I know that my lips don’t look good with a bright red lipstick. Therefore, I can use lipstick in layers for a subtle look. Another alternative to red lipstick is a red lipgloss. It won’t be the same, but it is darn well close enough! Don’t forget that this substitution is going to give a shine from the gloss, but it will provide a subtler bright red if you aren’t interested in a red lipstick. 

#3 HAIR
Spring has always been the easiest for styling hair. Anything seems to go, but one thing MUST go – dark and dreary hair accessories or headbands. I have a collection of dark brown hair clips and miscellaneous accessories. I pack these up until the fall and get ready to transform my look into a much brighter and warm look (warm meaning HOT and humid-friendly!).

Anything goes in the spring beauty season, but the ponytail is always the most common trend! Ask any woman what her favorite, easiest, and simplest on-the-go hairstyle might be and 9 out of 10 will say ponytail (I am thinking it might be 10 out of 10, but I will keep it out of 9 for safety net issues!).  Try to do something different with each ponytail: wear it high, low, parted to the side, braided, curled, teased, or insert some bobby pins to suit your seasonal spring style! 

TIP: One of my favorite things to do is wrap hair around my hair-friendly elastic bands to give it an illusion that there isn’t a hair band! It is very simple and takes just a few seconds and simple steps. Sometimes I do not have the time to start picking out hair clips and bobby pins. My son won’t wait for mom to do her hair (go figure). Luckily, I have this simple tip to change my pony into something just a little bit styled and unordinary. 

Mimicking this look is much easier than it may look! Simply grab a second of your hair from the underbelly of your ponytail and begin wrapping it around your ponytail. You’ll perfect this trick as you gain experience, but try to grab a small section of hair as a beginner. Once you have tried this style a few times, I like to test out different amounts of hair wrapped around my pony. I have very thick hair, so I love taking a decent chunk of my pony on hot and humid days. The hair looks Secure the hair on the underside of your pony with a bobby pin. Tuck and hide the pin so no one can tell it is even there! 

#4 NAILS 
Spring’ nail polish trends are always all over the place. You can really take advantage of what YOU want in the spring since trends range from hot and bright colors to neutral and nude nails. Feeling daring? Try a robins egg blue, gunmetal, lavender, bright pinks, or subtle oranges. Think… Spring Beauty!

You have been hiding those toes all winter, so it’s also time for an overdue pedicure (ladies..do not forget this!). I enjoy a pedicure year round, but if anything – I hope those of you that forget in the winter months - spring for a pedicure! Your look will not be complete in those brand new open toe sandals or heels without a pedi! 

TIP: My absolute favorite is Chanel nail polish! I have loved all of their seasonal colors since I started wearing nail polish! Their polish is long lasting, thick (but in a good way!), and always looks amazing on my nails. I won’t lie – Chanel is not cheap. Each will cost you around $25, but they are long lasting, top quality, and I have never experienced chips, breaks, or dullness in the color of Chanel nail polishes! It is truly top quality polish – and the colors make me drool!  

#5 CHEEKS
Last but NOT least come those cheeks! Spring is a time to look and feel natural. Don’t pack on the foundations and blushes. Don’t overload your face with so much makeup – that you seem ready for the bunny hills. Go for a natural, cream blush that ieffortlessly natural, and cream blush that looks and feels weightless. Apply with your fingers for a smooth and sheer look. I tend to drop my blush brush during the warmer months. A lot of misconception surrounds finger application when it comes to makeup, but I can tell you that this is a fib! remember to apply a cream shadow AFTER your foundation and concealer, but before applying ANY powders! Layering is okay, but make sure it is in the right order!