Spring 2018 Makeup Trends: Bold Color, Dewy Skin, and Creative Twists
Discover the essential spring 2018 makeup trends—from daring eyes to glassy skin and inventive liner, these looks are shaping the new season.
Spring 2018 Makeup Trends: Fresh, Bold, and Unconventional
As the weather warms and days grow longer, spring 2018 beckons with a vibrant new wave of makeup trends—where bold color, radiant skin, and creative flourishes take center stage. This year, the world’s top makeup experts and runways call for a fearless embrace of expressive, experimental beauty. From unapologetically bright eyes to mesmerizing glass skin, these are the essential spring looks redefining beauty for the new season.
1. Blue Eyeshadow Reimagined: ‘Old Blue Eyes’
Blue eyeshadow makes a triumphant and unapologetic return as one of spring’s most daring statements. Departing from the precise, frosty blues of past decades, this season’s blue is playful, painterly, and completely unrestrained.
- Technique: The new blue is swiped on with a sense of spontaneity. Think finger-smudged, uneven, and delightfully imperfect. Blue tones—ranging from soft sky to electric cobalt—are boldly layered or even streaked across lids with confidence.
- Why It Works: This approach feels youthful and unexpected. It’s about embracing “wrong but right”—if your blue looks slightly offbeat, you’re exactly on trend.
Makeup artists encourage experimentation: Pair with minimal face makeup to let your eyes stand out, or combine with a touch of mascara and a bare or nude lip.
2. Glitter with a Punk Twist: ‘Disco Grunge’
Spring 2018 reinvents glitter makeup with a new edge. Dubbed ‘Disco Grunge,’ the look marries the sparkle and fun of disco with rebellious, slightly undone punk sensibilities:
- How to Wear: Apply chunky glitters or shimmering gels across eyelids or at the inner corners for an effortless, “lived-in” effect.
- Mix silver, gold, and jewel tones, often letting the particles stray beyond the lash line, evoking a post-party vibe rather than a highly polished look.
Team with softly smudged black liner or clumpy lashes to complete the aesthetic. The goal is to appear as if glam glitter met rock-and-roll aftermath.
3. Oversized & Graphic: OTT Eyeliner
This season’s eyeliner is all about the audacious and the artistic. Forget dainty flicks—spring is for over-the-top (OTT) liner defined by bold shapes and boundless creativity.
- Shapes and Styles:
- Graphic wings that start mid-eye and extend outward for a “disconnected” cat-eye.
- Negative space and halo liners, where bold lines frame the eye and sometimes encircle it entirely.
- Hyper-extended or exaggerated shapes reminiscent of ‘60s mod icons—sometimes rounded, sometimes geometric.
- Textures: Choose matte liquid liners in classic black for precision, or swap in colored liquids and pencils for a more playful twist.
What others are reading
The key is artistic freedom. Some looks channel late-night “lived-in” liner—a bit messy and perfectly irreverent—while others showcase intricate drawings worthy of a gallery.
Must-have product: A long-lasting liquid liner pen for clean, dramatic lines or graphic experimentation.
4. The Glazed & Glassy Skin Revolution
Say goodbye to matte and powdery finishes. For spring 2018, the runway’s fixation is glassy, radiant skin—a look inspired by K-beauty’s ‘glass skin’ with a fresh, Western twist.
- Method: The goal is to achieve high-gloss hydration without visible shimmer or glitter. Matte is replaced by reflective, almost wet-looking skin achieved through:
- Layering hydrating serums and moisturizers as a base.
- Applying glosses or high-shine creams on cheekbones, brow bones, and down the nose for a dew-kissed effect.
- Minimal foundation coverage to let real skin (yes, pores and all) shine through.
This look radiates “just woke up like this” authenticity. It’s less about an artificial highlight and more about believable, carefully curated luminosity that suggests health over artifice.
5. The Reinvented Red Lip
Red lips never go out of style, yet each season brings a fresh interpretation. For spring 2018, classic reds are twisted with modern finishes and playful application:
- What’s New: Matte and velvet reds compete with shiny, almost vinyl finishes.
- Ombre effects or blurred, diffused edges lend a lived-in, ‘kissed-off’ appearance.
- Tones range from blue-based cherries to orange- and brick-reds, tailored to suit any skin tone.
- Try the lip-stain technique: swipe on a pigmented red, then blot or gently lift with a makeup wipe to leave behind a natural-looking flush.
Pair with minimal eye makeup—or dare to defy tradition by matching bold red lips with dramatic blue eyes or OTT liner for maximum impact.
6. Pink Eye Makeup: Rosy, Dreamy, and Playful
Delicate pink eyeshadow shades continue their reign into spring 2018—casting a romantic flush over lids. This trend ranges from soft peaches and dusty roses to punchy magentas:
- Application Tips:
- Use a fluffy brush to wash soft pinks over the entire lid, blending up towards the brow for a diffused, watercolor effect.
- Deepen the look with a contrasting shade at the outer corners or along the crease.
- For an editorial edge, sweep the same shade across cheeks and temples, creating a monochrome flush that’s both ethereal and modern.
Pro tip: Pale pink shades can double as highlighter or blush, offering a fresh-faced, youthful glow.
7. Tea-Stained Taupes & Multitonal Blush
Spring blush gets a grown-up makeover with tea-stained hues. Think tawny, chestnut, and soft tan shades that mimic the natural warmth of skin—rather than classic pinks or apricots.
- Why It’s Fresh:
- These hues blend seamlessly with both cool and warm complexions.
- Use creamy, blendable products for a ‘flushed from within’ effect, lightly dusted over cheeks, eyelids, and even lips for tonal harmony.
- The look simulates a healthy, post-workout flush or a subtle sun-kissed glow—never forced, always believable.
Life hack: Use a cream stick foundation a few shades deeper than your skin in place of classic blush and bronzer. Sweep it across the high points of the face, in the creases of the eyelids, and dab onto the lips for a supple, monochromatic warmth.
8. Smudgy & ‘Morning-After’ Lashes
The notion of perfect, fanned-out lashes takes a backseat this spring for intentionally clumpy or ‘undone’ mascara effects. The look is reminiscent of morning-after makeup—relaxed, slightly rock ‘n’ roll, and ever-so-cool:
- Apply multiple coats of mascara, pinching or pressing lashes together before the formula dries for visible thickness and texture.
- Pair with minimal eyeshadow or let the lashes be the anchor for bold liner looks.
Bonus: Smudgy black or midnight blue liners along the waterline enhance the carefree, sultry appeal and deepen eye color.
9. Minimalistic Yet Futurist Accents
At several standout fashion shows, artists combined minimalist makeup with touches of futuristic shine—like clear gloss on eyelids, golden highlights at the high points, or even crystals applied just beneath the eyes for a surreal, editorial touch.
- Stick to pared-down, subtly defined features, focusing on one area (lips, cheeks, or eyes) for shine or embellishment.
- Experiment with metallic or holographic accents in moderation; less is more for daytime, but after hours, try multiple highlights for a dramatic effect.
Spring 2018 Makeup Trends: Quick Recap Table
| Trend | Key Features | How to Achieve It |
|---|---|---|
| Old Blue Eyes | Bold, imperfect blue eyeshadow | Finger-sweep blues on lids; embrace asymmetry |
| Disco Grunge | Shimmer paired with smudgy liner | Chunky glitter, dark liner, clumpy mascara |
| OTT Eyeliner | Exaggerated, graphic liner shapes | Liquid liner pens; negative space; bold wings |
| Glazed Skin | High-shine, glass-like hydration | Layer moisturizer, dew cream, minimal powder |
| Red Lips Reinvented | Matte, velvet or stained red lips | Pigmented lipstick, blotted technique, blurred edges |
| Tea-Stained Blush | Tawny, natural multitonal color | Cream products, applied to cheeks, eyelids, lips |
Pro Tips for Adapting These Trends at Home
- Balance is Key: If you opt for a bold eye or graphic liner, keep lips and cheeks understated. Alternatively, combine a statement lip with pared-down eyes for instant polish.
- Multi-Use Products: Cream blushes and foundations can double as eyeshadow and lip color, making trend transitions seamless and efficient.
- Dew Over Powder: Swap mattifying powders for luminous finishes. Use a light hand with setting products, focusing only where necessary.
- Embrace Individuality: The spirit of spring 2018 is creative freedom—make each look your own by tweaking shapes, shades, and intensities to suit your mood and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I’m new to blue eyeshadow. How do I pull off the trend without looking overdone?
A: Start with a sheer wash of blue using your fingertip or a fluffy brush. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal, and let the blue pop be the focal point. Blending the edges will help it feel modern and approachable.
Q: What’s the secret to achieving glazed skin without looking greasy?
A: Properly prep skin by layering lightweight hydrating serums and moisturizer, then apply a glossy cream highlighter to the cheekbones. Avoid heavy oils or sticky products; aim for a reflective, not oily, finish. Set only the T-zone with powder if needed.
Q: Can I wear both bold liner and red lips together?
A: Absolutely! For a high-fashion impact, keep the liner clean and crisp, and select a modern red lip with a matte or satin finish. If you prefer a more wearable version, go for softer, stained lips with your bold eye look.
Q: Are tea-stained blushes suitable for every skin tone?
A: Yes. Tea-stained or tawny blush shades are incredibly versatile because they echo natural shadows and warmth on the skin. Choose a depth that complements your complexion, from soft tan for fair skin to deeper cognac for rich tones.
Q: How can I keep my glitter or crystal accents from falling off?
A: Use a cosmetic-safe adhesive or gel specifically formulated for makeup glitter. Apply carefully to clean skin, and use a soft brush or tweezers for precise placement. Avoid layering creams or oils underneath the adhesive area.
Final Word: Unleash Your Creativity This Spring
Spring 2018’s makeup trends invite you to embrace boldness, break the rules, and express genuine individuality. Whether you gravitate towards painterly blue eyeshadow, oversized eyeliner, or skin as luminous as glass, let these looks inspire you to write your own beauty manifesto for the season.
References
- https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/make-up/beauty-tips/g32055/spring-2018-makeup-trends/
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g12189830/spring-2018-makeup-trends/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp6CujARAxI
- https://www.makeup.com/product-and-reviews/all-products-and-reviews/spring-makeup-trends-2018
- https://www.cosmopolitan.in/beauty/news/photo/6-makeup-trends-youll-want-copy-spring-2018-659842-2018-01-10
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/5743-2018-spring-summer-make-up
- https://www.zinio.com/publications/cosmopolitan/8306/issues/404274
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