I like to refresh my makeup cabinet every season with just a few essentials (its also a good excuse to clean out old stuff), but how’s a girl to know what to buy if her head isn’t constantly submerged in the beauty world 24/7? I decided it was time I did a little research and pulled out my favorite trends from the runway shows that I’ll be applying to my face this summer… 

paul smith // holly fulton // giles

I’m such a fan of the strong lip – but I like it even more with a really bare face, like these ladies are rockin it. The practically naked eyes and cheek make for an even higher contrast that I love. Personally, I’m a coral girl, but that pink is super fun too. Notice too that makeup has become more matte – from face to lips. For just a little more pop on the eyes, do a touch of white or gold on the inset of the eye like the first image.

alberta ferretti // dolce & gabanna // DVF

Au naturale for the summer is always a good look (and always in style) - but looks can be deceiving. Despite the bare look here, all three are definitely enhancing the natural with bronze, blush and shimmer. The eyes are the real focus here with special attention to simple liner, fluttering lashes (another big spring trend), and shimmery shadow. The lip stays barely glossed, and this would be a good time to play up a bold brow too.

rebecca minkoff // nanette lepore // stella mccartney

If plain jane just isn’t your style, and a bold lip a bit too much, why not try your hand at a little pop of liner? The accent on the lower lid is a current trend, but all three of these show how you can work this look upper, lower, or a bit more full. Just like the lip, though, we see the rest of the face kept very simple. Can you tell I’m a low maintenance makeup kind of girl? If I have to remember to touch up my lips and  my eyes, forget about it.

But for those of you who are beauty gurus…

Here’s how you do it all! And well, might I add. You would have thought all these elements together would look a bit like overkill, but not so. Of course, for me this is far from an everyday look, but maybe I’ll get brave this summer and try it out one evening.

What other trends have you seen for spring/summer beauty? Any products or looks you think are a must for the coming season?

*ps – if those lips look painted on its because they are. here’s the original image. see, playing with makeup is fun!