Spring can’t decide if it’s coming or going, but while wardrobe switch-ups remain risky, makeup is a foolproof way to add some new season zing. For proof, may we present Dame Helen Mirren, 80, who just showed us why ‘face balancing’ colour is a brilliant ageless makeup switch for spring, adding instant youthful pop and polish.
Helen brought class and colour to this year’s Olivier Awards red carpet, pairing pretty pops of pink on her face with a crisp white dress for maximum impact. Her silver grey bob was worn softly with a side-parted fringe, acting like a theatre curtain to showcase her beautiful makeup look.
Jeff Spicer
Helen’s makeup is beautifully balanced
Helen’s bold raspberry lip took centre stage against a backdrop of glowy base, supported by tonal pink tones worn high on the cheeks. A pinpoint-precise swoosh of slender black liner brought the whole look into focus without overpowering the pink.
Why is this makeup face balancing?
Helen’s look is a masterclass in ageless spring beauty, says celebrity makeup artist Fiona Florczak. ‘We hear a lot about facial balancing, and nothing looks better with a fresh spring makeup look than a bright berry tone lip,’ she tells GH.
‘On Helen, the balance comes from fresh, glowing dewy spring skin, with a pop of blush to complement the lip colour,’ Fiona says. ‘This helps balance the mid-face whilst the pop of colour on the lips adds dimension to the lower part of the face. It brings harmony, balancing colour and structure to the face.’
Dave Benett
The white dress makes the makeup stand out even more
Wearing a bright lip is something that mature women should really lean into, for so many reasons. ‘A bright lip adds confidence, warms the facial features, and lifts your complexion,’ she says. ‘Teamed with a complementing blusher, it really puts a playful colour onto the face, and I believe that’s something that flatters everyone. After the winter months it’s great to play with colour again and add some sunshine into our makeup!’
How to do a face-balancing bright lip
When selecting a lip colour, Fiona recommends looking for a long-wear formula that isn’t drying and keeping the lips a moisturising soft-matte if you’re prone to smudging. ‘Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip and L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect lipstick are my champions,’ she says. ‘Use a lip pencil to lock in colour and stop the edges from bleeding. A good pro-tip is to add a lightweight power around the lips before you apply lip colour.’
Dave Benett
The tonal lip and blush work perfectly together
If diving straight into a bold pink lip feels too much for you, ease the transition from nude with a sheer wash of colour first. ‘There are some amazing balm formulas now that pack a colour punch, like Clinique Almost Lipstick and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush Balm Lip Tint, but just be sure to line the lips with a pencil first to get the shape and longevity.’
Whatever your coverage comfort level, ‘there is something for everyone,’ she says. ‘Spring is about new life and colour – so add something new to your lip routine to complement that smile!’
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
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