Perk Up Your Face And Your Mood With Vivid, Happy Hues
A quick dopamine hit can help change your mindset, making a swipe of bright makeup not just trendy but therapeutic.
As many of us have sought out small daily sources of joy to counteract the stresses of the past few years, colour therapy has garnered renewed attention. The idea of using colour to evoke feelings of optimism, to feel more energetic—or even to quell anxiety—is appealing in its accessibility. “Studies have shown that lavender can have a soothing effect, while a soft daffodil yellow can make the brain feel happy,” says New York psychologist Sanam Hafeez. Light blue has also been demonstrated to have a calming quality, green can help you reset, and red may be invigorating. While colour’s influence on mood is temporary, even a quick dopamine hit can help change your mindset, making a swipe of bright makeup not just trendy but therapeutic.
Vibrant tones needn’t be intimidating, says Donni Davy, lead makeup artist on the HBO series Euphoria, where bold cosmetics reign. There are options for everyone, as “you can have a tiny blue wing with a nude lip—or turquoise shadow that extends all the way up to your eyebrows,” she says.
The easiest way to embrace this trend on the eyes is to “start with a pop of bright eyeliner,” says Dior ambassador and makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani, whose clients include Gal Gadot and Sofia Vergara. Bedrani suggests opting for a liner with a felt tip so “you can easily adjust the thickness based on how much pressure you apply.” Other goof-proof strategies: Swipe on a tinted mascara; or place a blue or green shimmer cream on just the center of the lids for a fl ash of calming colour each time you blink. (Psychologist Sanam Hafeez says certain shades of blue and green, in particular, may elicit feelings of tranquility because they can be reminiscent of the ocean.) Ready to fully embrace this trend and go even bolder? Davy suggests applying a saturated eyeshadow close to the lash line, then using a fluffy shadow brush to buff the shade over the eyelid and into the crease.
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“Orange, red, and coral are flattering cheek colours on almost everyone,” says Bedrani. These juicy hues also impart a sun-kissed look, which can be heightened by topping the blush with highlighter. For another less conventional tone, opt for purple. From lilac to magenta, this shade provides a surprisingly natural flush. Try a liquid or cream, which is easier to blend than powder.
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