A top makeup artist’s tips for nailing spring’s biggest trend

Well, Fashion Month has come and gone for another season. And while we saw more inspiring beauty trends on (and off) the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris than ever before, there were a few key looks we feel are going to be BIG trends as the Australian temperatures warm up. Think: naturally glowy skin, hints of bold colour, and lips that demand to be noticed. 

Australian makeup artist and Nude by Nature makeup ambassador Max May agrees – especially on the lip front. “Earthy [lip] hues are what I’m most excited about. They look so fab on their own or paired with bright pops of colour on the cheeks or on the lids, as liner or eyeshadow,” he says. And his finish of choice? A not-quite-matte, not-quite-glossy satin – both for the aesthetic and practicality. He says, “What makes a satin-finish lip so wearable is that it stays soft and creamy on the lips, and it can be built or blended out (depending on the occasion or your style) and it can be reapplied over itself without becoming flaky or clumpy like so many other lip options.” 

So how does one pull off a satin lip look? We’re glad you asked, because that’s exactly what we got May to answer. 

First, let’s talk colour. May’s pick for spring and summer is a beautifully rich shade from the Nude by Nature Satin Liquid Lips range. “I’m obsessed with the Satin Liquid Lipstick in the shade 10 Terracotta. It’s one of my favourite stains and it sits right between those beautiful bold and earthy tones that are so strong at the moment. I just love how wearable [the Nude by Nature Satin Liquid Lipsticks] are. They apply so effortlessly and wear and feel like a dream. They’re also all natural, vegan and cruelty-free, which I think is really important!” he says.

Now, one look at that shade may have you thinking it’ll work perfectly for a bold nighttime look (more on that in a bit!), but it’s actual super wearable for the day – you just need to be smart with your application. “I’ve been using the Satin Liquid Lipsticks as more of a stain – like, a wash of colour – by using my finger to gently apply it in a dabbing motion. It gives the most flawless soft-edged finish when you want that more romantic kissable lip look,” says May. 

Clever. 

As for the rest of the look, May recommends keeping the focus on your lips, and leaving the rest of your makeup fresh. “Think dewy skin, brushed brows, curled no-mascara lashes, and a wash of Nude by Nature Perfecting Lip Primer on the lid (it gives a glossy lid minus the usual stickiness). Brush Nude by Nature’s Sheer Light Pressed Illuminator on your cheekbones and down the centre of your nose – it has the most delicate champagne-pink tone to it that will light up any face!” 

If you want to amp up your bold lip for the nighttime, instead of using the Satin Liquid Lipstick as a stain, May recommends applying it straight from the wand – but for maximum impact, line your lips first and apply the liquid lip colour over the top. Then, finish off your glam look by building intensity in your lashes. “Amp up the volume in the lash department with some mascara and maybe a few individual lashes to get that more classic look,” suggests May. 

If you’re keen to create an effortless nude lip look, watch Max May’s tutorial below:

What will be your go-to lip look this spring and summer? Please share with us in the comments section below!

Main image credit: Getty