Spring-summer is soon going to set in, bringing along a cheerful vibrant colour kitty. So, as the colours of the rainbow translate into your clothes, allow them to filter into your make-up kit as well this time. Make-up for Spring-Summer 2008 is all about bright hues, celebrating the joyous mood of the season and Metrolife shows you how, with recommendations from make-up artists and industry experts.

It’s the season for super glossy squeaky-clean skin, completely free of foundation. The idea is to drink a lot of water to flush away all the toxins to get a radiant skin. Make-up artist Nayana Billings of Salon Squeeze, explains, “Foundation is a big no - be it day or night. We stylists refer to it as the ‘Sheer Clean Look’. So drink lots of water to keep your skin healthy. At the most, one can use liquid foundation for a thin base. And no powder please!” Reiterating her viewpoint, make-up artist Gouri Kapur says, “Foundation is out. All that one can do is use a good concealer to get rid of the dark spots. The drama centres around the eyes this spring-summer.”

Eyes on you

The eyes do all the talking this upcoming season. And a colour riot is heading their way. Right from sunny yellows, aqua blues, baby pinks, emerald greens to sunburnt oranges - the vibrant colour palette practically picks all the hues from the vibgyor. The colours may sound intimidating but they look really good. Match them with the colour of your clothes or give a dramatic contrast. Fashion guru Prasad Bidapa says, “Since the wardrobes will be on the brighter side this year, borrow colours from your clothes for your eyes. If you are wearing blue denims, sport a blue eye-liner. Choose fruity colours like baby pink and yellow on newly-washed face.”

Yellow is the colour of the year and interestingly it has translated into eye make-up as well. Agrees Nayana, “Yellow and lemon-green are hot favourite colours in the fashion world this time. If you want to underplay, use shades like blue, pink and orange. White kaajal has replaced black kaajal. Use silver shimmer or glittering eye-liners on the eyes at night.”

For Gouri, its the soothing emerald or aqua green that one must sport on the eyes this season. “Green is my colour this spring-summer. Blend it with yellow to create some drama. It suits Indian skin extremely well, works beautifully for both day and night and works wonders on all types of complexions. Wear a contrasting eye colour to your outfit. For instance, if you are wearing yellow, wear a green or a blue eye-liner. At night, go dull on the eye shadow and use a blue or a green eye pencil instead of a kaajal!” insists Gouri.

Lip service

Coming to the pout, glossy pinks and reds dominate. To which Gouri says, “Gloss is in. Matte pastels are good for the day. Try lip colours like pinks, rusty reds and orange.”

Nayana recommends, “Go red on the lips. Be it winter or summer, red looks great. Shades of pink are good for those who want to be safe.” Echoing her viewpoint, Swati Gupta of Bodycraft, says, “Red looks good on Indian skin and makes it look brighter. Pale nude skin with red lips and shimmery smoky eyes is back with a bang!” Prarthana Pradutt of Peaches Salon adds, “Chilly red is great for the lips. Please say goodbye to nudes. It’s overdone!”

Nail it down

When talking colours, how can one miss nails! For it’s the only feature to have the privilege of owning the largest colour palette. According to experts, while red and fuschia will be dominant colours for nails, interestingly black is a great colour to sport this spring-summer. “Black nail polish is going to be very in apart from the regular bright hues,” says Nayana. Adds Prarthana, “Just go wild with colours. Black and violet are very trendy for toes. Again, french manicures are popular. But nail art is out.”

Talking about the popularity of french manicures, Swati reveals, “Several new styles of french manicures have emerged. Instead of the classic white-tipped wedding nails, you can get shimmering french tips. You can also get colour combinations done like red and white or black and white.”

In the nutshell, the Spring-Summer 2008 look is foundation-free skin played up with bright ,colourful eyes; glossy lips and trendy french nails. So kick in the sunny season with a burst of colours and let the drama unfold!