COLOUR AND DRAMA RETURN

Move over “clean girl” looks, it’s time to add colour to your visage

- Words VANESSA CHIA

Bid a temporary adieu to the “clean girl” aesthetic as we welcome the return of colour in our beauty routines. Powerful pigments are not merely reclaiming pole position in the world of makeup — fashion is on board too, as seen on the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, awash with petal pink, buttery yellow, periwinkle blue and, of course, Pantone colour of the year, Mocha Mousse.

Naturally, these vibrant outfits have inspired makeup artists to embrace colour and drama, resulting in bold and bright shades on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Ready to embrace makeup looks that go beyond the pared-down, no-makeup look? Here are five easy ways to re-introduce colour to your beauty look — and yes, even wallflowers will dare to try.

#1 BOLD BLUSH

Take your natural flushed cheeks up a notch with a vibrant blush. The key is making blush the focal point. Opt for a watercolour flush (think the models at Zuhair Murad) to make a sweet statement, or be different and go bold with a pop of violet, as seen on the models at Viktor & Rolf.

To embrace your blush in all its rosy glory, sweep your blusher liberally across the cheeks and nose, and go for a brighter hue with hints of red, berry or orange.

Try:

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Powder Blush, $85

This bold blurring powder blush goes from a sheer flush to intense pop with ease, thanks to a unique coated pigments technology, which offers buildability. Also contains squalane, so it won't cake or leave cheeks looking dry.

Available at Yves Saint Laurent Beauty stores and counters.

Fenty Beauty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush, $46