'Less is more' makeup is in this spring

The best part about spring is that after months of having to brace the cold, the weather finally warms up, which means we get to spritz bright and airy perfumes — and wear a whole lot less makeup too. 

"Take the time to invest and practice great skin prep," makeup artist, Emma Chen tells BEAUTYcrew. "The more hydrated and plumped your skin is, the better your application of foundation will be."

Thankfully, we've already refreshed our skin care routines this spring in preparation. Currently we're loving RAAIE's Cocoon Ceramide Cream ($145 from Sephora); the silky texture and radiant finish looks and feels beautiful under makeup. 

Additionally, Chen champions a 'less is more' approach when it comes to applying base makeup in the warmer months.

"I have found recently that I am using a concealer like Armani Beauty Luminous Silk (usually $77, now on sale for $61.60 at Giorgio Armani) to brighten the areas I need before finishing with a cream bronzer like Tanielle Jai’s (usually $59, now on sale for $50.15 at Tanielle Jai)," she tells us.

The makeup artist also wants you to clear cakey formulas and expired makeup out of your kit.

"We are moving away from heavy foundations, especially during the daytime in warmer months," she explains. "[As well as] anything that is past its use by date — you should be getting a new mascara every three months or so."

As for what's in this season? Well, according to Chen there is nothing more trendy or essential than wearing SPF in spring, but there are also a few key makeup trends and products she thinks you should be investing in.

Ahead, BEAUTYcrew breaks down the top spring makeup trends to know in 2025. 

Luminous skin

"Think: Glossy, hydrated, and dewy serum foundations — and balm for highlighter," muses Chen.

The makeup artist recommends prepping the skin with La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream ($17.99 from Chemist Warehouse), or using it to highlight the high points of the face to achieve the look.

"The Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is a favourite too for making you glow, but keeping your skin looking like skin," she explains.

We also recommend layering on the glow by adding light-catching touches of Chanel's Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in 'Transparent' ($83 from David Jones) to the cheekbones, brow bones, inner corners of the eyes, and the cupid's bow.

Washes of colour

"The flushed sun-kissed wash of colour on cheeks, lips and nose trend is here to stay," Chen tells us.

Her go-to blush products for nailing the look are the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick ($79 from Sephora), if you are looking to really spoil yourself — "[I'm] obsessed and the packaging is so gorgeous".

"Another incredible product is the Huda Beauty Blush Filter (usually $40, now on sale for $32 at Adore Beauty)," she recommends, adding that you can achieve similar results with Nude By Nature Hydra Stick Lip & Cheek Colour (usually $29.95, now on sale for $14.98 at Nude by Nature) too.

Glossy lips

"Dewy, high shine, mirror-like, and reflective lips are back," Chen tells us. "Anything oil-based or infused this spring will be essential."

The makeup artist says that the new YSL Beauty Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss ($72 from Sephora) is incredible, but personally we have our eyes on Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Oil Luminizing Lip Oil 'N Gloss ($42 from Sephora) and Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil ($38 from Charlotte Tilbury). Both boast a slew of lip-loving skin care ingredients and a high glare level of shine. 

Main image credit: @meretmanon

Want to refresh more than your makeup bag this season? These are the spring hair trends and nail trends to know in 2025.