Spring Makeup 101: How To Nail The Seasonal Glow

Craving a seasonal makeover? Now’s the time to banish winter-worn skin in favour of a radiant springtime glow – and we’ve got just the person to get you on track. Élodie Carpentier, co-founder of Le Rouge Français, shares her top spring makeup tips for 2025.

How To Shake Up Your Makeup Routine For Spring

Spring has finally sprung – how do seasonal changes impact our skin at this time of year?

Spring is a time of renewal – and our skin does feel the shift! After months of cold weather, it can feel drier, dull and in need of a reset. With rising temperatures and increased sun exposure, our skin craves hydration, protection and a boost of radiance. This is the perfect moment to embrace lighter, nourishing formulations enriched with vegetal ingredients.

Any tips for prepping our skin for the change in season?

First of all, exfoliate to reveal fresh skin. Winter can leave behind a layer of dull, dry skin, so gentle exfoliation is key.

Hydration is also essential to restore and maintain moisture. As temperatures rise, thick winter creams can feel too heavy on the skin. Switch to lighter, breathable formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin firm, fresh and radiant.

And what does the transition from winter to spring makeup look like?

Spring makeup is all about fresh, radiant skin and lightweight textures. As we move away from heavier winter textures, we embrace sheer, luminous finishes and vibrant yet soft colours. Some of the core pillars of a spring makeup look include:

• A Natural & Luminous Base: Use a lightweight foundation to even out your complexion while maintaining a fresh, natural glow.
• Soft, Rosy Tones: Replace deep, dark lip colours with softer tones and glossy finishes. Opt for delicate pink cream blushes that enhance your skin’s natural tone, creating a healthy, youthful glow.
• Light Lip Tints: For an effortless, luminous finish, tinted lip balms are the perfect choice. They add just the right amount of warmth and freshness, keeping your look soft, dewy, and naturally radiant.
• Softer Eye Makeup: Swap bold winter makeup for a softer look using a black eye pencil, gently smudging it along the lash line for a more natural definition. Finish with a lengthening mascara to enhance the lashes without adding too much weight, keeping the eyes fresh and effortless.

How do plant-based products improve a springtime glow?

Plant-based products are key for achieving a springtime glow, as they deeply nourish and hydrate the skin with natural ingredients.

In the case of Le Rouge Français, we are talking about ‘tinted care’ formulas that go beyond just colour. With our Medusa Brow & Lash Care wand, for example, clover and mung bean extracts help stimulate lash growth, while Roman chamomile floral water provides soothing properties. Additionally, the chestnut pigment in our complexion line not only gives colour, but is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins B, C and E. Our formulas are pure, lightweight, and perfectly adapted for the season, giving you a naturally luminous finish (without any controversial ingredients like titanium dioxide or petrochemicals).

Are there any makeup trends you predict will be big this spring?

• Dewy, Glowy Skin: Fresh, hydrated skin with a glass-like finish will continue to dominate.
• Bold Blush: Draped blush and vibrant pinks or corals applied high on the cheeks for a lifted effect.
• Glossy Lips: Juicy and high-shine lips in pink, peach, and nude shades will make a comeback.

What about specific colours?

To go along with the fresh and natural look, I would say soft and pastel colours like pearly pink, ribbon pink, coral and orange.

How can different skin tones take on these spring hues?

Every skin tone can enhance its natural beauty by choosing shades that complement its undertones. Soft pastels, warm corals and vibrant hues can all be tailored to bring out the best in each complexion. For example, fair skin glows with pearly pink or baby peach, medium skin tones shine in ribbon pink or golden champagne, and deep skin pops with bold coral or rich berry tones.

Can you talk us through the steps of creating an everyday spring makeup look?

1. Prep & Exfoliation – aka, ‘The Glowing Canvas’

First, exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub. Le Rouge Français’ Apollon uses a salt-based formula to gently remove skin residues and prevent lips from drying out. Your soft and smooth lips will regain their suppleness.

Next, hydrate them by applying a multipurpose balm; try our Achille or Nordgrøn lip balm, enriched with probiotics and hyaluronic acid for moisture and nourishment.

2. Natural & Luminous Base

Use a liquid foundation to create a glowing base. Our line of liquid foundations is enriched with probiotics, hyaluronic acid and chestnut pigments, featuring a unique water-in-oil texture that melts instantly into the skin. It delivers a second-skin effect, leaving your complexion satin-smooth, even and naturally radiant.

3. Blush Glow & Glass Skin

The Cream Blush Cléopâtre is your go-to for embracing the bold blush trend. Apply it onto the apples of your cheeks with your fingers or a kabuki brush, blending softly upward for a lifted, natural flush.

To get a glass skin effect, apply Pasiphae lip oil on the high points of the cheekbones for a dewy, reflective finish. For a more subtle and nuanced finish, use a powder blush to add a touch of radiance while structuring your face.

4. Soft Eye Makeup

Lightly define the eyes with an eye pencil for a soft, blended effect. Draw a small line along the upper lash line, then gently smudge it for a smoky look. Finish with Mascara Le Noir Cassiopée to enhance and structure the lashes, creating a lifted, natural definition.

5. Fresh Nude Lips

Choose a light lipstick with delicate rose pigments for a fresh, spring-perfect lip – I’d recommend Astera or Neïtsabes. You can then blot for a soft, blurred effect, or layer for a more polished look.

6. Final Touches – Set & Enhance

Lightly set shine-prone areas – like the T-zone – while keeping the rest of your skin luminous. You can use a pressed powder to set makeup, improve wear and mattify.

What’s in your on-the-go makeup bag this season?

For a quick and effortless touch-up, I always have my blush cream to keep me looking fresh and glowing throughout the day. When I want to switch from red to a softer lip, I reach for our upcoming launch – but that’s a secret I will keep under wraps for now.

About The Expert

Élodie Carpentier is the co-founder of Le Rouge Français. Carpentier created LE ROUGE FRANÇAIS five years ago while pregnant with her daughter June. During that time, she became more conscious of what she was eating and what she was applying to her skin. As a biotech engineer passionate about botanicals, she naturally felt it was her duty to develop a formulation free from controversial ingredients.

In 2020, along with her husband Salem Ghezaili, she developed a patented innovation, replacing petrochemical pigments with colour extracted from plants and their exceptional biological properties. With this unique expertise, Le Rouge Français offers a makeup collection that respects biodiversity and women’s health, featuring vegan, organic certified products crafted in Paris.

Now expanding globally and recognised with prestigious international awards, the brand is present in department stores, niche perfumeries, spas, hotels and palaces, offering an exclusive experience that blends excellence with natural beauty. lerougefrancais.com

Images courtesy of Le Rouge Français