Blossoming into colorful beauty for the spring.

(From The Korea Herald)

By Hwang You-mee Despite the dusting of snow that covered the streets in Seoul last week, spring is signaling a breezy comeback. Shorter, lighter clothes are appearing in shop windows, with pastel colors slowly inching their way back into the wardrobes and thawed out faces of women. This spring, cosmetics companies are spelling out colors in bold letters.

Christian Dior has revived the chic, mysterious black-and-white beauty of Marlene Dietrich (John Galliano's inspiration for this season's ready-to-wear) into a vividly colored screen. "It's a radically sexy and luxurious chic look with a 'girly' spirit," said Mok Jin-young of Christian Dior Korea. It matches natural colors against artificial colors: pink with neutral, sun-washed earth and blue with tender 'fruity' mauve. As demonstrated by its ready-to-wear and haute couture range, Dior goes for spectacular effects, urging women to "indulge without moderation." The Addicted Ultra Shine lipstick is sheer, shiny and comes in four pastel colors and eye shadows come with pearl powders.

While Dior addicts pack for a journey into paradise, Yves Saint Laurent's sexy paragons are headed for exotic islands. "It's a glamour-meets-exotic look that comes in a collection of sensual, tropical colors," explained Jennifer Kim of YSL Beaute Korea. Vibrant colors, however, require a clean canvas, which translates into a clear, even complexion. "First enhance the complexion with foundation such as Teint De Jour and add instant radiance with a concealer. Ombre Vibration Duo eye shadow in peacock blue illuminates the eyelids and arch of the eyebrow while the violet Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara intensifies the look," said Kim.

Estee Lauder presents natural colors with its Pure Delight spring make-up collection, more appropriate for ...