There is something undeniably electric about summertime. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and suddenly, neutral makeup feels so out of season. When the world becomes so bright and vibrant beneath endless blue skies, it invites us to be more playful with our style too!
If you’ve been sticking to neutrals and tans, then this is your sign to dive into the deep end of the colour pool. Beyond simply looking striking in holiday snaps, embracing a rainbow of hues has some serious science-backed perks for our wellbeing too. From dopamine-glam to the ritual of self expression, let’s take a closer look at why bright makeup is the best fashion accessory that you can wear this season…
The Dopamine Dressing Of Beauty
You may have heard of dopamine dressing before, which is the idea that wearing certain colours which trigger a release of feel-good chemicals in our brain. Well, the very same theory applies to our faces too!
You see, colours aren’t just pretty, they’re psychological triggers. Bright yellows and oranges can stimulate optimism and energy, while bold blues and greens can help us to feel more grounded and calm. When we swipe on a vibrant shade of eyeshadow, we’re not just changing our look but setting an intention for our mood.
We all know that life can get pretty serious at times, and so taking ten minutes to play with a bright teal liner or a sunset-orange shimmer is a form of creative play for adults. It instantly pulls us into the present moment, which is excellent for mindfulness, and reminds us that beauty doesn’t have to be a chore, as it can be an adventure too.
There’s also a specific kind of main character energy that comes with wearing a colour that stands out and signals that you’re not afraid to be seen!
Summer Adventures Call For A Brighter Palette
Summer is excitingly the season for events, festivals, outdoor weddings, rooftop drinks and balmy beach days. These are the moments where too much can actually be just right. Whether you’re matching your eyeshadow to a tropical sunset, or contrasting a neon wing with a simple white linen dress, colour is the bridge between our outfit and the vibrant energy of the season.
I am absolutely guilty of sticking to neutral shades of sand and bronze all year, because it’s quick and easy, goes with everything and is a uniformed and clean look for every event that requires a little polish and thought. But when i wear colour, a pink blush instead of bronze, a peach lip instead of clear gloss, and a blue mascara instead of brown, an excited energy naturally sparks from within. It’s so much more uplifting to add colour!
Introducing The W7 Mardi Gras Palette
If you’re looking for a way to jump into this colourful world without breaking the bank, then the W7 Mardi Gras Express Yourself Palette may be just the zing that your makeup bag has been crying out for. Calling it a palette feels like an understatement, as it’s more like a complete toolkit for your imagination with a staggering 40 pressed pigments to choose from.
There is literally every shade of the rainbow, from forest greens to royal blues and zesty limes. Featuring 31 mattes that perfect for that seamless, blown-out colourful creases, 6 shimmers, and 3 metallics for when you want that extra pop on the centre of the lid, I love how exciting and inviting each pigment feels.
W7 has really stepped up their game here, as these aren’t wishy-washy colours that disappear once you blend them, but super-pigmented and designed to stay vibrant all day or night at a festival. It’s also consciously vegan-friendly and paraben-free, which is a must for me.
This beautiful palette provides professional-level variety for a fraction of the price of high-end carnival palettes, making it the perfect excuse to experiment and try something new.
If like me, you’re not an expert when it comes to makeup, and choosing from 40 colours feels a little intimidating, don’t worry. You don’t have to go full Mardi Gras on day one. Keeping your face neutral but adding a tiny bit of colour, perhaps with a bright shimmer to the inner corner of your eyes is a wonderful way to start small.
You can also use a damp angled brush with one of their matte blues or greens from the palette to create a soft liner for a colourful wing instead of classic black. And if you choose to keep the lid simple, you can add a smudge a bright pink or purple along your lower lash line for a subtle, sassy look.
This summer, let’s ditch the rules and lean into what makes us feel joyful. Grab a brush, find a colour that speaks to you, and express yourself; life is too short for boring makeup and old habits!
