Rainbow Tropics: A New Spring Trend in Japan

As the weather warms in Tokyo, Japan, I notice that people are doing away with their black overcoats and boots. Good! Ifm sick of shuffling about in a cloud of darkness and each morning I dread the onerous task of picking out my wardrobe that orbited around the same colors: black, grey, charcoal, dull, dull, dull. I am ready for some warm weather!

Of course, the warmth is nothing like in the tropics, but, as I believe in, if you canft go to the tropics, then bring the tropics to you! And nothing says gtropicalh like fuchsias, teals, parrot green, ocean blues, oranges and brilliant yellows. Teal is such a flattering color for all eye colors and can make brown eyes look especially exotic. Wear teal liner and gold eyeshadow for a look that looks paradise-worthy! Right now, I love bright tangerine and orange-red on my nails and I feel so happy every time I catch sight of my good-enough-to-eat manicure.

Play with fuchsia. I love fuchsia lips and nails. Fuchsia and pinks on the eyes are for the intrepid, and if you do feel like it, then let me warn you: done wrong, it makes you look ill, or as if youfre battling an addiction to drugs. Done right, however, it can make hazel or green eyes stand out like no other color.

In order to wear pink on your eyes, consider your skin tone. Are you warm-toned or cool-toned? If you have gold or yellow tones in your skin (or check your wrist to see if you have green veins), then I would recommend a vibrant magenta liner. Keep your eyeshadow neutral (ivory or cream) and if you want to add an unexpected twist, put some white-gold highlighter on your browbone. And if you really want to bring out the green in your eyes, put some light gold-green eyeshadow in the middle of your top and bottom lids. Donft forget to finish it off with brown-black mascara.

If you have blue or pink tones in your skin (blue veins in your inner wrist), choose wisely. I would go with a soft iris or lavender on your lids, and wear either grey or soft-black liner. What is especially popular in Japan is using la-me or glitter along the rim of onefs eyes. I would recommend using some soft teal glitter over your liner for some great fun. I love the combination of teal and fuchsia (in small doses).

Whatever you do, play with your colors and explore the possibilities in color combinations. Whatever you choose, I swear it will help you make the transition from being trapped by winterfs solemnity to being liberated by springfs eternal playfulness.