After several seasons of neutral make-up, pigment-heavy looks are back and here's how to achieve them

As many of us have sought out small sources of joy to counter the stresses of the past few years, colour therapy has garnered renewed attention. The idea of using colour to evoke feelings of optimism, to feel more energetic—or even to quell anxiety—is appealing in its accessibility. “Red is primal and energising, whereas citrus tones like orange, lime, and yellow are instantly mood-boosting, and can inspire feelings of fun or happiness,” says cognitive coach Alina Rose. Light blue has also been demonstrated to have a calming quality, green can help you reset, and purple can at turns be both calming and invigorating. While colour’s influence on mood is temporary, even a quick dopamine hit can help change your mindset, making a swipe of bright makeup not just trendy but therapeutic.

Vibrant tones needn’t be intimidating, says Donni Davy, lead make-up artist for the HBO series Euphoria, where bold cosmetics reign. There are options for everyone, as “you can have a tiny blue wing with a nude lip or turquoise shadow that extends all the way up to your eyebrows,” Davy adds. Here are more ways to elevate the everyday with a dash of colour.

EYE CANDY

The easiest way to embrace this trend on the eyes is to “start with a pop of bright eyeliner,” says Dior ambassador and make-up artist Sabrina Bedrani, whose clients include Gal Gadot and Sofia Vergara. Sabrina suggests opting for a liner with a felt tip so “you can easily adjust the thickness based on how much pressure you apply.” Other goof-proof strategies: swipe on a tinted mascara or place a blue or green shimmer cream on just the centre of the lids for a flash of calming colour each time you blink. Rose says certain shades of blue and green, in particular, are representative of nature...the forest, sky, and sea. “This is why they are soothing and have a calming effect on our nervous system,” she adds. Ready to fully embrace this trend and go even bolder? Davy recommends applying a saturated eyeshadow close to the lash line, then using a fluffy shadow brush to buff the shade over the eyelid and into the crease.

SWEET CHEEKS

“Orange, red, and coral are flattering cheek colours on almost everyone,” says Bedrina. These juicy hues also impart a sun-kissed look, which can be heightened by topping the blush with highlighter. For another, less conventional tone, opt for purple. From lilac to magenta, this shade provides a surprisingly natural flush. Try a liquid or cream, which is easier to blend than powder.

LOUD MOUTH

Red has been shown to boost our perception of control and power, so it’s no surprise “a red lipstick can instantly make you feel more confident”, says Davy. Other shades that can be empowering include electric pink and fiery orange. To make this look stay put, first outline and fill in your lips with a long-wear liner, then top with a complementary lipstick, gloss, or one of the season’s most popular products: a tinted lip oil