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Think Pink

La vie en rose By Diana Rupp Makeup is moving away from the hard-edged vamp glamour of metallics and deep garnets. The word from the runways this spring is pink--from soft opalescence to the flamboyance of brilliant bougainvillea. The color conjures girlie femininity, but the trend is to explore the whole vibrant spectrum in a bold, monochromatic look. "We're calling it the Tango look," says Kierna Schulz, assistant creative director for Stila. "For Cynthia Rowley's spring show we used pink eye rouge, a new product which can be worn on both eyes and cheeks, Cynthia lip color [neutral, fleshy pink] and All Over Shimmer as a highlight along the cheekbone to give the face a pretty, dewy glow." Stila counter manager Kim Preston sees the trend as retro '80s, as well as a complement to the breezy, transparent fabrics being used by top designers. "We're seeing a return of soft pinks and fuchsias, on the eyes, lips and cheeks. Pastels are big. Spring will be fun for people who love color." To achieve the look of the moment, grab an all-in-one tube of Stila's All Over Shimmer ($28, available at Nordstrom's). This must-have product's strength is its versatility: it can be used on the entire face for varying effects--to illuminate or add sheen to the skin without sparkle or to give cheeks a blooming, sensual blush without ever feeling heavy or oily. Available in six "star" formulas. The hottest are called champagne, rose and, of course, pink. [ San Francisco | MetroActive Central | Archives ]