When springtime rolls around, it’s time to step away from neutral hues and move towards bright, blushing tones. Like pink. Pink has been a go-to makeup shade what seems like forever, universal in its femininity and coveted in its fresh-faced, youthful glow.

Once you’ve made the decision to go with pink makeup, the important first step is to find the right shade of pink for your skin tone. Your “perfect” shade should start slowly, with just a hint of pink in the daytime, and a heavier hand at night.

#1 Find your Cheek Shade

So, let’s start with your cheeks. Again, finding the perfect shade of pink that compliments your skin tone is critical. We suggest swatching a range of shades to find the ones you absolutely love.

For fair and light skin, pale pinks work best. Try out pinks that lean more lavender if your skin has cool undertones or peach if your skin’s undertones are a little warmer. For tan and deep skin, bolder shades of pinks provide a more subtle effect, while lighter shades of pink will create a more dramatic look (in contrast to darker skin). Good examples: fuchsia or berry.

Overall, when you’re choosing the right blush, be sure to keep it subtle to avoid overwhelming your face (no one wants to look like a vintage porcelain doll).

Here are a few good choices for pink-toned cheek color:

NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette. This collection of matte and shimmery finishes features eight highly pigmented and buttery-smooth colors that flawlessly suit any skin tone.

Elizabeth Arden Gelato Crush Glow Cheek Tint.  A cool-to-the-touch, lightweight gel blush that instantly creates radiance and adds dimension to cheeks. Easily smoothes over cheekbones.

Clinique Blushing Blush. This silky, fragrance free formula sweeps effortlessly over cheekbones to create a natural look. Fresh, jet-milled color builds and blends beautifully to desired intensity with custom sculpting brush. Long-wearing, color-true. Oil-free.

#2 Add Pink to your Eyelids

Makeup artists recommend (and so do we) staying away from shades that are too red. Apply pink eyeliner on the bottom lash line ONLY if you want to look ill -remember, that kind of pink eye is not a good look.

A good place to start here is to take a look at the color wheel to find pinks that will make your eyes pop! If you’ve got blue eyes, the complementary color is orange, so try a peachier pink. If your eyes are green, a more purple-leaning pink should be your go-to. For brown eyes, we suggest trying a pink with a pearlescent shine to bring out your natural sparkle.

NOTE: using a brown or black eyeliner and mascara will frame your eyes, and provide a contrast between your eyes and lid color.

Good options for pink eyeshadow and liner:

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Matte Eyeshadow Palette. Nine versatile shades, suitable for any occasion. With a velvety smooth texture, triple-milled formula and true-to-pan payoff, your look transitions from business casual to black tie, in no time.

Clinique Lid Pop. This silky, long-wearing eye shadow delivers an instant pop of color for a virtually powderless look. Richly-pigmented shades build and blend easily to desired level of intensity.

theBalm Schwing Liquid Eyeliner. With a uniquely thin and tapered felt-tip applicator, Schwing gives you careful control over subtle strokes and bold lines. Rich, matte-black finish won’t smudge, flake, or take forever to dry.

#3 Put Pink on your Lips

If you’re not sure what shade of lipstick to use, play it safe and try a nude color instead. TIP: apply a gloss if you have thinner lips–this will make them appear plumper.

To add a splash of feminine flair to your every day makeup routine, pink can be perfection. It is, by far, the most popular lip shade, but no doubt about it, it can be quite the task when trying to find your perfect shade.

A well-done pink lip can be very sexy, even chic and fresh. It’s simply all about knowing what shades of pink suit your skin tone best. Most of it stems from understanding the undertone’s in your own complexion, what colors compliment that undertone, and the rest is just preference.

The quickest and easiest way to finding the perfect pink shade for your skin tone?  Take a look at the color of your gums–you’re not suppose to go any lighter. In fact, the color of your gums is suppose to be your ideal pink lipstick shade!

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-On Liquid Lip Color. Intense, smooth, ultra-comfortable color. This is paint with a passion. Saturates lips with 3 boldly seductive finishes: Matte: Paint on long-wearing drama. Vinyl: Paint on shine. Metallic: Paint on dazzle.

And now, you’re in the pink!