The holidays have come and gone (thank the gods!), thrusting us well into the blustery bitterness of winter…and we all know what that means – the spring and summer beauty forecast is in full bloom! While it seems a lot of the same ol’, same ol’ is being paraded around on all the major runways, I managed to find five makeup trends for spring and summer that I would really like to see more of – on, and off, the catwalk.

1. The subtle, smoky eye – in living color!

The smoky eye has been a long-standing winter makeup staple, but I’m super excited to see it cleaned up, pared down and bursting with color for spring. The traditional black or charcoal liner, smudged to smoldering perfection is turning down the intensity just a skosh to make room for vibrant, jewel-toned colors like turquoise and emerald.

How to wear it: The brighter the color you choose for your lids, the bolder the statement will be, so if you’re not fully comfortable with neon peepers, try a more subtle shade for your lid or go for less contrast by using a dusky grey instead of stark black for contrast. Keep lips and cheeks sheer, nude and soft.

Stilla Smoky Eye Talking Palette in The Emeralds (It actually walks you through application – verbally!)

2. “Faux” metallics -- shimmery shades that mimic metal

The metallic look was hot this last winter and the previous winter, but again has been toned down slightly for spring. Instead of high intensity shine silver and gleaming gold, think slightly altered shades that rely on super shimmer as opposed to an all-out glitter or foil effect.

How to wear it: Cool skin tones will do better with silver and platinum shades, while warmer skin tones will do better with gold and copper. But, avoid going straight to the vein – cool tones should be slightly lavender or blue tinged, while warms should be a little more pinky or yellow.

NARS NightLife eyeshadow in NightRider or Shimmer in Silent Night

Sephora Strass in Strass No. 8, Strass No. 11, Strass No. 17 or Strass No. 18

3. Luxe lashes – faux goes flamboyant

False lashes have been “in” for a while now, but this spring they really branch out into new lengths and dynamic design. Forget the “itty bitty” natural lashes of 2008 – far out and funky is the thing for spring.

How to wear it: From feathers to leather, big, bold lashes like these need a subtle eye – or else you defeat the purpose. A little Hollywood Glamour (nude colors, strong cat eye liner on the top lid) is about as far as you want to go. Personally, I like a bold lip with this for balance, but a nude lip works as well.

4. Blushing cheeks – orgasmic glow, blush optional

Spring has always been about the fresh, innocent face, but I love seeing the natural, orgasmic glow coming into the spotlight. No matter your skin tone, the “Just ‘You-Know-What’” look is so much more flattering than a stripe of hot pink or candy apple red on your cheeks. Yes, we want flushed cheeks because our primal wiring tells us that a healthy glow is the way to attract a mate by proving virility and health through rosy apples – but few men find blush that mirrors Raggedy Ann or a Geisha to signal sensuality.

How to wear it: If you want to play up cheeks, keep eyes simple and lips soft and sultry. High gloss on the lips, in a sheer or shimmery shade is just the trick. And, make sure skin is immaculate – whether you were naturally blessed or need to slather on six coats of foundation, blemishes will surely draw attention away from your rosy glow.

5. Violet lips – More Popsicle, less matte

Last spring, violet lips were all the rage on runways, but it was more about mattes and semi-mattes than high shine. This year, purple is more Popsicle – sheer, shimmery and glossy. Anyone can wear violet on the lips…the easiest way to try a violet lip look is to keep one rule in mind – the darker your complexion, the darker you want your gloss -- unless you're not afraid to be blatently bold -- then, all bets are off!

How to wear it: A fresh face is the most common way to sport this style, but in my opinion, I’d like to see it with more corals on the cheeks and silver/platinum on the eyes. You decide!

It may still be cold outside but these beauty trends are sure to warm up any high couture event! Easily transferable from daytime to bedtime, mild to wild, you’re sure to be at the cutting edge of the beauty revolution this spring with some of these (slightly more risky, but oh-so-rewarding) makeup trends.

*Photos from ellemagazine.com, bellasugar.com, make-up.becomegorgeous.com, madisonmag.com.au, myopera.com