Embrace the joy of experimenting with color.

Makeup, I love it oh so much. I love it because it’s something I use every single day to help make me feel pretty, whether it’s adding color to my lips or achieving the perfect rosy cheek, rarely do I leave home without putting at least a little bit of makeup on.

Last week I had the opportunity to chat with Dolce&Gabbana’s National Makeup Artist, Christian McCulloch about their new Spring Color Collection. Christian is known for his keen eye in designing chic and sophisticated beauty looks for celebrities and major publications. He has recently worked with: Scarlett Johansson, Camila Alves, Kate Bosworth, Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Olivia Wilde and publications such as: Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Marie Claire.

Can you share some of the inspiration behind all the beautiful bright colors in Dolce&Gabanna’s new Spring Color Collection?

I love this fresh new collection made up of soft, pastel, cool neutrals punctuated by vivid pops of color. The bright colors are inspired by the colors found in nature in Sicily during the spring season, especially the fresh, bright shades like Bouganville and Raspberry.

With this palette inspiring you to pick a focal point, eyes or lips, is there an occasion where you think emphasizing each are most appropriate? 

Yes. I always think of the smoky, intense eye for night, and the bold lip for a daytime look. But hey, rules were meant to be broken….

Do you have any tips you can share for maintaining healthy glowing skin?

Put in the extra 10 minutes for a thorough routine including cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Your skin will thank you! Give it a little “TLC” and try to get that beauty sleep.

What would you say to someone who might be a little hesitant to be bold with color?

There is a bold for you that will be flattering and give you a new look! It’s simply a matter of trial and error and a little courage to break a habit, or just an old look.

Tips/tricks for keeping lipstick looking fresh all day long?

Dolce&Gabbana Lipsticks have this incredible blend of long-wear hydration and are packed with pigment for long lasting color; it goes the distance without getting dry chapped lips. Use one of the Dolce&Gabbana Precision Lip Liners to define the edges and of course the entire lip, if you like an even more long-lasting or more precise, fuller lip shape.

I played with some of the pieces from the new spring palette and must say they were a lot of fun to try on and experiment with. The Luminous Blush in Raspberry is certainly packed with color, as you can see on my hand a little bit goes a long way. It just takes one soft sweep of my blush brush to have soft rosy cheeks.

I am a big fan of Dolce&Gabbana’s lipsticks. Color stays nicely and evenly all day, it glides on like butter and feels really nice on your lips. The trick I learned about applying their lipstick is this, apply an even layer on both lips, blot with a tissue and then add on a second layer. I’m telling you it works! This Cream Lipstick in Sugar Pink, kept my lips on the neutral side of things because I chose to make my eyes and cheeks the focal points.

The eyeshadow quad I’ll admit was a little intimidating at first, only because I’m one of those people who’s afraid of color on my eyes. After giving each color a try though, I loved it! The colors are very pigmented so like the blush, a little goes a long way. The dark charcoal color on the bottom left was great to use as eyeliner and for a smokey eye, the yellow gave a burst of color to my eyes that I think really made them pop.

Be sure to visit Nordstrom Bellevue this Friday and Saturday (3/20-21)for your chance to experience Dolce&Gabbana’s new Spring Color Collection for yourself as a part of Nordstrom’s Trend Show Event. Note, with your purchase of $125 or more you’ll receive a special Dolce&Gabbana Beauty make up pouch, mini pot foundation, mini lipstick and mini mascara.