Pastels are popping up everywhere -- on girly frocks and accessories, and on makeup palettes, too. At the Rebecca Taylor Spring Summer 2012 show, washes of soft-hued shadows prettify eyes and exude a kind of romantic charm. Here's how to master the trend with these backstage tricks:

1

Opt for cream shadow

For a fluid, "watery color" effect, Rebecca Taylor's makeup artist Sil Bruinsma for M.A.C. used cream shadows in either dove gray, sea foam green, teal or yellow.

2

Less is more

The key to acing this look is to keep it simple. A soft wash of one color over the lid blended thoroughly to diffuse, and you're done. Follow Bruinsma's lead and leave out the heavy liner for a modern look.

3

Choose pastels that flatter

Colors to try: Turquoise, lavender and soft pink -- they're flattering on every skin tone!

4

Balance it out

Bruinsma kept the focus on the eyes by keeping the rest of the face bare, with just a hint of rosy color on the cheeks and lips.