COLUMN: Beating winter away with style
While we are still living in the winter wonderland that is Logan, spring is in full swing in the fashion world. The spring/summer runway shows have passed, new trends have hit fashion retailers and uncooperative weather has left those bit by the “spring-fashion bug” feeling a bit anxious.
In an attempt to get rid of the fashion winter blues, you could try wearing a fun and flirty summer dress, but frostbite doesn’t look good on anyone. Instead, appease your spring fashion fever by experimenting with the season’s hair and make-up trends. By the time spring rolls around you’ll be a pro at bright eyes and messy braids, and your frostbite-free limbs will look great in the season’s new styles.
Spring/summer shows were all about daring makeup and hairstyles that turn heads. Hair-stylists and make-up artists played with styles from previous years and added innovative twists and details to update the looks and make them stand out.
Hair Trends
• Add a twist to your chignon: The runways were full of ballerina-inspired do’s that were a little rock-n-roll. Chignons were worn up high and down low. The twist? Make them a little messy! Add a little shine spritz to the hair. Once in place, rough it up a little to give hair texture.
This hair trend is a great way to disguise pesky flyaways and perfect for busy summer days.
Loose, messy braids were also big. Grab uneven sections of hair, braid, and then run your hand though it to add texture.
• Slick it back: The best part about this trend is that it will help tame frizz and flyaways, and it’s a fast and easy way to style your hair after going to the pool or lake.
Apply a little product to your crown and comb the top and sides back. Keep your ponytail dry and if you’re feeling daring add some texture to it.
Hair gel tends to bring horrible ‘80s flashbacks. However, gel has made a big improvement since then. Now you can find gels that provide hold, without the “crunch.” Not your cup of tea? Try a styling cream. They are a great alternative to create slicked back styles.
• Supersize it: Say good-bye to your straightener and curling iron. Whether its big hair or messy, natural waves, no-fuss hair is in.
For big hair, start by giving your roots some boost. Spritz volumizer on damp hair and blow-dry it. Pay attention to roots by brushing up while you dry it.
For messy waves, add some mousse to damp hair and let your hair do its thing. Once its dry add some shine spritz
Pin-straight hair? Create waves by adding mousse to damp hair and braiding hair into loose, messy braids.
Make-up Trends
• Crayon-inspired shades: Bright eyeliner ruled the runways this year. Give boring brown and black eyeliner time off and brighten up your lash line with a swipe of sunny yellow or electric blue.
Before applying, coat lids with a thin layer of concealer and powder. Save your eye creams for bedtime to avoid creasing.
For super bold eyes, try eye crayons, which are thicker than regular eye pencils. You can also try liquid eyeliners in bright shades and apply to eyes in bold, broad strokes, instead of thin lines.
To avoid excess, pair bright eyes with nude lips and muted cheeks which will keep the spotlight on your eyes.
• Try a matte pout: Last spring’s matte lips joined forces with fall’s bright kissers to create a fresh take on matte lips. Matte corals, pinks, tangerines and reds create a playful look and were seen at a number of shows.
The best part? Matte finishes tend to stay on longer than lipsticks with glossy finishes. Not a fan of lipstick? Try a lip stain instead. It’s lightweight and lasts much longer than a lipstick.
Bright colors accentuate cracked lips, so before applying color, exfoliate and dab a little lip balm to avoid lines. Using a little lip liner is also a good idea, since its easier to see mistakes and crooked lines with bright colors.
Always pair bold lips with natural eye makeup and muted cheeks.
• Get cheeky: Cheeks finally got a little attention on this season’s runways. From intense pink cheeks to a healthy golden glow, colored and defined cheeks are back in the spotlight.
Always use a large brush to apply bronzer or blush to cheeks. This will help distribute color without making you look like a living doll.
Pair pink cheeks with nude lips and soft eye makeup. Golden and bronze cheeks look great with bold eye-makeup.
• Let your nails go nude: With so much color being used, neutral nails are a breath of fresh air and help tone down all the brightness. Nude polish also makes hands look long and slim.
Can’t let your nails go completely nude? Try a French manicure with a twist. Add thin, bright stripes to neutral nails instead of the classic white.
You can also add some color by applying thin, vertical lines to the center of your nails.
It may be a while before it actually feels like spring, but beach-inspired hair, bright eyes and summer shades are surefire way to help morale and get ready for warm weather. The fashion forecast for this spring and summer? Bright and fun.
– jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu