Trends come and trends go and this season you don’t want to be caught in public looking like last year (or worse, last … decade). While we think it’s cool to follow some trends, there are some timeless beauty rules that will get you through every season looking classy, no matter what coast you live on (or plain in between).
Beauty Do #1: Goodbye Helmet Head
No matter the trends, the less done your hair looks, the fresher you’ll look. If you curl your hair, finger comb out the curls ala ’50s pinups. If you opt for a bun on the back of the head, set it at the nape of the neck and let it get messy. If you’re off to a formal event, spend more time on your makeup and accessories and leave hair loose and sexy. Remember: Fancy, hair-sprayed ‘dos are terribly matronly and best left to your grandmother’s set.
Beauty Do #2: Contrasting eyes and mouth
Play up your eyes or your mouth, never both or you risk looking like a clown. Nude lips and smokey eyes are a great look. Or try red lips and light eyes (mascara and face powder only).
Beauty Do #3: Apply sunscreen every day no matter the weather
You’ve heard this preached enough, but it’s true. If you get into the habit of sunscreen application daily, you will thank yourself when you’re older and relatively lineless.
Can’t bother with too many lotions and potions? Consider a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. If you can’t stand looking pale, brush on a bronzer. At least it doesn’t smell like fake tanners.
Beauty Do #4: Layer fragrances and lipsticks
Sophisticated women know how to properly layer fragrances to create their own signature blends. How to do it? Take your favorite scent and layer a new one atop it. Try out several versions until you find your favorite blend.
According to French Elle, the safest way to blend is via citrus notes, which can be layered with floral, woodsy and amber-y fragrances.
You can do the same with lipsticks. Create your own shades with mattes and glosses. If you don’t like a shade, don’t throw it out, perfect one with other colors in your beauty drawer.
Beauty Do #5: Moisturize after every shower
Skin left un moisturized will itch, and itching (especially done when you’re not paying complete attention) can cause scabs, which in turn can scar. In the shower, make sure you exfoliate your body thoroughly with a body scrub (see my list of the best body scrubs) or washable loofah gloves. When you get out and dry off, slather on the moisturizer. See a list of my favorite moisturizers.
