A shift in seasons means a shift in beauty trends infiltrating the fashion world. The runway has started to show us bits and pieces of the styles on the horizon as spring swings in ever-so-powerfully. Spring is the prime time to take advantage of change and bring in new statement pieces and innovative ideas.
Subtle beauty trends are fun to incorporate in our daily style for a multitude of reasons, but mainly to upscale your outfits. Meticulously selecting a top to match a pair of pants is often a distraction from elevating our wardrobe with something as simple as the use of lip gloss.
Past seasons can be good inspiration for incoming creativities, so it is time to enhance the looks we know and love from 2023. Spring is in the air and we want to embody the feeling of warmth, growth and newfound innovation. Use the following beauty trends and hacks to create your own courageous look for the Spring 2024 season.
Red Lip
Bold. Bright. Brilliant. Traditional red lipstick will never outgrow its reliability to ensure a look of daring elegance. It guarantees an empowering style, transforming any outfit into a show stopper. A solid red lip always impresses. When you wear it, you own it. Adding a pop of red never hurt anybody. Some runway-recommended brands are Chanel Rouge Allure L’Extrait High Intensity Lip Color (for a vivid and vibrant red), Illia Color Block Lipstick in Tango (for a taste of satin) and even an affordable drugstore purchase from Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Exhilatrator. Whatever feels right to you, this conventional makeup technique will have others looking your way.
Colorful Nails
I always feel a bit more confident with a solid, freshly-done manicure. Choosing which color to fill my acrylics with, however, is a whole separate story. In 2023, minimalism seemed to be the overarching play. From French Revolutions, to a solid neutral paint, the trend was to go simple and sophisticated. Now, a couple months into 2024, it is time to reinvent these basic choices and focus on vibrance. Rich colors are taking over, and the runway is inspiring its viewers with an overload of suggestions, namely primary colors and new metallics. Brightly-shaded primary colors are an easy route to a bold look. Metallic nails open up so many new possibilities, adding a little extra shimmer to your everyday.
Slicked-back hair
This hairstyle is the easiest trend to transform oily hair into a fresh, chic look. This is an extremely versatile style and looks glamorous paired with any outfit. Especially on days where your hair needs a wash, the best recommendation I can give is to add hair oil, a bit of gel and brush it back into a tight ponytail. To take care of your luscious locks, I have some hair oil suggestions, including Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for thicker hair, Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil for damaged hair, Act+Acre COld Processed Scalp Detox for pre-wash and a personal favorite, the Global Keratin Hair Smoothing Serum for strength and shine. You are guaranteed to look cute and clean.
Spidery Eyelashes
Eyelash-care has become a prominent part of any self-care routine. Based on recent runway looks, it seems as though long, dramatic lashes have become a staple feature. I always add a bit of mascara in the morning before class because I believe it creates a pronounced effect, finishing any outfit. Having a stellar mascara in your makeup drawer is crucial and with some suggestions, your lashes will be popping in no time. Chanel’s Le Volume de Chanel voluminous mascara never fails. Some other effective options are Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara for the drama of the spidery lash, and for a classic and reliable choice, Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara.
Less is More
All natural makeup looks are bombarding my Instagram reels, and I am not mad about it. Beauty trends are not always about the makeup products, but about how to use these items. I have always been a supporter of the “less is more” makeup philosophy because it shows off every individuals’ natural beauty. This trend is best in the warm seasons where your skin is already fueled by the crisp kiss of the sun. Light layers are the way to go. This includes essential oils, lip tint, tinted moisturizer and glowing blush. From Charlotte Tilbury to Dior, almost any brand can help you achieve a subtle tint.
Short Hair
From pixie cuts to bobs to curtain bangs, the current spike in hair trends have all pointed towards a lengthy chop. Everywhere I turn, I see people sporting a short hairstyle that has me tempted to run to my nearest salon and do the same. The 1920s pixie cut, a bit of a surprising reuptake, has made a strong return nonetheless. Halle Berry, Winona Ryder and Toni Braxton have successfully executed this hairstyle that continues to live on years later. The 90s bob and viral curtain bangs are also experiencing some increased recognition as spring commences.
Smudged Eyeshadow
As the runway likes to call it: “easy drama.” This smudged makeup look has caught everyone’s eye this year. Black eyeliner with a smudged black eyeshadow is an effective method in drawing attention to natural eye color, while also exuding a retro fashion. This may not be an everyday walking-to-class eye routine, but is more so a look for dinner time or nightlife. Some favorite products to indulge in are the Surratt Beauty Smokey Eye Baton eye pencil, Victoria Beckham brightening pencil and Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes eyeshadow palette.
