Give yourself a little lift with these simple yet satisfying instant hair and fashion makeovers.
The makeup color of the moment is a bright, juicy shade of orange, says Molly R. Stern, a CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist. Try it on your lips with CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Fire, $7.50, or Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Coral, $9.
Bring base layers (like pretty tees and sparkly tanks) out of hiding by wearing them over a fine-knit top or a fitted button-down. “Spring Heritage” sequin top, Banana Republic, $98. Long-sleeved tee, Uniqlo, $16.
3. Frizz-free at last
Curly girls, get the best of both worlds: Keep your spirals, but also get sleek, straight strands without being a slave to the blow-dryer. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola ($300 and up, depending on location) is an in-salon smoothing treatment that leaves hair silkier, shinier, and easier to straighten for three to five months — without the dangerous fumes of similar treatments.
Nails are losing their edge and taking on a feminine look. The nail shape to have? A rounded oval on short- to medium-length nails, says Jan Arnold, CND’s trend expert. On nails, CND Colour in Sweet, $9.
Try this new wave: Somewhere between a curl and a crimp are what the pros are calling goddess waves. Get them with a triple-barrel curling iron such as Gold ‘N Hot Triple Barrel Waver, $30 (it works similarly to a crimping iron), says Pepper Pastor, a New York City-based salon owner. Or, for an easy cheat, put damp hair in one large braid before bed and unravel it in the morning.
6. Sculpt your cheeks
Sharp cheekbones (think Cate Blanchett) create an Old Hollywood glamour. Apply blush on top of your cheekbones — instead of on the apples of your cheeks — to make cheekbones look higher and less round, explains Erin McCarthy, manager of education for Make Up For Ever.
Pick your favorite hue, then dress head-to-toe in every shade of it for a totally modern play on color. “Simply V” cardigan, $45, and fitted pencil skirt, $60, both The Limited. “Florentine Silk” top, Dimri, $30. “Coast” print satin pump, Christian Siriano for Payless, $35.
She made the silk square a classic; you make it cool again. Here, we rolled it up on the diagonal and tied the corners together for a low-slung look. Silk scarf, The Vera Company, $88. Convertible trench, I ♥ Ronson for JCPenney, $60. Cotton cashmere cardigan, $40, and tee shirt, $16, both Uniqlo.
9. Find a sexy new scent
Rethink the way you shop for fragrance — and head to the men’s counters. Green, aquatic, and minty notes have feminine appeal but are more likely to appear in a scent marketed to men, explains Drom Fragrances’ perfumer Pierre-Constantin Gueros. We’re loving these fresh men’s scents: Derek Jeter Driven Sport, $23 for 2.5 oz, and Nautica Oceans, $49 for 1.7 oz.
10. Work the chain gang
Fasten abandoned chain bracelets from the back of your jewelry box together to make an amazing one-of-a-kind necklace. Chain bracelets, Delicate Raymond Jewelry, $40 to $98 each. Silk top, Ann Taylor, $68.
11. Make your haircut work harder
Has your bob stopped bobbing? Refresh an out-of-shape ‘do with haircut-specific stylers. Polymer technologies get hair strands to repel one another for flipped-out ends, or lie flat for sleek looks. (Try HerCut Haircare for Your Haircut products for the bob, shag, blunt cut, long layers, and pixie; Revolution In Cut by Ric Pipino for the bob, layered bob, crop, short layer, long layer, and blunt cuts; and Sally Hershberger Luxe Layers.)
Consider this a double update: Oxford flats plus little socks equals the season’s cutest, comfiest treat for your feet. “Henley” oxford flats, Franco Sarto, $79. “Relaxed Roll Top” socks, K. Bell, $5. Drop hem vest, Fluxus, $69. “Kickback” racer tank, Enza Costa Rogue, $115. Striped denim pants, Tibi, $198.
