Spring has finally come to Chicago and green leaves and peonies abound. Which means it’s time to jump into the season with a fresh new look.
We’re not talking about week-to-week hair color changes like you see in Hollywood, merely a few small changes to perk you up. So if you’ve always worn clean nail polish and black mascara, we’ve got some fresh ideas to try.
If you’ve always done matte, add a little shimmer. It’s a trend you’re seeing in all of the magazines, products designed to add a healthy glow. And there are great options to try without looking like a Disney Princess, in both liquid and powder forms, in the drug and department stores. We like Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator (in Bare, Pink, Gold and Bronze) or try the Clinique Fresh Bloom All Over for a natural rosy glow.
You’re a clear or pale pink gal—try a new nail color. Color is back and you can embrace it by extending beyond your normal neutrals.
Essie’s Tart Deco is an Oprah award winner and a hip new take on coral. Or, try Turquoise and Caicos – a sophisticated take on aqua.
Essie Nail Polish Tart Deco 709
Essie Resort Collection-Turquoise & Caicos # 720
Always black or black/brown for your lashes? Brighten up your eyes with colored mascara. You don’t have to swear off your almost-black forever, just give these new mascara colors a try. We like Benefit’s BADgal plum mascara, or Urban Decay’s Teal Blue and Electric Blue.
If you slather on the sunscreen, try faking a tan. There is nothing healthier looking than a sunless tan after a long, pale winter. Today’s self-tanning lotions are less smelly, more subtle and great for your skin. L’Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer and Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Self Tanner Creme Lotion are all around $10 and work gradually to provide natural color for varying skin tones.Or, go decadent with Clarins’ Delicious Self-Tanning Cream with smells like chocolate mousse.
Tucking your hair behind your ears all the time? Get your hair out of your face. Whether short or long, experiment with clips or elastics to sweep your hair away from your face. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes, and today’s trendy accessories are great for moms and teens – so share! Use a rhinestone bobby pin to pull back bangs, or buy a “no-brainer” scarf/headband (Scunci makes great ones you can find at the grocery and drug store).