Category Archives: STYLE

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2017 Fall Fashion Trends: What to Wear

Summer days drifting away mean that autumn is on the horizon and the September issue is out for delivery. Join us as we lust over the hottest 2017 fall fashion trends in anticipation of the most stylish time of the year.

2017 Fall Fashion Trends to Try Now

Ready for some shopping inspiration? Take a sneak peek at what’s in store:

High Collars

fall fashion trends

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Gabby Sheer Cotton Eyelet Mock Neck Blouse, $169

V-shaped necklines and plunge-front tops are so yesterday. This fall, look for necklines to take the high road with Victorian collars and mock turtlenecks. These sophisticated designs are refreshingly modest and work-appropriate, and they give a nod to vintage styling. Eyelet cutouts, frilly lace, ruffled sweaters, and drop-waist dresses balance this sophisticated style with plenty of feminine charm.

Exposed Shoulders

fall fashion trends

J.Crew Off-the-Shoulder Tie-Neck Top in Chambray, $68

Summer was all about off-the-shoulder necklines, and autumn is keeping the trend alive by putting shoulders on full display. Stock up on cold-shoulder cutouts and slouchy knits that reveal a hint of décolletage.

Fall Florals

fall fashion trends

Chan Luu Tatiana Blouse, $194

Summertime flowers can bloom again next year. This fall, floral prints take a walk on the dark side with distinctly moody hues. Wear two prints together for a non-garden-variety effect, or wear them with autumn basics for a fresh alternative to fallen leaves.

Patchwork Prints

fall fashion trends

J.Crew Lightweight Silk Twill Scarf in Printed Patchwork, $79.50

Continue summer’s bohemian leanings with the help of patchwork prints. These creative and artsy patterns dominated fall runways and offer a homespun look and feel.

Tempting Textures

fall fashion trends

Pixie Market Teddy Button Faux Fur Coat, $249

Fall and winter have always embraced a wide range of textiles and textures, and this season is no different. From faux fur and plush velvet to upgraded classics like corduroy and tweed, these fabrics add visual interest to any ensemble. Drape yourself in satin sheen, or create a fall uniform out of faux versions of leather, suede, and shearling.

Luxe Metallics

fall fashion trends

J.Crew Rose-Gold Sequin Skirt, $138

Give your fall wardrobe a little shimmer and shine with the help of modern metallics. Inspired by Art Deco elements, this lustrous trend offers an ornate complement to cozy knits and fitted blazers. Go bold with silver and rose gold sequins, or keep it simple with understated metallic pieces that offer year-round versatility.

Riveting Reds

fall fashion trends

Madewell Deep-V Maxi Dress in Woodcut Floral, $158

Move over, pumpkin spice. Whether you prefer rich shades of wine or the zest of vermillion, this season is all about painting the town red for a change. This hot hue plays nice with autumn’s signature color palette and traditional earth tones.

Intricate Embroidery

fall fashion trends

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Adara Embroidered Velvet Jacket, $268

Style is all about finishing touches and small details — and embroidery is the perfect way to upgrade your everyday look. This dainty accent speaks volumes by taking tried-and-true closet staples to a chic new level.

Frayed Denim

fall fashion trends

Madewell 10” High Rise Skinny Jeans: Chewed-Hem Edition, $135

This season’s denim is big on distressed hems and patches. Look for jean skirts with raw edges, or try high-rise jeans with frayed step hems that highlight your favorite ankle boots and pumps.

Camo Prints

fall fashion camo

J.Crew Camouflage Utility Shirt-Jacket, $98

Fight wardrobe “fatigue” with a print that commands attention. Camouflage is everywhere this fall (and funnily enough, it doesn’t blend into the background). Pair this pattern with your fall neutrals, or give it a fresh makeover with the help of florals, plaids, and metallics.

Creative Silhouettes

fall fashion

J.Crew Striped Bell-Sleeve T-Shirt, $49.50

From balloon sleeves to flared hemlines, this season is all about playful proportions. Give your 9-to-5 style a modern update with the help of a button-down blouse with bell sleeves, or swap your fitted trench for a slouchy wrap coat that’s cinched at the waist. These voluminous designs elevate your fall basics with ease, and they help you stand out from the crowd with surprisingly flattering profiles.

Which of these 2017 fall fashion trends will you include in your autumn rotation? Go ahead and pick favorites in the comments section below!

4 Powerhouse DIY Face Masks for Troubled Skin

Let’s admit it – when you’re desperate to fix your face, you’re willing to try any and everything. When it comes to facial products, I’ve been a stranger to nearly none. What I’ve found is that no matter what new product I come across that promises me clear skin in the morning, it’s only nature that can truly get the job done for me. That being said, not all natural remedies are created equally.

These natural face masks are fail-proof for those of us that have to work for our complexions. Whether it’s cystic acne, hyper-pigmentation, eczema, blackheads, sensitive or oily skin you’re dealing with, these four powerhouse pantry ingredients are going to bring your skin redemption. The key is remembering that while there are no overnight fixes, consistent application is going to get your skin to where you ultimately want it to be.

 

Honey Face Mask

Spot-treat and heal the skin
honey face mask

Honey has incredible antibacterial and healing properties. It prevents new acne from forming and actively treats existing acne. It’s soothing and keeps skin supple while it works.

Spread an even layer of honey over your face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.

This can be used every night, with many people even swearing by it as a face wash.

Honey is a great overnight spot-treatment too, just be sure to keep your hair tucked away and your pillowcase protected. To experience extra-strength healing from honey, try manuka honey, which has the most antimicrobial properties of them all.

 

Egg White + Lemon Face Mask

Lighten, repair, and tighten skin
egg white

Egg whites work to repair tissue damage, tighten pores, and firm the skin, while lemon helps to lighten scarring and discoloration, and to loosen blackheads and whiteheads. If you have sensitive skin, skip the lemon juice altogether.

Mix one egg white and around 1 teaspoon of lemon juice together.

Beat mixture until you create a foam.

Use a makeup brush to apply this mixture to your face.

Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse.

This can be used every other day. 

 

Bentonite Clay Face Mask

Stop acne, exfoliate, and shrink pores
brown clay mask

Consider bentonite clay your body’s plunger and cystic’s acne worst nightmare. Bentonite clay is best known for being able to draw out skins most stubborn toxins, stopping acne flare ups in their tracks, and shrinking pores. It is also an excellent exfoliant.

The classic recipe calls for bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix both ingredients together in a non-metal bowl to form a paste.

Avoid letting metal touch the clay, as it will also absorb properties from the metal.

If you find that the apple cider vinegar is too harsh for your skin, use water to mix with it instead.

You can add essential oils for more benefits or to counteract the smell of the vinegar.

Leave mask on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off in the kitchen sink to prevent clogging!

 

Turmeric Face Mask

Lighten and repair skin
turmeric mask face

Turmeric is an almighty antioxidant with superior anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It effectively reduces skin inflammation in the form of skin conditions such as eczema and works wonders in lightening skin pigmentation. Turmeric’s healing powers help to repair skin damage and scarring. Traditional recipes for this mask call for mixing turmeric powder with yogurt or milk and almond oil. My hands-down favorite mask borrows ingredients from the others in this list with turmeric as it’s star.

Mix equal parts turmeric powder, bentonite clay, and buttermilk powder. (Buttermilk powder contains lactic acid which aids in the exfoliation process and makes skin feel extra soft afterward.)

Add enough honey and milk to make a thick paste.

Using a makeup brush or your fingers, spread this mixture all over your face, avoiding your eyes, and leave on for 15-20 minutes.

How to Contour Your Whole Body with Self Tanner

There’s an old saying, ‘if you can’t tone it, tan it’ and if you’re anything like me (a junk food addict) your summer body goals may not have been achieved as quickly as you would have liked. I’m all about using tricks to up my confidence whenever possible, so I started contouring using makeup to define my features. I started out by contouring my face and graduated to contouring my cleavage and collarbones on special occasions to make them pop! For a more ‘I woke up like this’ look, learn now just how to contour your face and body with self-tanner so you can look flawless all summer long, no makeup necessary!

First things first: shower, exfoliate, and moisturize your body. Apply a light- to medium-colored self-tanning mousse all over your face and body. (If you’re already a bronzed-goddess feel free to skip that last part.)

 

FACE CONTOURING

Don’t forget to contour for YOUR face shape ✨ #contour #howtocontour #faceshapematters #howtomakeup

A post shared by ChelZ (@artistrybychelz) on

Use a contouring makeup brush to apply your favorite dark self-tanning mousse in the shape of a ‘3’ on your face. Start by applying a small amount of mousse onto your brush (my all-time favorite self-tan is the Loving Tan Express Mousse) and dabbing the excess product onto a piece of tissue or paper towel so you don’t use too much product. Place the brush along your natural cheekbones and apply the product, making sure to blend well so you aren’t left with any harsh lines. Then, drag the product along your jawline to create the appearance of a stronger jaw. Lastly, apply mousse around the edges of your forehead – be careful not to go too close to your hairline, especially if you have light hair. Don’t forget to do lots of blending with both the brush and your fingers to ensure a flawless finish.

 

CLEAVAGE CONTOURING

Use the same contouring brush to apply mousse to your cleavage. Simply follow the natural lines of your body. You should be applying the product in between and on top of your breasts in the shape of a ‘Y’ to accentuate your natural shape. Next, apply tan just above and just below your collarbones to make them pop. I also like to apply contour to the front of my shoulders in a circle shape. Again, make sure to blend everything so there are no visible lines, only soft shadows.

 

LEG CONTOURING

Lift your knee up, (I like to bend my leg and place it on the bathroom counter) and examine the way your muscles naturally look. Follow the lines of your legs along your inner and outer thigh. The line on your inner thigh should be slightly curved into your leg and the line on the outside of your leg should be straight. For best results, use a large mirror so you can see how the finished product will look full-scale.

 

WAIST CONTOURING

Draw a vertical line down the center of your stomach, from your sternum to your bellybutton. Next, draw horizontal lines across your stomache to create the appearance of abs! Blend, blend, blend!

 

BUTT CONTOURING

Apply self-tanner to the bottom of your butt cheeks in a half circle shape, this will add shadow and will create the appearance of a lifted bum!

The Health and Beauty Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Collagen may sound like some sort of anti-aging gimmick, but the truth is that collagen is one of the most prominent proteins found in our bodies. Collagen is found not just in our skin, but also in our muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, and our digestive system.

Here are some of the reasons collagen supplements have become extremely popular recently, and why you should consider taking them to improve your health, from the inside out!

 

Collagen improves digestion

Collagen soothes the lining in your stomach, heals damaged cells, and provides your body with essential amino acids. Those amino acids that come from increased collagen production helps to heal the lining of your digestive track through reducing inflammation and irritation within your body.

 

Collagen boosts your metabolism

Collagen boosts your metabolism by providing lean muscle mass and by allowing your body to properly absorb the nutrients you consume throughout the day. As we age, collagen levels naturally deplete in our bodies, but that’s when we need it the most. With increased collagen production,  our muscle mass increases, posture becomes better, our bones are stronger and we’re able to burn more calories – who doesn’t want that?

 

Collagen helps to curb your appetite

Collagen is the perfect meal replacement. The best part is is that collagen can be easily added to just about anything- I like putting a scoop in my coffee and smoothies in particular! A study actually found collagen to be more satisfying and filling than any other source of manufactured protein.

 

Collagen can reduce anxiety

Collagen contains glycine, an amino acid with major anti-anxiety properties. A lot of us don’t have enough glycine naturally in our system and low glycine levels can cause a lot of problems in our bodies, including anxiety. A simple dose of collagen can do wonders for not just our overall health, but our mental health as well.

 

Collagen promotes a good night’s sleep

The glycine found in collagen that helps to boost our mood can also help you sleep better at night. While you may think that collagen would make you drowsy because of that, you’d be wrong- collagen can also be used to help keep us awake and alert throughout the day.

Daily essentials: our Collagen + Yacon Syrup 👋 #ZINTing

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Collagen improves the health and the appearance of your skin

Collagen production begins to decrease as we age, due to pollution, excess sun exposure, etc. The decrease of that natural collagen production leaves us with wrinkles and poor elasticity. As we increase our levels of collagen through supplement intake, our skin can become firmer, smoother, and our skin cells care able to turnover normally, increasing the elasticity and circulation. Collagen has also been found to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite due to that increased skin cell turnover and the improved elasticity that comes with it.

 

Collagen helps to reduce joint pain

Collagen production isn’t just beneficial for our skin; it’s also essential to having healthy joints. When our bodies don’t produce enough collagen, our joints, tendons, and ligaments become swollen and stiff. Collagen helps to create a barrier that allows our joints to glide smoothly without pain.

 

Collagen is great for hair, teeth, and nail health

Collagen is most commonly known for it’s amazing effects on our physical appearance. While it’s great for our skin, it’s equally beneficial for our hair, teeth, and nails! Collagen protein is what makes up our nails, teeth, and hair. Supplements allow us to increase the natural production of collagen to strengthen our bodies. Collagen has even been found by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology to reverse the signs of hair loss.

Collagen naturally detoxes your body

Collagen works to detox your system, increase blood flow, and improve heart health by minimizing the damage that is done to your liver by toxins.

7 Hot Cutout Yoga Pants to Keep You Cool

Bend into your best baby cobra in any of these cutout yoga pants and chances are, you’ll balance your yin and yang. Whether you’re kicking it around the house, running a quick errand, or actually practicing your sunrise salutations, these cut out yoga pants will also make you feel cool — and look it too. So, yogis, pull up your chairs: your search for inner peace, harmony, and happiness, at least as it relates to yoga pants, starts and ends here.

Lux Palm Half Moon Midi Leggings, Beyond Yoga

BeyondYoga lux palm leggings
Image courtesy of Beyond Yoga

Show your stripes the right way: add high-fashion fun and flair to your workout wardrobe with these bright and zippy leggings made from moisture-wicking fabric that dries in a flash (cutouts on the sides).  Take it a step further: pair it with the coordinating bra, and you’ll be able to bend  into half-moon perfection 24/7.

Funky Boho Leggings, Sheron Designs

Sharon's Design yoga pants Etsy1
Image courtesy of Sheron Designs

Say goodbye to boring black yoga pants.  Israeli fashion-designer Sharon Shanan’s yoga leggings are business in the front and party in the back with hundreds of laser-cut swirls. Super stretchy and baby-soft, these cut out yoga pants will turn heads, whether you’re going full-throttle at the gym or casually sauntering down the street.

Mesh Goddess Leggings, Alo

Largo Drive - alo goddess legging $94 3

If you’re anything like us, wearing short-shorts to your weekly yoga class never works out — meaning your naughty bits spill out and bending over results in something reminiscent of the winter solstice. Luckily, these leggings are a total twofer: complete belly, bum, and thigh coverage with the aeration of pint-sized shorts.

Interlace Leggings, Alo

jessica olie Alo pants
Image courtesy of Jessica Olie

If you wear these Instagram-worthy leggings outside of the gym, you won’t be alone — these super sexy lace-ups are favorites of uber-flexible yogis like Jessica Olie and Martina Rando.  Made with a bacteria-busting fabric that comes in a variety of bold colors, from Starburst to Twilight, they stretch in four directions for grace and comfort during any movement.

High Rise Bondage Leggings, Onzie

Yoga_Pants_High_Rise_Bondage_Legging_-_White_Venom_Black_Mesh

From moss camo to white marble to midnight anemone, these leggings will turn your lower body into a living work of art. They feature a high waistband that smooths and flatters your silhouette. Plus, multiple mesh panels show your skin in all of the right places, so you’ll feel just like Venus de Milo.

Reveal 7/8 Tights, Lululemon

Reveal 7_8 Tight side_DSC7897

If you’ve ever wished that you could go au naturale to yoga class, you’re in luck. These Lycra leggings are just like a second layer of skin. They feature open-hole detailing, a medium-rise waist, and a ⅞ crop — so you’ll be able to show off your dainty Hepburn-esque ankles. Bonus: there’s also an inseam pocket where you can stash your keys, credit cards, or wedding rings.

Ballerina Yoga Leggings, Zenzle

Every little girl dreams of becoming a prima ballerina with pointe shoes, a tutu, and a tiara.  Turn your childhood fantasy into reality with these leggings that feature strappy, crisscross details at the calves.  You can perfect your practice in a variety of colors from cotton candy pink to lavender. And, don’t worry, if you slip a tutu on top, we won’t tell.

9 Beauty Products for Men That Make Great Gifts

In the days of old, a man was grubby, smelly, and downright dirty. But let’s get serious: he isn’t yielding an ax anymore, so there really isn’t any excuse for looking like a chimney sweep who got into a battle with a saber-toothed tiger.

Sure, most women still want a “man’s man,” but that doesn’t mean an ugly ape. When you are in his arms, you want to feel safe and secure, not queasy from his non-existent grooming habits. That means that he needs to throw away the wooden club and start investing in beauty products that will bring him up to speed with the 21st century.

The good news is that you can help him out with this by gently nudging him in the right direction with these beauty products for men that make a great gift.

Hair

Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 Hair Trimmer

mens beauty products

Whether he’s balding, needs to tame his nose hair, or keep his crown jewels from being mistaken for a cluster of spiders, he’s going to need a quality hair trimmer.

Thanks to this all-in-one, 18-piece duel cut trimmer from Philips, you will never need to worry about mistaking him for a werewolf in the middle of the night. These cordless (or plug-in) clippers will ensure that his head, eyebrows, ears, nose, chest, and “parts down under” are kept in tip top condition.

Woody’s Daily Shampoo

woodys

Once he’s trimmed his crowning glory, it will be time to wash away the excess hair and make it nice and soft for you to run your fingers through.

This daily shampoo is paraben free and enriched with ginger root that can promote new hair growth and prevent dandruff. It also contains vitamin B5, vitamin E, aloe vera, and amino acids to keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.

Virtus Hair Wax

mens beauty products

You don’t want your guy turning up to meet the parents looking like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Luckily the geniuses at Big Green Tree have developed this paraben and SLS-free hair wax to tame his mane.

Virtus, which is a Roman word referring to manliness, courage, and masculinity, is a hard hair wax designed to help him spike, shape, and mold his thatch into any style he desires.

Not only does it give your man greater control and hold, but it will also nourish and moisturize his hair thanks to its clean ingredients.

For international shipping, click here. 

Face

Schick Hydro 5 Razor

mens beauty products

There’s nothing wrong with a good man-beard; for many women, it screams masculinity. But for some of you, the sleek, clean-cut look is what gets you going. If that’s the case, then ensuring your man has a high-quality razor should be at the top of your list.

If your fella is anything like me, then he will have tried a wide variety of razors in search of one that cuts the mustard. What makes the Schick Hydro Razor stand out against competitors is its ability to deliver continuous hydration throughout the shave.

This five-blade razor, featuring seven hydrating gel pools, a large guard designed to increase skin stretch for a smoother shave, and a flip trimmer for hard-to-reach areas, is the perfect gift to ensure that his face is smoother than a baby’s bottom.

Ursa Major Stellar Shave Cream

mens beauty products

Before he puts that razor blade to his skin, you might want to consider buying him some shaving cream, unless a face full of bloody nicks turns you on?

Designed to soften the skin, minimize cuts, and protect against razor burn, this non-lathering shave cream will nourish and hydrate his skin thanks to key active ingredients such as aloe, willow bark, oat protein, and shea.

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

mens beauty products

Now that his face is silky smooth, help him close those pores and add a bit of zest to his morning routine. And it doesn’t get sexier or more masculine than this little aftershave beauty by Jean Paul Gaultier.

With notes of vanilla and lavender, this sense heightening pheromone is undoubtedly going to make any man irresistible. Be careful, though — it’s not only your attention that he will be attracting with this sweet-smelling aftershave. 

Skin

Raw Materials Skin Grit

skin grit

Exfoliating skin isn’t just for you. His skin needs some deep cleaning too; so it’s a good idea to give it a good scrubbing every now and then to get rid of dullness and reduce oily sebum.

Stuffed full of plant extracts and antioxidants, this face and body scrub is perfect for him to use two to three times a week before shaving.

With jojoba beads designed to gently soften and moisturize, and crushed walnut shells that unclog pores and remove dead skin, his face will be smoother than Ryan Gosling’s.

Cell Nourish Radiance and Vitality Serum

mens beauty products

We all know how important it is to drink at least eight glasses of water and get eight hours of sleep each day for healthy, glowing skin; but sometimes, we are presented with late nights, parties, and alcohol.

Thanks to Elemental Herbology, this cell revitalizing miracle serum, packed full of natural proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants, is the perfect companion for those stag weekends when his dull, under-nourished skin is desperately in need of a boost.

Just a few drops in the morning and at night and he will avoid returning to you looking like a panda that got into a scuffle with Conor McGregor.

Foremen Brightening CC Cream

mens beauty products

This might be a step too far for some men; but when it comes to using beauty products to improve the condition of his skin, it doesn’t get better than this professional 6-in-1 brightening cream.

If your guy is prone to dull, flaky, pale skin, help him out with this magic elixir that will hydrate, repair, and brighten his face. It moisturizes, tones, primes, and mattifies the skin to leave him looking crisp and fresh. To top it off, it contains SPF 20 to protect him from the harmful rays of the early afternoon sun.

3 Affordable Jewelry Companies To Check Out Now

Jewelry is transformative for an outfit, helping to complete a look, make it and even showcase your personality. Small jewelry brands are busy ensuring that customers get exactly what they want with pieces that reflect their interests or serve as inspiration. We’ve put together a short list of some of our favorite affordable jewelry companies, and best of all, they’ll fit into even the tightest of budgets.

 

Mae Cargo

Mae Cargo combines fitness with fashion to create durable and functional fashion. Designed by CEO Kate Ronca, the company’s slogan is “Making Rad Happen,” which Kate explains, “Means to love your life and crush your goals.”


As a CrossFit coach for six years, Kate’s ultimate objective is to design jewelry for men and women who are active, jewelry that “does not discolor or fade or turn your skin weird colors” when you wear it while you sweat. Kate’s love of CrossFit has taken her back and forth across the United States and all the way to South Africa before moving back to Southern California to make jewelry full time. Still, her time as a CrossFit coach plays a strong role in her designs, including her “Dumbbells + Donuts” pieces.

Find your own inspirational Mae Cargo piece at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaeCargo.

 

GLDN

GLDN is the new incarnation for Layered + Long. Founded by Chrissy Lavdovsky on her living room floor, Layered + Long began as an Etsy store but has evolved into GLDN, a more realized vision of the original jewelry brand. GLDN makes delicate custom-made pieces by hand in a small studio in La Conner, Washington.

There are no limits with the custom handwriting bar… I absolutely LOVE where @phoooebers went with this  #burritos

A post shared by GLDN by Layered & Long (@itsgldn) on

Since evolving, GLDN’s dedication to craft and quality remains the same. The team handcrafts each tiny piece so that everything is ethical and sustainable. GLDN uses gold-filled jewelry as a more affordable alternative to solid gold products, and most pieces are also available in sterling silver and other metal options.

According to the company, “Our jewelry is meaningful because it can be personalized and custom made to the customer’s liking. We hate the idea of mass-produced jewelry and pride ourselves on making every piece to order.”

Find something that suits your personal style at https://www.gldn.com and know that it is made with love and care.

 

NUUK Designs

NUUK Designs hails from Porto, Portugal and has garnered a small international following. Created by mother and daughter team, Paula and Joana, NUUK combines the backgrounds of the duo, in management and design, into elegant minimalist jewelry. NUUK stands out from the crowd of delicate pieces for the geometric and linear lines the brand uses. Trendy yet timeless, NUUK has branched out from an Etsy store to capture the attention of fashionistas the world over looking for unique ways to make a statement.

Each season seems to bring new inspiration and pieces from NUUK. Dedicated to quality and longevity, most of the collections are made with sterling silver or are gold-plated sterling silver for an affordable indulgence.

Find the NUUK design that completes your look at https://www.nuukdesigns.com.

*Featured image: courtesy of GLDN by Long + Layered

Beauty Through the Decades: Iconic Makeup Trends From the ‘70s to Now

Just like fashion, makeup trends from decades past have a way of repeating themselves. Some iconic makeup looks are always winners, while other beauty fads have resulted in some less-than-flattering Kodak moments. We’re taking a stroll down memory lane and recalling the best (and worst) makeup trends from the ‘70s to now.

Iconic Makeup Looks from the Past (and How to Wear Them Today)

The ‘70s

makeup trends

The ‘70s favored natural beauty, but the decade was also known for its dazzling disco influence.

The Good: No-makeup makeup became a major marketing ploy for cosmetics companies during this time, with barely-there products helping you look your best with neutral hues. Eyes were emphasized with cut creases that were a little softer and more blended than their ‘60s counterparts. Farrah Fawcett’s wispy ‘do became the “mane” event along with California girl suntans, peachy lips, and ultra-defined lower lashes. Eyebrows were plucked and relatively thin, but they still retained their natural shape.

Of course, disco nights out on the town meant color-bathed eyelids, glitter, and sexy red lips.

The Bad: Everyone was sunbathing for a natural glow. “Burn, baby, burn” is a great cure for your Saturday Night Fever, but it’s a terrible approach to skincare.

The Now: The ‘70s have totally returned, so you can wear anything from this decade right now and get away with it. The same is true for its makeup.

See: Boogie Nights, Love Story, and Grease

The ‘80s

iconic makeup trends

The ‘80s gave us some of the best pop music ever… and some really wild experimentations in eyeshadow.

The Good: Contrary to popular belief, the ‘80s weren’t entirely bad. After all, this was the decade when rock star eye makeup became a thing, and heavy black eyeliner and mascara were encouraged. Also, those electric blue eyes were popular for a reason.

The Bad: Let’s face it… ‘80s makeup was bold. As in a little too bold. Eyes, cheeks, and lips had a painted-on look, and the colors were just as loud. Purple eyeshadow, fuchsia lips, and unblended streaks of pink blush ventured into clown territory. At least we had the music. (INXS for life.)

The Now: Recreate this decade’s signature look with gel eyeliner in a bright shade of cobalt. For a modern twist, pair your blue hues with a black cat-eye and keep your lips nude. (Crimped hair optional.)

See: Heathers, Sixteen Candles, and Working Girl

The ‘90s

makeup trends

This was the era that gave us “the Rachel” cut and butterfly clips with an unexpected dash of grunge thrown in for good measure. In other words, things got a little strange.

The Good: Shimmery eyeshadow stole the spotlight with a sparkle and shine that’s still popular today. Lipsticks unexpectedly went nude with rich shades like chocolate and raisin, while brown smoky eyes followed suit.

The Bad: For whatever reason, everyone became instantly repulsed by eyebrows and started plucking them with abandon. This regrettable phenomenon led to the “pencil brow” look that is still frowned upon to this day. Some of the brown lipsticks got especially moody, and dark lip liner reigned supreme.

The Now: Give the ‘90s a throwback with a dark nude pout, face-framing tendrils, and a slip dress a la Kate Moss.

See: Clueless, Reality Bites. Oh, and the music video for George Michael’s “Freedom.”

The ‘00s

iconic makeup trends

The ‘80s may be the redheaded stepchild of makeup decades, but the ‘00s tried their best to steal the title. This decade’s makeup trends were accompanied with chunky highlights and lowlights, zigzag parts, exposed midriffs, and head-to-toe denim. (Justin and Britney: we will always remember.)

The Good: Smoky eyes and nude lips met and fell in love.

The Bad: The obsession with sun-kissed skin morphed into splotchy experimentations with self-tanners, which resulted in even A-list celebrities showing up to awards shows with muddy complexions at best (and full-on Oompa Loompa skin at worst).

Body glitter was a major thing, but not quite as major as gobs and gobs of pink lip gloss. Ladies wore their lips pale to contrast the decade’s signature smoky eye, which relied on heavy eyeliner smudged from corner to corner. For a more ethereal look, there was still white eyeshadow – but this time, it was extra frosty to look more striking against tanned/muddy/orange skin.

The Now: Slip into a Juicy Couture track suit, and you’re halfway there! (Just kidding – sort of.) The pastel hues of this decade happen to work pretty well with today’s bohemian aesthetic. Pink and nude lip glosses are eternal, so continue to plump your pout with non-sticky, hydrating formulas. Take the tanning down a notch with the help of a natural-looking bronzer, and apply it strategically to contour your face.

See: Mean Girls, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Legally Blonde

The 2010s

makeup trends

Finally, we make our way to the current makeup climate. Our present decade will most likely be defined by “Instagram Face” and every member of the Kardashian household.

The Good: Natural makeup has definitely returned, and today’s beauty products are better than ever with excellent pigmentation and airbrushed finishes. Strobing has emerged as one of the biggest beauty trends, and thick eyebrows are on everyone’s wish list. Winged eyeliner, matte red or nude lips, and dewy complexions have helped usher in a wave of Parisian-inspired looks.

The Bad: The contour craze hit us hard, with overly chiseled features becoming the norm. False lashes are no longer reserved for special occasions – which is great, except they’re kind of annoying to apply. Meanwhile, drawn-on eyebrows have taken some people’s arches to the dark side.

The Now: We’re in it, and things are looking bright. The natural beauty of the ‘70s is helping us transition out of contour madness, but does this mean that an ‘80s resurgence awaits? Only time will tell.

See: Your Instagram feed.

What do you think of these iconic beauty looks? Share your favorite decade in the comments section below!

5 Inspiring Models Breaking All the Rules

Confession time: I am a previous binge watcher of America’s Next Top Model. One of my favorite episodes each season was when the models received their makeovers. I was always excited to see how the women would be transformed. There would be some “wow” moments but, without fail, there was usually at least one transformation that was disappointing. I would bemoan the loss of a model’s gorgeous locks or the makeup job that removed pieces of another’s unique look. These little disappointments made me wonder: how many other models have been hemmed and tailored to fit someone else’s perception of beauty? In an industry that can sometimes feel counterfeit, it’s refreshing to know there are still some courageous women willing to break the rules. Here are five such models who have found success on their own terms.

Madeline Stuart


It’s no small feat to be world-famous. To be the world’s most famous model with Down Syndrome is a unique accomplishment that deserves special recognition. 20-year-old Madeline Stuart did not allow her disability to limit her – instead she chased after her dreams with great fervor, making great strides in modeling and even achieving her goal of opening a dance school. Her success has given her the latitude to communicate her ever-important message of inclusion. Her message? “If [you see someone with] a disability, remember they are just like you, they want to feel included and loved.”

Carmen Dell’Orefice


Carmen Dell’Orefice has proven that age is truly nothing but a number. At the young age of 86, she continues to grace the catwalk with those less than half her age. Since her teenage years, Carmen has been a force to be reckoned with, making appearances in Vogue, W, and Harpers Bazaar. What’s so inspiring is that Carmen not only holds the title of oldest working model, but she has remained relevant, despite taking nearly 20 years off from her career. Her ability to pick back up where she left off and continue excelling well into her 80s demonstrates true determination and persistence.

Jillian Mercado

hello stranger 😉

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Beauty should not be confined to conventional standards and Jillian Mercado can personally attest to this truth. Jillian, a woman living with muscular dystrophy, is an advocate for greater diversity within the fashion industry. Although she uses a wheelchair, she does not want to be defined as a “disabled model” but, simply, a model.  Jillian has done much to change the perception of those who are differently labeled and serves as a great source of inspiration.

Khoudia Diop


The “Melanin Goddess” is a name that seems to exude self-confidence, assurance, and poise. However, this wasn’t always the case for Khoudia Diop, the model behind the moniker. Growing up, Khoudia endured negative remarks and was shunned because she was “too dark.” It wasn’t until she was approached by Tori Elizabeth and Victory Jones, founders of The Colored Girl, to appear in The Colored Girl: Rebirth campaign, that Khoudia began to fully embrace her beautiful skin. With a focus on self-love and acceptance, this campaign gave Khoudia the space to show others that beauty comes in all hues. Says Diop, “I’m seeing change in the industry and, more importantly, a lot of young women going after their dreams and not letting anyone tell them how they should look to be successful, and I think it’s amazing!”

Tess Holliday


If you’ve ever researched the size of a typical model you’ll see heights around 5’9” – 5’11 and sizes between 0-4…not a very wide range, right? Well, meet Tess Holliday, a model who is shunning these standards and creating her own. As the first size-22 model to be signed to a major modeling agency, Tess is all about being proud of the skin you’re in. She uses her platforms to adamantly speak out against those who attempt to shame her and others about their bodies. She is fervent that women should have the right to eat what they want and STILL consider themselves beautiful.

These women may not fit what others have defined a model to be, but they’ve chosen to boldly embrace the attributes that set them apart from others in their field. Their courage to push past stereotypes and serve as uplifting role models to the world is admirable and deserves an ovation.

How to Get Fuller Lips Without Injections

Big luscious lips are the trend that just won’t go away! If you haven’t jumped on board already, now’s the time, and late is better than never, right? We’ve rounded up a few tips and tricks to getting the fuller lips you’ve always wanted, sans lip injections.

Fullips Lip Enhancement Tool

If you’re still traumatized by the Kylie Jenner lip challenge – sucking on various round objects like bottle caps and cups and ending up with bruised, swollen lips – allow the Fullips Lip Enhancement Tool to put your mind at ease.

While the technique of Kylie’s challenge is similar to that of Fullips Lip Enhancement’s, the tools are completely different. Fullips’ tool has a thick outer rim that won’t cause any bruising or injury and was created to increase the size and volume of your lips without any procedures or products and comes in three sizes. Simply exfoliate your lips using a washcloth or toothbrush, then wet the area around your mouth to provide extra suction. (For this step, I like to use a lip balm on my lips and a little over the lip line as well because I use the tool after my face makeup is complete!) Place the enhancer over your mouth and suck in short puffs of air to create suction. Let your lips pull into the enhancer and keep the tool in place for 15-30 seconds at a time, repeating the suction process until your lips are as full as you like. Be sure to start slowly and gently to prevent damage to your lips – small increments are key! The results generally last 1-2 hours.

“Where have you been all my life.” ☺😘

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Lip Plumping Glosses

Lip plumping glosses have been on the market for years, and now almost every brand, including drugstore and high-end, has their own version. Ingredients like cinnamon oil, menthol, capsaicin (basically hot peppers), caffeine, and niacin all work to make your blood rush to the surface of your lips, making them swell and appear larger. Our favorite lip plumping glosses are Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster, Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, and NYX Pump It Up Lip Plumper.

Lip duo 💄 #toofaced #toofacedcosmetics #toofacedlipinjection #toofacedmelted

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Create a DIY Lip Plumper

Did you notice that most of the active ingredients in store-bought lip plumpers can be duplicated at home? By replacing cinnamon oil with the cinnamon powder you have at home, and the menthol with peppermint oil, you can easily create your own DIY lip plumper. Here’s how: start with a base – you can use vitamin E oil, olive oil, almond oil, Vaseline, shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil. You can also use a lip product that you already own as the base. Next, you’ll need to mix in the active ingredient (the ingredient that will make your lips plump). These could be ground cinnamon or cinnamon oil, crushed cayenne pepper, peppermint essential oil, or black pepper. I’ve experienced best plumping results using cinnamon or cayenne, or both. Be cautious of any allergies you may have and use common sense before creating and using any DIY products.

Contour Your Lips with Makeup

Lip contouring is a great way to get fuller lips because, chances are, you have everything you need to pull off a good lip contour right in your makeup bag already. Start by applying concealer all over your lips; this will blur your natural lip line and will create an even base to work with. Then, slightly overline your lips using your favorite lip liner, and especially focus on the center of both lips. Next, using the same lip liner, create contour lines that mock the natural wrinkles in your lips (see below image). Lastly, blend everything together using your favorite lipstick. If you find the contouring has blended too much, go back in with the lip liner and apply more lines on top of your lipstick and blend it again (you can use your finger).

Lip contour and highlight #lipcontour @dururella #makeupinspo #liquidlipstick #faryalmakhdoom

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