An Offbeat Style Guide

So, maybe you’re stuck in a bit of a style rut. Maybe you’ve been sporting the same hair/makeup routine since what feels like high school, but you’re not sure where to start with a new look. Each style below has easy hair and makeup tips for you to follow, whether you’re looking to branch out for a night, or for a complete overhaul.

• Mod Squad – Nothing says sleek like the clean lines of the hipster mod look. Think an updated version of the 60’s classic, with a lippy twist.

The key to this look is to take a classic hairstyle, like the bob, and add some blunt bangs and shattered layers. Keep the layers piecey and separated by taking a quarter-sized amount of texturizing wax on your fingertips and pulling out chunks of hair. Focus especially on the ends, and you’ll create a “piecey” look.

The makeup is centered around dramatic lips. Choose a bold color that compliments your skin tone, and make the rest of the face subtle for contrast. Take extra care when applying bold lip colors to use a lip liner for a clean line, otherwise you wind up with a sloppy, smeary look. For quick tips on a precision pucker, visit this post.

• Rock Show – Time to showcase your inner rabble-rouser with a look that features dark, intense eyes and streaked hair. Not for the faint of heart, this look steals the show.

This is a look that can support a lot of creativity when it comes to hair. If you’re looking for a permanent switch, try some not-so-subtle streaks of color or blonde. The trick to this is not to do the streaks on the very top layer of your hair. Pick some chunks from underneath so that they color plays peek-a-boo, which will give the look a sophisticated spin. Just make sure you deep condition the dyed pieces, as processed hair can dry out and start to feel like straw.

Lay it on heavy with the eyes. I mean it, go crazy. This look is all about heavy, smoky lids in vibrant, contrasting shades. Try Nature’s Minerals Eye Color in Platinum Shimmer for shading, because it has a dark pigment, and is crease-resistant. That’s essential when you’re loading up the shadow, otherwise you wind up looking more raccoon than rocker.

• Hippie Chic – Romantic and natural are the buzzwords associated with this pretty style. Think sweet and soft, with a touch of flowers and beads.

If you’ve got some natural curl to your hair, this is the time to show it off. Loose, long waves compliment the earthy chick look, just make sure you keep your frizz in check. If your hair is typically straight, take a bit of gel and finger comb it through your hair. Then take individual pieces of your hair and corkscrew them around your index finger. When the gel dries, this will create the illusion of curl.

The appeal of this look is how it accentuates your natural beauty and health. Flushed cheeks, bare lids, and just-kissed pink lips are the key elements, so be light-handed. The most crucial element is flawless looking skin, so choose a foundation that is applied with a sponge, for less risk of streaks. After you’re smooth and even, take a blush and apply in circular motions just on the apples of your cheeks (the part that rounds out when you smile). This will give you a hint of color while letting your natural radiance shine through.

Tags: Nature's Minerals, style guide

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 at 9:52 am and is filed under Fashion Trends, Makeup Tips, The Body Shop. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.