From graphic aqua eyeliner to all gold everything, winter 2016’s top hair and beauty trends will have everyone wishing for six more weeks of cold weather come Groundhog Day. Plus, all seven statements are easy enough to perfect that no YouTube tutorials are required and every outfit this season will be transformed into instant click-bait on Instagram.
Faux Bobs
Frequent feeler of chopper’s remorse? Fear no more because this winter’s hair look of the moment is all about the “tuck and away.” This deceptive pinup, seen on the Fendi runway, will have fans, such as faux BFF Emma Stone, trying on the trim all season long. To master the one-day-only bob, part hair as usual, spritz strands with texturizing spray and add loose waves with a curling iron or wand. Then roll up the length of hair, starting at the tips and working up to the top of the neck. Slide in bobby pins to fasten each coil or knot, and gently pull out a few pieces to frame the face for a convincing finish.
Ribbon-Tied Ponytails
Perfect for fashionistas with shoulder skimming lobs or long mermaid-like locks, ribbon-tied ponytails may sound more ready-for-school-picture-day than on-trend, but wrapping a ribbon around simple, shiny ponies will elevate the look from second grade to sophisticated this cold weather season. To copy the look seen on both Dior and Oscar de la Renta runways, first give strands sheen with a thorough blow-dry and a glossing of frizz-smoothing oil. Instead of tying a traditional bow, yank out one of the two loops to tone down any teacher’s-pet vibes.
Heavy Metal Nails
Want to commit to the party-girl inspiration behind so many of this winter’s top trends? Rock a metallic mani like those seen on the fingertips of all Marc Jacobs models. Paint on three to four coats of glitter polish to get a chunky, raised effect and don’t worry because imperfection is the ultimate goal. Up the shine factor of nails even further with a layer of glossy topcoat. For a disco-ball glimmer, whether heading to class or the club, try the exact silver lacquer used on the runway: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 148 Glinda, $18 at Sephora.
Orchid Lips
Thanks to traditionalists à la Taylor Swift, red lipstick is the classic LBD of the beauty world, but electric fuchsia shades may just be the new leather jacket. Feminine yet edgy, orchid lips were spotted on Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta runways. For a vibrant, long-wearing finish, layer a matte fluid formula under a cream lipstick. Complete the bold, contrasted style by pairing the posh puckers with clean, ultra-highlighted skin. Get glowing with a moisturizing mask before applying concealer, and for the look’s grand finale try MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Girl About Town and Flat Out Fabulous ($17 each).
Aquatic Eyes
Unlike the winter blues, a stroke of aqua across the lids will instantly revitalize dull, tired eyes. Flattering on every skin tone, try a bolt of thick, squared off cerulean liner like the models on the Monique Lhuilier runway. To keep the liner from heading south, use a gel formula that only takes about 15 seconds to dry and then is set for activities all day long. For ultimate staying power that doesn’t break the band, pick up MAC Cosmetics Chromaline in Hi-Def Cyan ($20).
Cotton Candy Shadows
Now eyelids can be pretty in pink too. Seen on Lanvin and Dior runways, the beautiful and brightening auras around the eyes were achieved using soft berry tones, leaving thoughts of infectious pink eyes far behind. Apply a sheer, light rosy shadow along creases and lids before blending a pale pastel blush on top to master the look. For those with darker skin tones, mix a dash of taupe into the shadow. Keep the trend throughout the whole complexion by sporting pink lips and cheeks as well.
Midas Touches
This season’s runways were gold mines. The pretty precious metal popped up on everything from lids and lips to hair accessories. Rodarte utilized antique-inspired flower hairpins on its catwalk, but made them feel new and cool again by putting the pins in unexpected places. Achieve the same effect by first roughing up strands with a texturizing dry shampoo then placing barrettes randomly throughout the hair, like a crown or near the part.