Refresh your daily rotation with women’s clothing range. Expect everyday basics, like women’s tops and skirts, as well as must-have knitwear and cozy loungewear for downtime days. Plans to go out? H & M women’s dresses line up mini, midi and maxi styles that were made for summer evenings, while stylish jeans and pants offer something to flatter every silhouette. Discover more women’s fashion by scrolling Conscious collection, which has been crafted with the planet in mind – think sustainably sourced materials, including organic cotton and recycled polyester.
The succulent trend is showing no sign of slowing down, as their unique appearance, hardiness and versatility has made them incredibly popular amongst green and black thumbs.
Succulent plants come in a huge range of color’s, shapes and sizes, and they are a stunning way to add texture to a garden or a low-maintenance method of introducing plants indoors.
Here are our best tips for growing succulents and 12 diverse options to plant in and around your home.
What are succulents?
Derived from the Latin word sucus, meaning sap or juice, succulents are a group of plants that store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. This allows them to be drought resistant – thriving in dry, hot climates. Their nature allows them to be tolerant to neglect, so they make for excellent indoor plants.
Getty
How to care for succulents
Climate
Succulents need an open sunny position and will grow in temperate to hot climates. Some are frost-tolerant. Others are very sensitive to cold so in cool areas, check before you buy.
Soil
When planting in pots, the best soil for succulents is free-draining cacti and succulents potting mix. If you’re planting them in the garden, sandy free-draining soils work best.
Water
Succulents require minimal watering. Test the soil with your finger – if it feels dry, give it a little water. Direct the water to the roots and avoid it sitting in the crown of the plant as this can promote rot.
Planting
If planting your selection of succulents in containers, almost any pot, tub or trough will do the trick! Just make sure you allow enough room to cater for the roots of the plants, and for sufficient drainage. Repotting is only ever required when the roots start to burst out the base of the pot or become obvious on the surface of the soil. This is a job best done in spring.
Propagation
A beauty of succulents is they’re so easy to multiply. Snap off a short stem with leaves attached, leave in a dry area until the end forms a callus or starts to sprout hair-like roots, then plant in potting mix.
Types of succulents
1. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Getty Images
Known as Burro’s Tail or Donkey’s Tail, this Mexican succulent is perfect for is hanging baskets, with its heavily laden stems trailing down. It has thick, tapering blue-green leaves that sit on the rope-like stems that grow up to 30cm long. It produces pink flowers. It is very hardy and will thrive on neglect, however it will need protection in colder climates. Most sedums prefer full sun to part shade and should be watered on a regular basis with good drainage.
2. Aloe Vera
Getty Images
‘Allo, Vera! These attractive plants not only possess amazing healing properties, but they’re also very easy to grow. Humans have been using the sap from the Aloe plant to soothe burns, abrasions and bites. Aloe Vera is best planted in frost-free zones and like full sun or light shade. Semi-frequent watering is required, however you can let the soil dry in between watering without the plant suffering too much. They can be found in many sizes, including miniature versions. The larger types can grow leaves that extend up to 1.2 metres, so make sure you choose the right type for your space.
3. Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata)
Getty
Agave can be grown in pots or in garden beds and are drought tolerant, so they are the perfect plant for the lazy gardener. Among the most architectural plants, agaves feature bold succulent leaves that set the tone for wherever they’re planted. Many varieties bear sharp spines along leave margins and at the leaf tip, which adds to their dramatic presentation. The bluish-green rosettes naturally spread by producing offsets at the base of the plant. It is an excellent choice for sunny, hot, dry areas, especially desert regions, with good drainage.
4. Echeveria
Getty Images
Considered one of the most attractive succulents, due to their colours and variations, echeverias are extremely hardy and can tolerate extended periods without water. In fact, what one of the issues with any succulents is over-watering, so be sure to let the soil dry out completely before water again. They do well in unglazed clay pots, which allows the water to evaporate. Their rosettes can be as little as 2cm, up to 50cm in diameter. Colouring can range from white to orange, and pink to red. These low growing evergreen succulents fall under a category called hens-and-chicks. These succulents have an original rosette called the ‘Hen’, which produces tiny rosette offsets that are known as the ‘Chicks’.
5. Sempervivum tectorum
Getty Images
Sempervivum tectorum – also called houseleeks – are often likened to rubbery roses. They’re also known as hens-and-chick and look similar to the Echeveria variety. However their care requirements are quite different – Sempervivum are a tough, hardy plant preferring cold weather. Their leaves are narrower than those of Echeveria and have pointy tips. They produce small pink, red or orange star-shaped flowers.
6. Blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens)
Getty Images
These succulents can grow up to 30cm tall and produce yellow daisy-like flowers in summer. They are perfect as a ground cover plant and do very well in sunny positions. It has a dense growth habit and grows very quickly over a large area, so it is perfect for those areas of the garden you would like to be maintenance-free. In order to maintain its bushy clump, give it a little prune after it flowers.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Getty Images
The jade plant – also known as a money tree – is considered a symbol of good luck. The South African native is characterised by thick stems and thick glossy green leaves and can grow up to one-and-a-half metres tall. The most important consideration in caring for a Jade Plant is proper watering. You should never let a jade dry out, but overwatering will cause root rot. Position your plant in a well-draining terracotta pot for good air movement through the soil, in a bright, sunny spot.
8. Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria)
Getty Images
The Mammillaria family of cacti includes around 250 different species and they’re the most popular cacti to grow at home. They form small, round or barrel-shaped clumps, growing no more than 15 centimetres in height. They’re easy to care for making them suitable for beginner gardeners. The pincushion cactus hails from Mexico, making them drought tolerant and sun-loving. Ensure they are potted in well-drained, gritty soil and positioned in full sun. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and stop watering entirely during the winter months. With the right moisture, heating and a dormant period – your pincushion cactus might produce stunning flowers in spring.
9. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Getty Images
The snake plant – also known as mother in law’s tongue – is a succulent that any black thumb can keep alive with minimal effort. Native to tropical West Africa, the plant gets its name from its long, pointed, patterned leaves that are reminiscent of a snake. It makes great indoor plant, tolerating low light (but growing best with medium to high light) and it should be left to dry out in between waterings. Research by NASA has found that these succulents are one of the best air purifying options for your home, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air you breathe.
10. Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata)
Getty Images
This small, striking succulent doesn’t require much TLC. Growing no more than 10 to 15 centimetres, it has distinctive zebra-like stripes across its spiked fronds. Position your plant in full sun and let soil almost dry out between waterings.
11. String Of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Getty Images
String of pearls – which feature small green pearl-like balls along dangling stems – are an eye-catching addition to your space, particularly when draped in a hanging basket. Like most succulents they are very drought tolerant, requiring bright light, well-drained soil and minimal watering. Another added benefit it that they grow quickly (dangling up to around 60 centimetres) and are easily propagated.
In the true fashion of social media evolution, TikTok has become more than just a platform for prank videos and nifty DIYs. In fact, the app—used largely by Gen Z and Millennials—has become a reporting ground for the latest fashion aesthetics and trends. The latest trend gaining traction? Twee.
Through the pandemic years in particular, TikTokers have coalesced and subsequently served up a number of stylized fashion aesthetics. Y2K, cottagecore, dark academia, coconut girl, and cabincore are just a handful of styles that have recently graced both our screens and our wardrobes. While twee is just the latest one to go viral, a certain subset of us (ahem, Tumblr girls) are thrilled.
What is twee fashion?
With a beret
If you’ve seen #twee on TikTok (which has 78.3M views and counting), it’s possible you’re either having nostalgic flashbacks to your Tumblr days or you’re feeling a little confused by both the term itself and the larger aesthetic.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, the word “twee” itself is British and is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “excessively or affectedly quaint, pretty, or sentimental.” The twee fashion aesthetic was first popular in the 2000s through the early 2010s and was largely influenced by the Indie music movement. Pop culture icons such as Alexa Chung and Taylor Swift are known for having rocked the trend in its heyday and the internet has unanimously dubbed Zooey Deschanel as the queen of twee. Think 500 Days of Summer or New Girl.
In short, it’s a fashion trend that mixes British prep with bold colors and demure accessories while saluting vintage silhouettes and prints. Peter Pan collars, colorful tights, and satchels are all must-haves in the twee-verse.
How to nail it
While the internet is currently debating whether or not twee should make a true reappearance, we’re all for people dressing in the styles that makes them happiest. With its emphasis on vintage pieces, we also love how approachable and affordable this particular trend is—thrift store, anyone?
If you’re looking to dive into the trend, noteworthy twee essentials include oversized collars, glasses, loafers, vintage-inspired skirts and dresses, and hair accessories of all varieties—headbands, bows, supersized scrunchies, you name it. Here are some 2022-approved twee outfit ideas to get you started.
With a collared top
With high-waisted shorts
Dressing twee is all about embracing vintage silhouettes and fun patterns. Layer a Peterr Pan collared blouse with high-waisted shorts and a colorful cardigan for a look that’s as vibrant as it is put together. For colder weather, add a pair of tights under the shorts (which, let’s be real, only make it more twee). Polish it off with a structured bag and Mary Jane flats, which pay homage to the trend’s origins.
Looking for high quality gardening advice? We’ve rounded up the best gardening experts to follow on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. We know our readers are partial to organic gardening, so you’ll find accounts run by organic gardeners. Some do tutorials or questions and answers, while others simply show you photos of what their lives are like. We’ll tell you a little about each one of our recommendations and link you to them as well.
Find inspiring photos of plants grown from Baker Creek Seeds on this picturesque Instagram account. You’ll also see occasional photos of the growers and seed packets or catalogs alongside the vividly colored fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
If there is such a thing as tomato porn, it exists on carmelbellafarm’s Instagram page. The velvety, deep black skin of Black Beauty tomatoes is captured in one photo, and the next has a tomato harvest pictured as a rainbow-colored jumble. If you love tomatoes, you’ll want to follow carmelbellafarm.
Following the david_austin_roses Instagram account is worth it simply for the photos of heavy-headed, petal-packed roses. But that’s not all you’ll find. This account also offers tips about rose growing, breeding, feeding, and pruning as well as an ask the expert feature.
As a bonus alongside plenty of garden photos, you’ll find a peek into homesteading life, with images of a log cabin house, happy-looking chickens, and wreaths made with flowers from the garden. Allison (who runs the account) also provides gardening tips and how-tos every once in a while.
This Arizona-based organic gardener documents the progress of her garden on this Instagram page. There are also tips for vegetable gardeners and those who grow flowers alike.
In the style of People of New York, the humanswhogrowfood Instagram account presents photos of people from across the globe growing all different kinds of food. It’s interesting to see how much the gardeners have in common despite their differences—starting with the smiles of pride as they show off their crops.
This home gardener is devoted to organic, sustainable growing practices. See the results of their hard work and images of the fruits and vegetables as they grow at the link above.
This profile is cultivated by the Royal Horticultural Society, the top gardening charity in the United Kingdom. Along with photos of their gardens in sunshine or snow, you’ll find how-tos and tips for growing all kinds of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other plants.
Kew Gardens is a world-famous garden and a center of botanical research. They share short facts about plants, show off images of their gorgeous gardens, and even have a video series. If you can’t get to Kew Gardens, the video series is the next best thing.
MotherEarthNews will occasionally post about plants or gardens, but those aren’t the focus. This news provider offers articles that hone in on green living and sustainability.
Like MotherEarthNews, The Daily Green reports on all things green, so while there will occasionally be content about gardening, that isn’t the focal point.
We’ve already recommended RHS’s Instagram account; how could we leave out their Twitter? The RHS runs question and answer sessions right on Twitter alongside striking views of the RHS gardens.
EdibleAcres is operated by a permaculture nursery located in New York. They write, “We’re focused on low and no-tech solutions and permaculture principles in all our work. This video channel documents our journey.”
GrowingYourGreens produces a steady stream of video content about gardening tips, tricks, and how-tos. Occasionally, it looks at what John is growing in his own garden.
Mark is passionate about teaching people how to get great results in their gardens using cover crops, dried leaves, wood chips, and worm castings. He writes that these items are “the ONLY things I use in my 22 acre farm and backyard garden.”
This name showed up on many of the lists we checked as we did research for this article. The profile promises two to three videos weekly, with new content on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Videos focus on “100 percent organic gardening, self sustainability, healthy recipes, and much more.”
You may be looking for new YouTube accounts so you can subscribe or add their videos to your playlists. Perhaps you’re looking for some gardening-related Instagram accounts to follow. Or maybe you’re seeking new gardening Twitters. A lot of you will probably be looking for all three. Whatever you’re looking for, we’re betting you found at least one recommendation that caught your fancy. Go ahead and check it out, then come back and tell us who you follow on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram for your gardening-related content—especially if it focuses on organic gardening.
Ok, I’m thinking spring. Why not? I know we in the northern hemisphere are feeling winter’s wraith, but it’s time to dream, and hope of a bright, beautiful, covid-free spring (and summer). Who’s with me? So, what are the seasons newest, freshest colors? Glad you asked. Without further ado, here they are:
The top five colors for Spring 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Color and WGSN
“It’s hard to imagine a post-Covid world, but history has proven that innovation prevails during times of crisis, and we’re hopeful that the fashion industry will be no exception. And while we can’t necessarily predict what sartorial inventiveness will come out of this global pandemic, the trend forecasters at WGSN and color experts at Coloro teamed up to reveal the tones that’ll be trending in the spring of 2022.
Jenny Clark, Head of Color at WGSN, says the future season’s shades are “driven by a desire to be uplifted and energized while staying grounded and balanced.” The resulting top five colors “will either ground or entice us with their delicious and textural charm.”
The key Spring 2022 hues are: an electrifying pink, a yellowish orange, a calming blue, a plant-based green and a creamy shade of butter.
“With prolonged periods of isolation, nature and its vitality will have a clear appeal, but technology will also be celebrated as connections through digital tools become a more necessary and valued part of everyday life,” the official press release explains. “The new season’s key colors reflect this duality, ranging from authentically organic hues to artificially enhanced tones.”
Below, we’ve scoured the web to bring you the best warm-weather pieces in these soon-to-be-trending colors.
ORCHID FLOWER
Photo: Courtesy of Coloro and WGSN
“Orchid flower has an intense, hyper-real and energizing quality that will stand out in both real life and digital settings,” notes Joanne Thomas, Head of Content for Coloro. “It’s also versatile enough to work across seasons and continents. In a challenging time, this saturated magenta tone will be a great way to create a sense of positivity and escapism.” The vibrant pink is expected to make an impact across swimwear and occasion wear, so stock up on bright bikinis and party-ready dresses in the head-turning hue now.
OLIVE OIL
Photo: Courtesy of Coloro and WGSN
For Spring 2022, electric slime green is out, and a more natural shade of olive oil is in. This rich tone is likely to dominate the workwear, lingerie, footwear and accessories categories, Coloro and WSGN predict. In preparation for its widespread appeal, we suggest scooping up easy-to-wear jumpsuits and go-with-everything bags. You also might want to give your intimates drawer a refresh with lace-y separates in the comforting color.
BUTTER
Photo: Courtesy of Coloro and WGSN
Butter cropped up in the Fall 2020 collections and will hang around our wardrobes for many months to come. According to Coloro and WGSN, the yellowish cream color will continue to cover ready-to-wear pieces and will expand into lingerie and loungewear next year. So, hang up your lemon-coated jackets and pick up some buttery crocheted knits and cashmere shorts.
MANGO SORBET
Photo: Courtesy of Coloro and WGSN
We’re craving optimism and feelings of wellbeing with everything that’s going on in the world. Mango sorbet — a delicious fusion of bright orange and yellow — is the perfect shade for our times, bringing a much-needed dose of energy to seasonal palettes. The cheery hue is already making waves in swimwear and activewear. Plus, it’s covering breezy, summer garments that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation. And who doesn’t need that right now?
ATLANTIC BLUE
Photo: Courtesy of Coloro and WGSN
Grounded and reassuring, this shade of blue brings to mind organic indigo dyes and the ocean. The year-round color is perfect for basics and activewear. Wear it now while you work from home and later with statement accessories — think pearl sunglasses chains and stacked bracelets — for a picnic-perfect look”.
Before running the vacuum, lightly sprinkle carpets with baking soda to remove musty odors and pick up excess dirt.
Hang activated charcoal in closets
Bags of activated charcoal can be found at many retailers, and are great for absorbing smells from smelly closets, car trunks, and other damp, dark places. Apply a few drops of essential oil to add scent or purchase bags that contain fragrant herbs like lavender alongside the charcoal.
Make DIY room sprays
With a little water, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils, it’s easy to make a DIY room spray that will make your space smell great. Added ingredients like vodka and vinegar can help neutralize odors in soft surfaces like couches and carpets.
Use vinegar in the laundry to remove musty odors
Forget a load of laundry for a couple of days? Add in a cup of vinegar to remove mildew smells from towels and other garments. Vinegar can also be used to clean the washing machine, or as a germ-killing additive in loads of laundry with smelly workout gear.
For more of the same, click on the “Source” link below.
Who doesn’t like Ikea? Inexpensive and easy to move, Ikea has some decor items for fall. Take a look !
We’re already looking forward to the cozy evenings, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-flavored treats that accompany fall. The season ushers in warmth and comfort, a feeling that’s perfectly encapsulated by IKEA’s new fall collection.
The limited-edition line is called HÖSTKVÄLL, which means “autumn evening” in Swedish, and it includes everything you need to embrace the coziness of autumn. Among the patterned pillows, tabletop accessories, and seasonal accents, we spotted a few fall decorating trends that we can’t wait to incorporate into our homes this year. And with all items less than $20, IKEA’s fall collection makes it easy to embrace seasonal style in living rooms, on dining tables, and at the front door. Here are four trends to watch for this autumn—and start shopping now!
1. Rich, Moody Colors
As sunsets start earlier and cold weather approaches, embrace darker colors. IKEA’s fall line showcases moody, saturated colors including black, charcoal gray, rusty red, and, of course, burnt orange. The juxtaposition of classic fall colors with deep neutrals, as demonstrated by this patterned pillow cover ($7), adds an extra layer of coziness to your seasonal decor.
2. Leafy Patterns
For a modern twist on traditional pumpkin patterns, decorate with fall decor featuring leafy designs. The HÖSTKVÄLL line includes kitchen accessories, pillow covers, wall art, and more with elegant botanical designs that reflect the season’s changing foliage.
3. Artificial Dried Grasses
Dried grasses and flowers bring texture and an element of nature to your fall decor, but the real varieties can leave a lot of debris behind. For a mess-free solution, choose faux versions that look just as beautiful as the real thing. Try IKEA’s artificial bouquet ($10) or the artificial wreath ($15), which both showcase an array of autumnal colors and natural textures that will continue to look good year after year.
4. Cozy Comforts
Lean into the cozy feeling of fall with simple details that add comfort. Line your table with a strand of copper-wire string lights ($18), introduce a festive mood with autumn-scented candles ($4), or snuggle up with a woven throw ($20). Small additions can have a big impact on making your home feel comforting and inviting this fall.
Article by Jessica Bennett for BH&G. Photo credit: Courtesy of Ikea
As the weather gets warmer, you’re probably itching to get off your couch and spend as much time as possible outdoors. While it’s nice to get away from your home for a while, it’s sometimes even nicer to have an oasis in your own backyard to turn to. You definitely don’t need to have a large outdoor space in order to transform it into something cozy, comfortable and enjoyable — you just need to have the right decor and setup.
@ KatarzynaBialasiewicz – Getty Images
A great outdoor space requires some comfortable seating, versatile lighting, shade for extra sunny days and some greenery (real or fake). Add in some decor that you like, such as funky planters, a colorful rug or some whimsical string lights, and you’ve got a space you’ll want to return to each day (or night). Here are some of our favorite products you can buy from Amazon to make this a reality.
This doubles as a small table and a hidden cooler all in one. You can choose to keep the lid lower when you want to only use it as a table, or you can elevate the lid to show off the hidden cooler underneath (and still use the lid as a tabletop). It’s 7.5 gallons and can hold up to 40 cans, and it’s made of a water-resistant resin so it can withstand the elements.
Add in some sun and bug protection with this pop-up gazebo that can go over a table and chairs set or a couch on your patio. It provides 121 square feet of coverage, and has an air vent on top to keep you cool inside. You can let down the mosquito netting when necessary, or keep it open for a breezier feel.
Adirondack chairs are a versatile and comfortable seating option that makes for a nice piece of accent furniture, but can also stand alone. This one is extra convenient since it folds for easier storage. The classic design means it will never go out of style.
String lights are a popular outdoor accent lighting option for a reason: they instantly make any space feel a little bit more magical. These globe string lights are the perfect size and shape, they’re easy to set up, and they give off just the right amount of light for when you’re hanging outside in the evening or night.
Outdoor furniture can get really pricey, but if you don’t want to drop a lot of money on something you’ll only use for a few months, this set is proof you don’t have to. This modern sectional sofa comes with thick, comfortable cushions, as well as a glass top table. You can keep it together to use it as a sofa, or separate it into two chairs.
Give your space a luxurious feel with this super comfortable daybed that encourages all of the lounging and sunbathing. It has a retractable canopy for shade, and can comfortably hold up to four people at a time. The seats can be left combined or separated, and the cushion is thick and comfortable.
To see more of this article written by Jessica Booth for Good Housekeeping, and see more idea’s for your backyard, click the source below.
Influencers Convinced Me to Buy the Hovet Ikea Mirror, and I Don’t Regret It at All
If your social media looks anything like mine, you’ve seen the HOVET Ikea mirror all over your timeline for the past year. I didn’t pay much attention to it at first, riding it off as yet another influencer product I truly didn’t need. After all, cheap, over-the-door hanging mirrors that slightly warped my reflection usually got the job done anyway, so why would I need this one?
But now that I’m staying home more, I’ve decided to invest in my space by filling it with more thoughtful and useful pieces. They certainly don’t need to be expensive – in fact most are quite the opposite. Instead, I’m looking for quality, long-lasting pieces that improve my daily routines.
I recently moved and found myself in need of a new full-length mirror, so I no longer had to rely on self-timer photos to check my outfits. I scoured the internet for one that met these standards, only to find myself returning to that familiar mirror I’d seen far too many times. After reading dozens of glowing reviews, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.
I measured time and time again before its arrival, but nothing could have prepared me for how big this mirror actually is. At only 5’2″, I can barely reach the top of it when standing on the floor. I decided to lean it against my wall, but mounting fixtures are included if I later decide to hang the mirror vertically or horizontally. The only downside I’ve noticed so far is the mirror’s weight. Given that the mirror is 42 pounds and almost 6.5 feet tall, I’m thankful I don’t have to move it too often.
The mirror framing is made of aluminum, which gives it a modern look, but it can be easily upgraded with spray paint or string lights. A quick search of the mirror on Instagram or TikTok will take you days to scroll through and will leave you with endless inspiration.
In all honesty, I’m not sure a mirror of this quality and size exists for a better price. It makes my New York City bedroom feel so much larger than it is. Most importantly, I know it will last for years and through many more apartments.
At almost 6.5 feet fall and 2.5 feet wide, the Ikea HOVET Mirror ($129) makes the room feel much larger than it is.
The Ikea HOVET Mirror can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
Framed with aluminum, the Ikea HOVET Mirror gives off a sleek, modern look and goes well with any of your existing decor!
Our team has discussed the death of the jean for quite a while now, and with winter ahead, the last thing any of us are putting on is real pants. But just because you’re in an exclusive relationship with your leggings doesn’t mean you can’t look amazing for every Zoom meeting and mirror-walk-by of the day. Putting on a fresh face and experimenting with my makeup looks and hair routine have pretty single-handedly given me something to look forward to and stay motivated throughout my day. Ready to try something new beyond your daily BB cream and top knot? Here are eight beauty trends anyone can wear that take your leggings and a tee to a solid 10/10:
This trend isn’t going anywhere, and this fall, we’re seeing it in practically every shape, color, and finish. Now that we have a little extra time in the morning, it’s not the worst idea to finally master your perfect winged liner look. Then, you can experiment with different shapes, styles, and colors. I’m loving a classic, deep black wing when I’m just heading to the grocery store because it adds a little bit of interest to my eyes (the star of the show since I’m wearing a mask!) without taking too much effort. But I also love the metallic liner trend, especially for holiday. A wash of gold or silver looks cool and editorial; like you just stepped out of Pat McGrath’s chair.
If you have naturally curly or textured hair, this is a breeze (although it might feel a little unnatural if you’ve abided by the “don’t brush your curls!” rules of the past). As a straight-haired person, I get the look by curling my hair at night with a small curling wand (my hair is fine, so I use a ½ in, but I’d say to go ½ in smaller than your normal-size iron), set it with a hairspray, sleep on it, and then brush them through in the morning. I’ll do it while I’m watching TV or listening to an audiobook, and then I’m guaranteed sexy, voluminous hair for days. I’m also loving this look with a ponytail!
So, you can’t *exactly* wear this for a work meeting, but I’d be damned if I left out one of the best WFH perks out there: masking while we work. I’m all for a self-care night filled with my skincare favorites, but sometimes my skin calls for an all-day mask situation. Something hydrating is great for dry, winter skin; you can opt for a depuffing, oxygenating mask with a facial massage in the morning with your coffee; or I swear by a purifying mask after a hot, steamy shower when I wake up with a breakout. I especially love this trick with undereye masks. The serum in an undereye mask stays on your skin, leaving it hydrated and plump for the entire day—why would I waste that when I’m just heading to sleep?
There’s nothing like catching yourself in the mirror when your cheekbones are highlighted. And I’m not talking your run-of-the-mill highlight either; I mean “aliens up in space are discussing the beam of light coming from an undisclosed North American location” type of glow. When you’re wearing an otherwise understated look, adding a striking highlighter to your cheekbones can turn up your confidence and make a look seem a lot more intentional (when really you just rolled out of bed). I also love having a bit stronger cheek highlight for Zoom meetings—I typically powder more because the webcam can make you look shiny, so adding extra highlight makes it look like your skin is truly perfect.
There’s no time like the fall and winter to dive into deeper makeup tones, and instead of opting for your usual pumpkin oranges and rich browns, 2020’s spin involves something a little cooler. Cool-toned makeup is slowly but surely making its way back in the hearts of makeup-lovers everywhere, and we’re starting with rich plums, taupes, and greys. An easy way to tackle the look is a cool, grey-toned purple lip—like this one from The Lip Bar—but if you have a little extra time in the morning, a swipe of a shimmery, taupe eyeshadow looks put-together, glamorous, and chic. Bonus points if the shade has a bit of sparkle too!
Another iteration of this look is using matte shades for a more retro-style. Think Ariana Grande in the “Positions” music video. Create a wing with a cool-toned medium brown shadow (if you have a medium or dark skin tone, apply a white/cream shadow all over the lid to make this brown pop!) and a brush, and bring the wing over your crease. This look is actually pretty wearable, but looks so impactful (some might say West Wing worthy).
The ‘90s have influenced the biggest hair trends of the last few years, and this one is in full-force right now. This look can be done many ways, whether it’s braiding your front pieces—like in the above photo—or pulling out a few pieces from a bun or ponytail. I love adding little braids to frame my face, and it takes seriously no time at all. Whether you have layers and shorter pieces cut already or you want to fake it, this look is probably the easiest on this list with some of the highest impact.
One of the simplest ways to look put-together, in my opinion, is a monochromatic look. Whether you go for a light neutral eye look with a nude lip or opt for a pink cheek and lip, you’ll look like a professional makeup artist graced your face with seriously minimal effort. The easiest way to do this is using a lipstick and swiping it across your lids (use a primer and set with a translucent powder to make it stay all day with no creasing), on your cheeks as blush, and on your lips! A few shades to try this with include: red cheeks and lips; berry eyes and lips; taupe eyes and lips, rosey-brown eyes, lips, and cheeks; and cinnamon-brown eyes, lips, and cheeks.
This look has been around for decades, if not centuries, but it’s a gold standard of the life we’re living in 2020. A simple red lip can improve your mood ten-fold; plus, it makes even a messy bun and “I-was-too-lazy-to-put-in-my-contacts” look chic and intentional. Wearing it with a bare face keeps the look natural while also increasing the impact of the bold red lip.
