Just like that, spring hath sprung. After a long and cozy season of layers and moody colorways, Team Who What Wear is always the first in line to board the warm-weather train. And it’s not just the rising temperature that’s got us giddy. It’s the fresh crop of beauty trends we’re amped up about trying IRL. If the onset of prolonged daylight isn’t enough to kick those winter blues, we can assure you that this season's influx of bright and shining beauty themes will banish any remaining chilly vibes.
Our basic beauty mottos stay pretty stable year-round, but there’s just something about the turn of the season that inspires us to take the plunge into all the hair, makeup, and nail newness we’ve seen bubbling up on the runway, the red carpet, and even the ’gram. And right now, there’s a hefty selection of exciting movements to watch.
From intricately placed hair accessories to glimmering eyelids and some major beauty throwbacks we didn’t expect to see returning to the modern consciousness (like, ever), scroll on to read all about the most exciting beauty waves we’ll be riding come spring. Be sure to make note of your favorites, and shop our edit of the best beauty buys to get each look.
Parts lined with pearls and gemstones meet accessories and styling products dripping in 24-karat shimmer. While hair accessories like clips, headbands, and barrettes have been gaining ground for a while now, our favorite celebrities and designers have steered the trend forward (versus backward to the ’90s) with notably chic and twinkly accents. To make it more wearable, we recommend a light sprinkling of pearl or jewel-studded baubles, a strategically placed headband (with crystals!), or, for the minimalist, a gleam-inducing shine spray.
Embed pretty, individual pearls within your bun, along your part, or all over. These twist in and stay put.
Not into legitimate sparkle? This strategic hair mist from R+Co quenches thirsty strands with nutrient-rich, lightweight oils while lending a subtle halo of glow to your style. (Tip: Extend your spray to your chest and collarbones.)
Deck out your braid or pony with a shimmering line of pink Swarovski crystals. Lelet NY is THE place to shop for the prettiest trinkets for sparkling strands.
From sleek chignons to French twists teased with Old Hollywood glamour, classic hairstyles are making a modern resurgence. The difference? Subtle styling tweaks like a face-framing tendril à la Scarlett Johansson or left-out ends like the low chignons we saw at Noor by Noor. Finger waves and 1940s-inspired victory rolls are also on the table, as is a retro pixie reboot as seen on Zoë Kravitz.
From chignons to twists, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed bobby pin that’s a close match to your hair color for ultimate camouflage. These pins from Kitsch have industrial-strength hold and come in black, brown, and blonde.
Hair spray is nonnegotiable. L’Oréal’s is a cult classic among hair enthusiasts and celebrity hairstylists alike. All you have to do is select your level of hold.
This ingenious gadget from Invisibobble erases any previous growing pains associated with the perfect bun or knot.
From chin-framing bobs with a helmet-like hug to mullets and shags you thought you’d never see again, the industry is making noise for styles and cuts that were previously off-limits. In terms of styling, less is definitely more when it comes to these iconic cuts. Stick to a diffuser, dry shampoo, or texture sprays if you’re going the mullet or shag route, and a flat iron and gleam-producing heat protectant if you’re on board with sleek bobs and lobs.
Tousled, no-fuss texture is paramount, and Oribe’s classic formula is the one worth having to achieve a zero-stick, maximum-muss finish for mullets and shags.
Don’t underestimate the power of a flat iron. Not only is it key for creating the sleekest of styles, but it can also enhance your natural ends and waves for shaggier, vintage-inspired styles.
Heat protection isn’t an option; it’s a necessity if you’re going to be applying any type of thermal-induced damage to your strands. This dark-horse formula is a stylist favorite and the crème de la crème among nitpicky beauty editors. As a bonus, it also smells amazing.
The Euphoria eye makeup influence has been dominating since the show’s debut last summer, but it looks like the trend is getting a retro-inspired remix this season. High-impact glossy lids embellished with tons of glitter are here to stay, only now we’re seeing them with a more glamorous, vintage-Hollywood spin. If you’re down to lean into full drama this spring, look no further.
When it comes to full-force disco ball eyes, Lemonhead.LA is definitely your go-to product. These vegan and cruelty-free formulas will cover any lid in the dreamiest sheet of glittery goodness in a single swipe.
If chunky glitter isn’t your jam but you still want to shine with the best of them, we suggest a finely milled, pressed shadow like the ones in Róen’s neatly appointed quad palettes. You still get that shiny, wet, sparkle effect but without the heaviness of a denser glitter.
This quick-drying liquid eye shadow is perfect for a quick and easy touch of glam. The doe-foot applicator makes it super easy to use, and the formula is intensely shiny with the perfect amount of glitter mixed in.
Gone are the days of equating a rose-tinged face beat to Malibu Barbie. Expect non-sickly, totally chic pink makeup to take center stage this spring. Think high-voltage neon lids and blushing hues elegantly washed over lips, cheeks, and eyes (bonus points for taking on all three at once). On Wednesdays—and every day, really—we wear pink.
Whether you’re going for crisp highlighter strokes or a vibrant flush, these highly pigmented shadows will get you there. Pro tip: Go in with a damp angled brush (we like the Make Up For Ever Angled Eyeliner Brush, $24) to create a pink cat eye that won’t budge all day.
Pink lips don’t have to be saccharine. This clean, buildable lip color by Rituel de Fille is the stick to reach for when you want an effortless rose-colored pop.
Cream blush is our favorite for creating a seamless flush on the cheeks. But who’s to say you can’t extend it onto your eyelids and lips for an ethereal, allover tint? Glossier’s OG makeup offering, Cloud Paint, is lightweight, malleable, and ultra blendable.
The sky's the limit when it comes to this season’s lash aesthetic. From the red carpet to the runway, we’re seeing over-the-top falsies and spread-out spider lashes that make us want to apply a few more coats of mascara right this instant. And just because lashes are making a statement, that doesn’t mean you need to lean into a maximalist approach. Dainty, well-defined fringes make just as much of an impact.
For lengthy, defined lashes that are lifted to the heavens from root to tip, grab this magical mascara. The sleek brush is designed to easily coat bottom lashes and those hard-to-reach lashes in the corners of the eyes so you get serious definition with less fuss.
Judging by the perfect, fluttery lashes we see Rihanna sporting when she blesses us with her internet presence, we can only assume that her mascara standards are high. The mascara she released this year under her Fenty Beauty line imparts the full, long, and black lashes she openly expresses a deep love for.
If you want a little extra oomph (or a lot of extra oomph) in the lash department, then falsies are the way to go. Individual ones like these classic Ardell options are super versatile and allow you to add length and volume wherever you need it. They take a touch more time to apply than your simple strip, but in the end, you gain so much for control over the final look. Get creative with the placement, and watch your lash game go from everyday to editorial in the blink of an eye.
The length of said claws is negotiable since not everyone can handle Cynthia Erivo–level drama in their day-to-day, but talon-shaped tips are here to stay this spring. Customize the trend to your liking by switching up the shape (tips can be squared-off, sharp, or rounded) and electing any kind of print, pattern, or embellishment of your choosing. We’ve noticed a trend toward animal prints like snakeskin and leopard in addition to lots of jewels pearls, glitter, even chains. According to some of the top nail artists in the industry, the best spot to find your inspiration and décor is the craft store.
Crystal-studded claws feel less intimidating when they’re press-ons. Plus, the pretty almond shape won’t slow down your typing.
From studs to rhinestones, this kit has everything you need for shining manicure.
Use this handy tool to easily select and press your stones into wet polish before sealing the deal with a topcoat.
A minimalist manicure with attention to trim, polished detail is the antithesis of the claws-out trend that’s also been overtaking the runways, red carpet, and Instagram. Not a long-nail person? We’ve already waxed poetic about the best nail colors to try, but we love the flexibility of this trend. Go solid with a true nude or other classic hues like black or white. Or jazz up your short manicure with neon, metallics, embellishments, or stickers. The sky can still be the limit in terms of décor even if you’re opting for a shorter nail length this season.
Violet Grey’s coveted kit has every single thing you could ever need for an at-home manicure.
Nail stickers are cool again, folks, and Olive & June consistently launches the chicest designs. Apply the sticker of your choosing to add just a little more interest to a minimal manicure aesthetic this year. We’re obsessed with this kit that has not only stickers but Olive & June’s best-selling rose-gold polish and topcoat. Prepare for the glossy, long-wearing finish of your dreams.
Not only are Essie’s newest launches less toxic, but they’re also quick-drying, super shiny, and ultra durable. Stock up on shades because we’re already predicting your short nails will be as obsessed as we are.
Back with a vengeance, French manicures have regained their je ne sais quoi thanks to bold color alternatives and imaginative arches. Of course, the textbook combination featuring white tips and a sheer base is an elegant option, but there’s a lot of experimentation and creativity to be had with vibrant, unexpected colors like black or neon, even double-dipped tips, nail beds, or a few rhinestones thrown in for good measure.
A super-sparkly tip is one of the coolest ways to try the trend for 2020. We’re obsessed with everything from ILNP.
If you prefer to go sticker-less, this double-ended tool will come in clutch for creating all types of arches and lines perfect for French manicures.
Orly’s ingenious kit takes the frustration out of an at-home French situation.
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