Are you known for your perfectly imperfect top knot? Or your precise winged liner, on point red lippie, or glossy nails? Sure, it’s fab to have a “thing”, but sometimes you need to branch out a little. You know the saying, “don’t knock it ‘til you try it?” Let’s all take a pledge to apply that philosophy to the beauty grind. Ready, set, go…
The rut: The same old smoky eye
The fix: A violet palette
Eye spy… Derek Lam, Vera Wang, Guy Laroche and Matthew Williamson stepping into a purple haze. From plums and mauves to lavender, amethyst, blackberry and lilac, purple has been popping up on red carpets the world over. A fresh take on the traditional black or brown smoky eye looks, it’s incredibly flattering on all eye colours and can counteract redness, making your peepers appear brighter. What’s not to love?!
bh loves:M.A.C Eyes on M.A.C Collection – Purple Times Nine, e.l.f. cosmetics Essential Flawless Eyeshadow in Party Purple, e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Pigment Eyeshadow in Passionate Purple
bh recommends: Follow these steps to create your new-age smoky eye.
The rut: The uninspired ponytail
The fix: Decorate it
The ponytail is every girl’s best friend, but let’s face it: it can become b-o-r-i-n-g. If you’re a regular pony-wearer, try updating it with just a touch of runway glam. Hey, if it’s good enough for Helmut Lang, it’s good enough for us. To be truly on-trend, keep it low (less Ariana Grande, more Gwyneth Paltrow).
bh loves: Ombrello Floral Ponytailer, Lady Jayne LUXE Stud Cuffs, Lady Jayne Minimalistic Leather Snap Cuff, Scunci No Damage Elastics with Printed Tail Ponytailer
bh recommends: Want more? ‘Course you do. Check out four ways to dress up your ‘do.
The rut: The same polish… again and again
The fix: Pare it back
There’s a new nail trend in town: ‘negative space’. Have you heard of it? It’s like reverse nail art. The idea is to create a fresh, graphic and modern statement by deliberately leaving the canvas (or the nail) blank. Get creative and experiment with patterns. Our favourites include these love hearts (too adorable!) diagonal triangles, two-tone half moons and zig-zag cut outs. There are no limits, just endless, negative space possibilities!
bh loves: CND Shellac, The Body Shop Nail Art Pen
bh recommends: Big on nail art but running low on inspo? Ask and you shall receive.
The rut: Black eyeliner, errday
The fix: Lighten up
It’s my firm belief that grey liner is the great unsung hero of the beauty world. Black is too harsh for my colouring, so I use grey to swipe on a softer line that still has impact. May I suggest you do the same? And if you’re the kind of girl who takes great pleasure in matching your liner to your lashes, deep purple, navy or brown mascara will make your peepers pop.
bh loves: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Alloy, Innoxa 2 in 1 Eye Liner & Eye Shadow Stick in Grey Face of Australia Budge-Proof Gel Eyeliner, Revlon ColorStay™ Eyeliner in Amethyst, NYX Colour Mascara
bh recommends: Liquid liner: It’s a fine art. Practice, and you’ll get it perfect every time.
The rut: Your hair is always out. ALWAYS.
The fix: Pin it!
There’s nothing wrong with wearing your locks out, but sometimes it can be a little dull. If you want to keep them flowing, just accessorise with pins. Gone are the days when we hid them in a bid to keep our ‘do in place – now, they’re chic enough to put on show!
bh picks: Lady Jayne Minimalistic Leather Bobby Slides, Scunci Bobby Pins Value Pack – Brown, Ombrello French Slide Hair Pins
bh recommends: You read the five reasons why long hair is awesome.
The rut: The usual red lip
The fix: Gloss is boss
There’s nothing more powerful than a matte red lip, and if, like Gwen Stefani, it’s your beauty signature, bravo! That takes real dedication. But, would you consider a matte hiatus? Keep your signature crimson hue – just update its texture. It’s the most effortless twist you can add to your beauty style.
bh loves: Nars Lip Gloss in Eternal Red, NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Cherry Pie, Bourjois Color Boost in Red Island, Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss
bh recommends:Find your perfect shade, and never look back.
The rut: The top knot is your daily ‘do
The fix: A chic chignon
Ok, so we all love the top knot, some more than others (guilty), but sometimes a girl’s gotta look refined, you know? Take it down a few inches… we’ll show you how:
The textured chignon
By international hairstylist and owner of Raw Hair, Anthony Nader
- After washing your hair, towel-dry and douse your tresses with sea salt spray all over. Then, blast your hair til it’s 80 percent dry.
- Divide your hair into two sections from ear to ear, clipping the top section away. Smooth over the underneath section with an extra large round brush, then unclip the top section and do the same.
- Swing your hair over to one side and grab your hot tongs, taking large sections and curling them to give your strands more bounce and natural movement.
- Rake your hair with your fingers, and sweep it loosely away from your face into your desired side at the nape area. Secure into a ponytail.
- Now twist the tail loosely around the base of the tail, creating a cinnamon scroll bun effect and secure with bobby pins. Don’t be too concerned about any falling hair strands that have escaped around your hairline. This adds texture and depth to your chignon.
bh loves: Sachajuan Ocean Mist, VS Sassoon Luminous Collection Curling Tong, Freestyle Home Salon Bobby Pins Pack
bh recommends: Not good with your hair? Master these easy-peasy styles and keep them on rotation.
Are you stuck in a beauty rut? How do you plan on getting out of it?
I am way too comfortable in my ways.