Category: TRENDS

With one almost-70-degree day under our belts, spring is most definitely at our fingertips (it became universally official on yeserday-March 20!). While we all  have limitless amounts of inspiration for giving our closets a major clean-out and priming our wardrobe with all things feminine and light, it’s also time to get our beauty routine in shape.

Your nails, skin, and hair all need special attention to reveal that pretty spring-to-summer glow that can shed a very long winter in a heartbeat. From switching out your liquid makeup to freshening up your locks, I’ve tracked down four top beauty experts to provide you with the ultimate mini tip-sheet for getting pretty this spring in a flash.  

HAIR: TRIM AND TEXTURE

“Make sure you get a trim each season, to keep ends healthy,” says celebrity stylist Theodor Leaf. “But if you’re looking for a quick, 3-minute style pick-me-up, create easy beach waves with just dry shampoo and a curling wand. Spray dry shampoo at the roots to add texture and volume, then take pieces of hair at the crown and wrap them around the curling wand. Finish by curling a few pieces in front.” Extra credit: We also recommend an easy at home-conditioning treatment to restore any moisture the cold and dry heat have zapped from your locks. 

Above, from left: Alberta Ferretti spring ’11 image courtesy of Redken; Suave Dry Shampoo, $2.99, available at drugstores nationwide Conair Curling Wand Styler, $29.99, available at Ulta Ojon Dry Recovery Intensive Hydrating 2-Minute Hair Mask, $29.99, available at Sephora

MAKEUP: LESS IS MORE

 “I automatically switch from my creamier liquid makeup that helped in the dry winter months to my lighter Airbrush Spray Makeup that’s perfect for the hotter, more humid months,” says makeup artist Carmindy. “It’s lightweight but provides enough coverage; spray it into your palms and apply with fingertips.” Extra credit: Try a tinted moisturizer with SPF protection to add a subtle glow to sun-starved skin. 

Above, from left: Thakoon spring ’11 image courtesy of NARS; Fusion Beauty PrimeResults Tinted Moisturizer +SPF 15, $40, available at Sephora; Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Airbrush Spray Makeup, $13.99, available at CVS.

SKIN: MAGIC POTION

NYC Aesthetician Andrea DeSimone recommends changing your skin care with the season: “Don’t use the same rich, winter moisturizer during the spring and summer. Instead, use a thinner serum or moisturizer under your sunscreen. Keep greasy skin at bay and mattify your complexion with rice papers or use an oil-free moisturizer during the more humid months.” Extra credit: Add a works-while-you-sleep night treatment to your routine to even out skin tone, help clear up breakouts, and pump skin with vitamins and antioxidants, so you’ll always wake up looking radiant. 

Above, from left: Sephora Super Loaded Age Defying Seurm, $32, available at Sephora; Patyka Combination Skin Balancing Face Moisturizer, $55, available at Spirit Beauty Lounge; Tatcha Blotting Papers, $12, available at Tatcha; Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45, available at Ole Henriksen; Honor spring ’11 images courtesy of NARS.

NAILS: SHORT AND SWEET

While your nail length and color is ultimately up to you, CND Celebrity Nail Professional Roxanne Valinoti says, “In general, neutral shades like porcelain peach or nearly nudes—which are always big for spring—look best on shorter, softer nail shapes like round and oval, while pointier shapes and longer nails can pull off bright, intense colors and edgier designs.” Extra credit: Use an natural almost oil to moisturize extra dry cuticles (don’t forget your toes). This versatile miracle moisturizer is also great for smoothing lips and dry patches. 

Above, from left: Isaac Mizrahi spring ’11 image courtesy of CND; Liz Earle Superbalm, $29, available at Liz Earle; CND Nail Colour in Smoochie, $9, available at CND; Essie Nail Polish in Topless and Barefoot, $8, available at Essie.