STYLE

It's been a looong year, bb. Celebrate the oncoming spring by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying all the trends and treatments you've been dreaming about...but haven't had the motivation to do from your (so snuggly!) couch. Cross them off as you go to get B-I-N-G-O!

We're breaking it *all* down right here...

1. Wore your brightest lipstick and barely smudged it all day

@irisapatow

Want your lipstick to last from breakfast to dinner? Here's makeup artist and Guide Beauty founder Terri Bryant's foolproof method...

Exfoliate. "Getting smooth, flake-free skin is the first and best step to making your lip color last," she says. Use a gentle lip scrub (like this Revlon one!) or mix up some sugar and honey and buff it into your lips. Then, just wipe (or lick—no judgment here) it away.

Hydrate. "Apply moisturizer to your lips. Let it sit while you do the rest of your makeup," Bryant shares. "By the time you're done, your lips will be soft." 

Apply. Choose your power color. "Stains, liquid lipsticks and matte lipsticks are your best bets for long wear." We swear by the matte/liquid combo formula from Maybelline right here...

2. Refrigerated your skincare

Want more glow? Dealing with redness? Pop your moisturizer into the fridge. "Not only can keeping your skincare in the refrigerator extend the shelf life of your product, the cool temps help to constrict your blood vessels to minimize redness and brighten your complexion," says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. Just keep oils out of the cold since low temps can change their consistency.

Related: Is a skincare fridge worth the price? 

3. Used your prettiest bath bomb

@lushcosmetics

Because sometimes you just need to soak in a swirling pool of colors, tbh.

4. Wore at least 3 different hair accessories at a time

Big, blingy clips are so in right now, says celeb stylist James Catalano. Check out The Hair Edit for sweet 'n' sophisticated vibes—and layer them for the ultimate lewks.

5. Wore SPF every single day for a week

Fun fact: You need to wear sunscreen every day (yes, even when it's cloudy or rainy!). "Regardless of the weather, you're always exposed to UV rays," explains Dr. Graf. "Sure, UVB rays are stronger during the summer, but UVA rays are at the same level all year-round." So make a habit of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, like this one from C'est Moi or this one from Black Girl Sunscreen. Outside a lot or always sitting by a window? Be sure to reapply every two hours.

6. Washed all your makeup brushes

When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Probably too long ago. "You should be washing them at least every other week," says Sarah Biggers-Stewart, founder and CEO of clean makeup brand Clove + Hallow. And it doesn't have to be complicated. Just wet your brush and apply the soap. Then massage the bristles to get them sudsy. Rinse the bristles until the water runs clear. Squeeze out the excess moisture. Lay them flat to dry. Done! 

7. Wore a full face of makeup for under $20

Crucial update: You can refill your beauty bag without blowing through all your babysitting bucks. You're welcome.

Check out these cheap (but chic) products: E.L.F. Eyeshadow · Colourpop Gloss · Wet n Wild Mascara · Essence Blush 

8. Rocked a new overnight routine

@glowrecipe

Whether you swap out your cotton pillowcase for a luxe (and adorable!) silk one or prep your face pre-bed with a soothing p.m. lotion, make your dream time work for you. And when you wake up? You'll feel so much better (even if you had to hit snooze twice).

9. Gave your scalp a detox

Your scalp needs a refresh, too. "Cleansing your scalp creates a healthy environment so your hair can grow," says Gretchen Friese, a certified trichologist with Bosley Professional Strength. A scrub washes off oil and buildup (plus reduces dandruff). When you work in your shampoo, really focus on your scalp. Do this every other day if you have fine hair (every few days for thicker hair). Once a month, add a scalp scrub like this one by TPH by Taraji.

10. Embraced your natural hair texture

@sofiawylie

If air-drying has never been your thing, it's time to master your natural hair texture. You (and your hair) will thank us. 

If you've got straight hair... Add oomph in the shower with a volume-boosting shampoo and conditioner. Once your hair is dry, add texturizing spray to give it some bounce while protecting your strands from humidity, which can cause your style to fall flat.

If you've got wavy hair... Keep those waves by only combing your hair during the conditioner stage in the shower. This will keep you from stretching out your texture, says celebrity stylist Melissa DeZarate. Mist wet hair with a wave-enhancing salt spray and alternate rough drying (aka blow-drying without a brush) and squeezing your hair with a towel to get out the moisture and encourage your natural waves to form. After that, just air-dry.

If you've got curly hair... Keeping your curl pattern defined requires a few things: moisture and a gentle touch. "Make sure to comb out any tangles while you're still in the shower to avoid breakage," says DeZarate. After rinsing, press the excess water out with a microfiber towel. Scrunch in curl-defining products. "You can also take some pieces and re-curl them with your fingers," says DeZarate. After you're done applying product, Do. Not. Touch. Your. Hair. This way, it'll dry frizz-free.

If you've got coily hair... "Moisture is really key for coily, natural hair," says DeZarate. That's why she recommends a cleansing conditioner (like this one) rather than shampoo, which can strip your hair of its nourishing oils. (Use a clarifying shampoo for a biweekly deep clean.) Keep the moisture up once you've squeezed the water out of your hair by applying a leave-in conditioner and any styling products you love. Once it's dry, DeZarate recommends an oil for max hydration and shine.

11. Successfully multi-masked

Maybe your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks are dry—it's totally normal. Different areas of your face usually need different things. So customize your masking sitch by targeting each area with its own treatment. 

OILY. Use a purifying mask with charcoal to absorb oil and tighten your pores.

DRY. Look for a mask with nourishing oils like argan and avocado to boost hydration.

ACNE PRONE. Opt for a mask with antibacterial and purifying tea tree oil to nix breakouts.

12. Resisted the urge to filter your face

@jaydenbartels

Because loving the skin you're in is *always* beautiful. 

13. Went to bed an hour early to get some serious beauty sleep

Sleep plays an essential role in renewing your skin. That's when the skin's microcirculation increases to banish toxins and get your skin ready to protect itself when you wake up. Plus, when you get a full night of zzz's (8 to 10 hours), your skin will look radiant. Cue the compliments!

14. Made your mani last a whole week

@lacolorscosmetics

A DIY mani that lasts for more than three days sounds too good to be true, but it's not, we swear. Brittany Boyce, consulting nail artist for Orly, gives her expert insight...

Start with clean hands. "Before you start, wash your hands, but do not soak them," says Boyce. Fun fact: Soaking your nails in water during a manicure actually makes them chip faster.

Dry off your nails. "Before applying your base coat, dry your nail bed completely with acetone or isopropyl alcohol," Boyce suggests. You don't want any oils or hand cream in the way of making your base stick.

Put down a base. "That first layer will help your polish adhere better and last longer," she says. Bonus: It also helps prevent colorful polishes from staining your nails.

Layer the lacquer. Apply your color in thin coats with just three strokes: one down the middle of your nail, and one on each side. Let it dry before going in for a second layer. 

Seal it in. A topcoat helps protect your mani and keeps it lasting longer. "You can add another topcoat every two to three days to prevent chipping," says Boyce.

15. Perfected your cat-eye

@maddieziegler

Are your wings a little wonky? It's time to fix your flick. Here's this expert hack: "Start with the eye you find more challenging," says makeup artist and Guide Beauty founder Terri Bryant. "It's always easier to match your good eye to the one you find more difficult."

Line your lash line first, then move onto the wing. "Decide how high you want the wing to go, then with a short, quick motion, pull out and up from the outer corner of the eye to create a line that ends with a point." Connect the tip to the lash line. Mascara is the final, fluttery touch.

16. Learned to give yourself a blowout

@charlidamelio

You loved your hair when you left the salon...now if only you could DIY that blow-dry. Hairstylist Davide Marinelli, owner of Davide Hair Studio in New York City, breaks it down for you...

Apply your products. Prep your damp hair after stepping out of the shower. Concentrate heavier products like styling cream on the ends and lighter products like mousse on the roots so you don't weigh down your hair.

Detangle and dry the roots. Use a detangling brush, then blow-dry the roots in the opposite direction of how they typically fall to create extra volume. We love the lightweight speed dryer from Amika.

Section out your hair. Once your roots are mostly dry, use clips to separate your mane into two-inch sections. Beginning at the back, use a round brush to hold each section up vertically near your blow-dryer. Keep turning your brush for a smooth finish.

Style the front. "Place your round brush under the hair and bring each section up to the sky and toward your face to get more volume," suggests Marinelli. Once it's dry, let the hair cool before touching it.

Set your look. "When you're done, flip your head upside-down and use the cool button to lift up your roots and lock in the volume," he says. Finish with some hairspray.

17. Spritzed a calming face mist to diffuse a moment of ~stress~

Sometimes we all need a sec to chill. Stash one of these face sprays in your locker, your backpack or your makeup bag to soothe your mind and your skin with a quick spritz. 

Our faves: The skin refresher · The bacteria fighter · The hydration booster

18. Used the least-loved colors in your fave palette

There's always a color or three that you completely avoid in any eyeshadow palette. Challenge yourself to get creative. "Try using a pop of color right in the inner corner for an artistic flair or wet a thin angled brush with setting spray and create a colorful winged eyeliner," says Sarah Biggers-Stewart, founder of Clove + Hallow. 

19. Resisted popping a pimple and let it do its thing

Pimples should come with a warning label: Don't pop this at home. No matter how tempting it is to squeeze whatever's hiding beneath the surface, you must resist. "Touching and squeezing zits can lead to more breakouts as well as scabbing, infections and scarring," says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. 

To speed up the healing process, she recommends applying a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that'll dry it right up. If the bump is painful and deep under your skin, ice it to make it smaller. And if you absolutely *must* get rid of it ASAP? "Clean the area with alcohol and use two clean Q-tip cotton swabs to press the skin down on either side of the pustule. The pressure will cause it to open and drain," says Dr. Graf. "After, clean it with peroxide and apply your spot treatment." Then, don't touch until it's healed.

20. Gave yourself a facial massage

@lanacondor

"When you massage your skin, you're stimulating and draining your lymphatic system, which helps the skin get rid of impurities," explains Dr. Graf. After washing your face, apply serum or a facial oil—something that'll give some slip to your skin. 

Then, massage your face in small circular motions, always starting in the center of your face and working out to the hairline to help with all that drainage. And be gentle! 

21. Nailed your messy bun on the first try

@kamrinoel

Good news for dry shampoo lovers. A messy bun works best on dirty(ish) hair, so you can save some time and skip washing it for a day, says celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis. If your hair is squeaky clean, add a texturizer to give it some grit. Then, tie your hair back into a normal ponytail. "Gently back-comb a section of your pony to create volume then twist the piece around the whole thing before pinning it at the base." Do this for each section, twisting in different directions. "Leaving out the ends a bit makes it imperfect and cool," says Francis.

22. Became a contour queen

@indiana

"Contouring creates a shadow, while highlighting brightens," says celeb makeup artist Lauren D'Amelio. To create depth using a matte bronzer, imagine drawing a number three on either side of your face. "Starting in the middle of your forehead, go toward your temples and down under your cheekbones. Then bring it back toward your ears and down to your jawline," she explains. Use a formula two shades darker than your skin tone and blend. Then, enhance the high points of your face with a highlighter two shades lighter than your skin tone.

23. Found your new power scent

@jazzjennings_

New season = bold new scent. We've paired you with the perfect perfume, based on the vibes you're going for.

Your vibe: Edgy and daring. Tart notes like blackberry and cherry smell less fruit-forward when combined with jasmine and violet accord. Burberry, Ulta.com

Your vibe: Social butterfly. Zesty citrus, earthy woods and delicate tea make the most delicious blend. Calvin Klein, Ulta.com 

Your vibe: Sweet and earthy: You'll love the sweet scent of pear and rose gardenia mixed with creamy woodsy notes that keep it grounded. Kenzo, Macys.com 

24. Went full glam on a school day

@kyliejenner

Give your face a full beat and go all out on a random Tuesday because...Tuesday. Here are Lauren D'Amelio's expert tips.

Play favorites. Love your lips? Wear a bold lipstick. Can't get enough of your cheekbones? Add a shimmery highlight.

Start with your eyes. "Sometimes eyeshadow can fall onto your face as you apply it. So focus on your lids first, then wipe away any fallout before moving on to foundation and the rest of your face," says D'Amelio.

Powder is your new BFF. Want your look to last past lunchtime? Dust translucent powder all over to keep it fresh.

Finish fabulously. "Apply lipstick and mascara last, so they're not covered in powder from the rest of your routine," she suggests. 

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that a version of this story originally ran in our August/September 2020 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Image Credit: Lipstick: instagram.com/irisapatow. Bath: instagram.com/lushcosmetics. Night routine: instagram.com/glowrecipe. Hair: instagram.com/sofiawylie. No filter: instagram.com/jaydenbartels. Nails: instagram.com/lacolorscosmetics. Cat-eye: instagram.com/maddieziegler. Blowout: instagram.com/charlidamelio. Facial massage: instagram.com/lanacondor. Messy bun: instagram.com/kamrinoel. Contour: instagram.com/indiana. Power scent: instagram.com/jazzjennings_. Full glam: instagram.com/kyliejenner. Edited for digital coverage by Katherine Hammer.

by Holly Fisher | 2/20/2021