Call it a classic soft spot for movie makeovers, a fondness for fresh starts, or just a tendency to get antsy, but we love switching things up. Unfortunately, undertaking a dramatic cut or bold color change at every hair appointment isn’t for the faint of heart (or sometimes even possible).
The good news is that there are about a million small changes you can make that will have a big impact on your look. Read on for our favorites.
Add Face-Framing Highlights
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There’s no better time than summer to experiment with a few subtle highlights enhancing your face. Try going 2-3 shades lighter than your current shade — it will help your eyes pop, add life and dimension to your color, and leave people acknowledging that you look fabulous but unable to pinpoint exactly why. Let them think you’ve just returned from a fabulous vacation. We guaranteed you’ll look just rested, relaxed, and sun-kissed enough that it might be true.
Fill In Your Brows
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The strong brow trend is still going, well, strong. If you’re not ready to spring for permanent tinting, take this opportunity to master the art of the brow fill-in.
Start with Aveda Petal Essence Eye Definer in Sepia (a medium taupe that works well with most skin tones and hair colors). Grab a dual-ended makeup brush (Aveda has a great one that’s part of its Flax Sticks set). Use the bristled end — it looks like a mascara wand — to brush your brows up, taming them and allowing you more access to the skin. Use the brush side to sweep up color from the pencil. Starting in the inner corners and working outwards, apply firmly to the skin using short, quick strokes that mimic natural hairs.
You’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes. A bold brow enhances your eyes, your bone structure, and your self-confidence. Seriously — try it.
Get Bangs
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Don’t be afraid–you don’t have to go full throttle to try this look. Long, sideswept bangs may not even be that much of a change from your current cut — chances are, you already have some shorter, face-framing pieces in place. Trim off a bit more to draw attention to your eyes, balance a longer forehead, or spice up a stale cut. The best part? Bangs can be flattering on everyone. Talk to your stylist to find out which ones work for your hair, your face, and your lifestyle.
Rock a New Lip Color
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A bold, beautiful lip gives us confidence when we’re lacking it. It makes us feel beautiful when we’re running on no sleep. It ensures us we have it all together, even if things are falling apart. The right shade could be just the beauty refreshment you need to take things from dull to daring.
Our favorite trick is to try a red with blue undertones. Most women are drawn towards warmer shades — especially in the summer months — but there’s something about a good old-fashioned icy red that makes us feel like we can conquer the world. As an unexpected bonus, it can also help your teeth appear whiter.
Swap Out Your Part
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It’s easy, it’s quick, and you can try it literally as soon as you’re done reading this. If you’re craving something new but not sure if you want the change to last an hour or a lifetime, this is failsafe. We often see clients gravitate toward a certain part and declare that they “can’t pull off” anything else — but they’re usually wrong.
For instance, did you know that a center part can help a round face look narrower and make your bone structure look more defined? Meanwhile, a side-swept part can make narrow faces looks wider, and a deep side swoop will bring focus to your eyes. For starters, we recommend parting above your brow on your good side. (Admit it, we all have one and know which it is.) This is almost universally flattering.
Bonus: If you try all our tricks and still find yourself itching for something dramatic, you’ll know you’re making the right decision. Enjoy experimenting!