Minimal makeup is just as it sounds, using only what you need to enhance your features. No heavy foundation or concealer here. You don’t need a full face; instead, work your way through your skin care routine, then apply a glow-enhancing lotion, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Choose the shade that best matches your skin tone and apply it all over your face for a pretty, lit-from-within glow that’s not overdone.
If you do feel like you need a little bit more coverage, mix some of the lotion with a little bit of foundation (use sparingly) and apply the combo with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender.
For the most seamless makeup application, use a primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer, first. Primer helps the rest of your makeup go on more smoothly and wear more evenly throughout the day—so it’s always a smart idea to try to incorporate primer into your minimal makeup collection.
If minimalism is what you crave, then push your bold and bright eye shadow shades to the bottom of your makeup bag and move neutral hues, like the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Amber Sparkle, front and center instead. Blend a small amount of neutral eye shadow into your crease, then use a brown eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Brown Denim, to line your eyes. Draw a thin line on your upper lid, then use the brown eyeliner to tightline your waterline.
Finally, finish your minimal eye makeup look with a coat of black-brown mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable in Black Brown. A black-brown mascara shade looks slightly softer than black mascara, making it a perfect pick for minimalists.
Last but not least, we come to lip color. A bold red lip doesn’t scream minimalism, but a shiny lipstick in a neutral color does. We have one that fits the bill for minimalists: the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Sparkling Rose. Another smart option is a lip stain, like our L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Create. You can get a subtle touch of color with a no-makeup feel.
To help ensure your lipstick or stain goes on smoothly, exfoliate your lips with a scrub, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, first. This sugar scrub offers gentle yet effective exfoliation for your face and lips (just don’t use it on chapped lips). Apply a small amount to dry lips, then gently massage over your pout using wet fingers. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Now you’re ready to grab your lip color and get to work.
When it comes to a minimal makeup routine, there aren’t any strict rules. If you’re really vibing with that red lip we mentioned earlier, you can totally follow our minimal face and eye makeup suggestions while straying slightly when it comes to your lip color. It’s flexible. Of course, you absolutely can go minimal all over and embrace an entirely minimal makeup look. In that case, simply combine all of the tutorials above.
Start by applying your glotion—and primer, if you so please—then create a subtle makeup look with shades of brown. Put on your natural-looking lipstick and you’re pretty much ready to go. (A quick swipe of brow gel won't hurt, though.) We recommend finishing things off with a quick spritz of setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shake & Glow Dew Mist.
Just because you’re not wearing a ton of makeup doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to removing it at night. Regardless of how much makeup you have on, it can mix with the dirt and oils on your face while you sleep and leave you with clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. In fact, even if you aren’t wearing makeup, you’ll need to cleanse your skin before bed.
Make things easy on yourself by stashing a bottle of micellar water, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, near your bed. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad across your face until you’re back to a bare face.
]]>No rule says that a smokey eye look has to be done with gray and black eye shadow, so switching things up with a bronze hue is a perfect way to make a statement in 2021. Use the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Bronze Light to get the look. Apply this metallic shade all over your lid, in your crease, and on your lower lash line. Just don’t forget to blend!
Editor’s tip: If you have fair skin and light eyes, you’re likely to find that smoky eyes wash you out—but this one won’t.
Highlighter has become really popular in the last couple of years (hello strobing!). And lately, one shade in particular has been getting major attention: gold. It’s chic, looks playful, and adds bling to your look. One easy way to add a touch of this ritzy hue to your face is by swiping the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter in Gilded Glow or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Galaxy Stick in Galaxy Gold onto your cheekbones.
If you’re not too sure this look is for you, we’ve got you covered. There’s a gold highlighter out there for every skin tone. To see for yourself, refer to our article, How To Wear Gold Highlighter on Every Skin Tone.
The vampy lip is another makeup trend that shows no signs of slowing down in 2021. In fact, it's been seen throughout various editorials and on beauty gurus and YouTubers alike. Use a liquid lipstick with a wine-inspired hue, like the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Dare, to get the look. You’ll also want to make sure to keep a micellar water for waterproof makeup on hand to remove your liquid lip at the end of the day.
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that a black cat eye will always be in style. However, a new year naturally calls for a change. Consider upping the drama in 2021 by creating a seriously graphic version of a cat eye using liquid eyeliner. We love the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Black. Use it to draw thick lines on your upper and lower lids, connecting them with flicks at both the inner and outer corners of your eyes.
Bold lashes were always in, and they continue to reign supreme thanks to one of our favorite types of mascara: fiber mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara features a black primer on one end and a fiber-infused mascara on the other to give you the appearance of major volume and length. Just use the primer, then follow up with the mascara. Keep the rest of your makeup simple so that all eyes are on your gorgeous lashes.
Metallics are in for 2021 in a big way, in fashion and beauty. So, it’s only right to hop on the glitzy trend with metallic lipstick. The L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Voodoo is a gorgeous berry-inspired shade that flaunts a pinkish-purple hue with specks of glitter. Pair it with a gold highlight, and you’ll have yourself a chic, pulled-together look.
Don’t forget about your brows in the new year! Full-looking eyebrows help to frame your face and give your beauty look extra oomph. Get in on the trend by using the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to thicken the appearance of your brows. Start by lightly applying the product to fill in sparse areas. Use the angled brush to outline and define your brow shape and arches with feather-like strokes. Finish up by combing through your eyebrows with a spoolie.
Embrace bold color in the new year by sporting an orange eye makeup look. Orange makeup hues are a chic way to add some color to your beauty look while stepping outside-of-the-box. Experiment with your eye shadow or eyeliner to get in on the trend. Click through to our articles, 12 Orange Eyeshadow Looks For Fall 2020 and How To Pull Off Bright Orange Eyeliner, to get some inspiration.
We’re all about adding popping accents to eye makeup looks, and silver eyeliner just so happens to be an on-trend way to do that in 2021. There’s no need to reserve this makeup trend for New Year’s Eve! Rock a silver eyeliner look for your next virtual girl’s night. Head over to our article, How To Do a Silver Eyeliner Makeup Look, for everything you need to know.
While we love a traditional smokey eye, the sheer remix has truly stolen our hearts this past year. It’s the perfect eye makeup look that’s flattering for both day and night—and it’s super easy to recreate. Learn how to get the look in our article, How To Create a Sheer Smoky Eye.
A classic cat eye makes for a gorgeous makeup look, but it can be difficult to master. Instead of struggling to create the perfect flick, rely on the feline eyes trend to bring your winged makeup dreams to life. Feline eyes involve using a rich blue eyeshadow to create an angular effect that emulates the cat eye. All it involves is a simple swipe of the shade across your eyes to score a winged appearance with ease. Start by sweeping your lid and lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu. Be sure to extend the color outward to create that winged shape.
Goth makeup was a popular fixture in the ‘90s makeup scene, and now it has reemerged with a stylish twist: pastel goth makeup. This trend involves matching the pastel goth girl aesthetic with soft eye shadow shades, sparkly eyeliner, and face gems. It’s all about softening up your traditional goth makeup, leaving you with a sweet-meets-gloom look. Check out our article, How To Do Pastel Goth Makeup, for a step-by-step tutorial.
If there is one makeup trend that you should try in 2021, the no makeup, makeup look tops our list (even if it’s, more literally, last on the list). This look allows you to boast dewy skin and flushed cheeks without looking like you’re wearing a ton of makeup. Click through to our article, The Easy Way To Get The No Makeup Look, for more information.
]]>Have long locks? You can totally add some shape and texture to your mane with a long spiky hairstyle that’s not only on-trend but will also give you a messy, edgy look in an instant. Simply use a hair pomade to build up volume and texture. Kick things off with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty and rub a dime-sized amount between your palms before working the putty through your hair to create a spiky look. Add more product as needed.
For those with thin strands, it would be smart to add volumizing hair care and styling products into the mix. We like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, which should be used on damp hair for an extra boost of volume. Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Paste and apply a dime-sized amount evenly through your hair to spike it to your liking.
Faded hair was possibly 2019’s biggest hairstyle and haircut trend for men—and it’s not going anywhere in 2020. So, why not take this trending look up a notch with a spiky style? All you have to do is grab a wax or pomade and spike up the top of your hair. The faded sides of your cut will give this spiky hairstyle a well-groomed, stylish touch.
Just because you’re working with long locks doesn’t mean that you have to keep things simple. Step outside of the box with a fringe. For this look, it’s all about pulling your longer strands upward and creating a subtle messy finish. Give it a try by working a small amount of hair gel or hair pomade through your strands. Build your spikes as usual and finish up with a strong-hold spray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold.
When it comes to keeping things classic, you can’t go wrong with a traditional spiky fringe. This style creates a windblown look—sans the bad weather—for a style that enhances your facial features. It is also particularly flattering on men with square-shaped faces and defined facial features.
Looking for a way to play with angles and color? We think rose gold spikes with a mid-fade will do the job. See, this look allows you to show off your length on top, try out a new color, and embrace the spiky hair trend. Win, win, win.
Working with short hair? You’re in luck! Short spiky hair for men is incredibly easy to style. Keep the amount of product you use to a minimum to build your look without creating a hard, crunchy look. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Hair and Beard Cream, which has an ultra-moisturizing, non-greasy formula to give your hair a light hold and natural light-shine finish. Start with a dime-sized amount of product and add more as desired. Easy, peasy!
Faux hawks are making their way into the spotlight for both women and men’s hair—and we can’t get enough of this edgy ‘do. Embrace two hairstyle trends in one by creating a spiky faux hawk. First, use a hair gel like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to slick down the sides of your hair. Then, grab the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Flexible Strong Hold Cream to spike up the top of your hair for a style that will ensure all eyes are on you.
If you can’t stop swooning over faux hawk styles, why not remix the look with a bit more oomph? The spiked faux hawk with a high burst fade does just that. Giving you tons of volume and defined texture, this style will become a favorite in no time.
Let’s be honest: There are days where you don’t have the time to style your hair to perfection. This is where a messier spiked hairstyle comes into play. You can pull off this hairstyle regardless of your hair length—though we’ll admit we have a soft spot for messy medium-length hair.
Reach for a hair pomade or wax to create some messy spikes throughout your mane. The best thing about this hairstyle is that, well, it’s messy! Meaning you can spend as little or as much time on it as you’d like, and it will look amazing regardless.
If you’re a man that enjoys flaunting a classic style, this look should be on your radar. An upgrade on the original quiff style, all you need is a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to pull this spiked version together. Start by working a small amount of gel through your hair and shape your long strands, pulling them in an upward motion. For more on the quiff, check out our article, How to Style a Quiff Haircut.
Interested in making a big impact with little to no styling needed? That’s what you get when you flaunt a spiky quiff with a high bald fade. A variation on the previous look, the low bald fade makes your length the main focus. It also works to shape your face and put your features on full display. Give it a try by working a small scoop of hair gel through your strands and finishing up with a high shine hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Stain Hairspray.
Searching for a spiky haircut that doesn’t skimp on style? The spiky pompadour awaits you. Pompadours are seriously trendy, and it can’t be denied that they’re also super flattering. Since this look requires short sides and a longer length on top, we recommend booking an appointment with your stylist to get the right cut.
For those who enjoy playing with color, why not try spicing up spiky hair with blonde highlights? Blonde is totally on-trend, and if you don’t want to commit to a full-color job, highlights are a great way to go. They also work to add depth and dimension to your look, and can even evoke total 2000’s vibes—which is another big trend for 2020.
Game for trying out a bold style? In that case, you may want to give ombré mohawk spikes a try. Ombré is one of the most popular hair trends, and pair that with a rocker-inspired Mohawk, and you simply can’t go wrong. Since this style requires cutting your hair into different lengths along with a touch of hair color, we think a salon sesh with a pro is the way to go.
If a rocker look suits your style, speedster spikes with a drop fade is a must-try spiky haircut. This look features thick spikes with piece-y action at the front of your hairline for a look that demands major attention. Perfect for those with medium and long hair, this is a great way to liven up your locks. Start by creating thick spikes and shaping them toward the back of your head. With a few pieces at the front of the hairline, sculpt your spikes to fall over your forehead. Finish off by spritzing with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold for a long-lasting look.
With very little maintenance needed, wind-swept spiky hair is the low-effort look you’ll want to learn how to style ASAP. All you have to do is create your spikes as usual and sweep them to either side of your head. Effortless and stylish, you can’t lose.
The spiked front fade allows you to highlight your texture while sporting a spiky style. Simply smooth the back section of your hair toward the front with a touch of pomade, then spike your hair upward at the top of your head to seal the deal.
Spikes are usually styled in an upward motion, but if you’re interested in going against the grain, wavy laid spikes will surely take you there. Simply style your spikes with a slight curve to transform your strands, then finish things off with a little hairspray to lock it all in.
A great short look you can file away in your style arsenal is a spiky undercut. Designed with textured strands in mind, it puts your texture front and center while maintaining a spiky finish. The undercut on the sides keeps your mane neat and clean for a look that can transition from day to night flawlessly.
If haircut designs are right up your alley, an undercut with a thick, textured spiked top may be your perfect match. Featuring a bold side part and thick spikes, you can count on making quite the statement with this look. Simply style your hair into thicker spikes and finish the look with a bit of hairspray. Ta-da!
Why not mix spiky hair with the line-up haircut trend? Find pictures of line-ups you like, then head to your barber to get the look. To style your new ‘do at home, grab your go-to hair pomade and create medium-sized spikes on top.
The perfect pick for those with wavy or thick strands, this look defines your texture in the easiest way possible. Using a hair pomade, split your strands into even sections, and shape each piece in a forward and upward motion. Once finished, grab the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Spritz, and spray your mane for a strong hold without the stiff feel.
Striking a nice balance between edgy and casual, side spikes take the classic spiked up look to a new level. This look features angled strands with combed over detailing for a super stylish effect. Start by parting your hair into two sections. On either side, create a few spikes from your hairline down to the nape. Next, distribute a dime-sized amount of pomade evenly through the rest of your strands and shape toward the front of your head. Spike a few pieces of hair at the front, and you’re ready to take on the day.
If you can’t resist short spiky hair, we have to turn your attention to this look: super short spikes with a high fade. This hairstyle brings all attention to your spiky strands, exactly where everyone’s eyes should be.
]]>Who hasn’t heard that razors need to be replaced regularly? It’s one of the first rules of shaving that you learn, right after you go over shaving with the grain. Of course, whether you do it often enough is another topic entirely. Razor blades can get pricey, and you might not be inclined to keep purchasing them if it doesn’t seem 100% necessary.
However, keeping your razor for too long can have adverse effects. First, it isn’t hygienic to use the same one for too long. Second, the more you use a razor, the duller its blades become. This means that over time, the razor won’t work as well. It’s hard to get a close shave, and you’re more likely to cut yourself. Do yourself a favor and replace your razor before you get to that point.
Disposable Razors: How often you need a new razor will vary depending on whether you shave every day, every other day, or less frequently. Daily shavers should switch to a new disposable razor about once per week. If you shave every other day, your razor will be ready for a replacement after about two weeks.
Another way to think about when to get a new disposable is based on how many shaves it’s been used for. A disposable razor is good for about seven uses. Remember, disposable razors are meant to be just that—disposable. They aren’t intended for long-term use.
Razor Blades: If you have a razor handle and buy replacement blades instead of using disposables, you can keep the handle for pretty much forever. Just make sure to clean it like any other beauty tool. As for the blades, you can follow the same guidelines that apply to disposable razors. After about seven to ten uses, release the blade and pop on a new one.
Even if you track how long you’ve been using a razor, you may find that you could use a replacement earlier than expected. This could be due to the coarseness of your hair or how long you go between shaves. If you notice a blade isn’t as sharp as it once was and it’s taking more effort to remove the hair, you should use a new one.
There’s a lot of talk about whether loofahs are gross and bacteria-filled. We even wrote an article about it: Is Your Shower Loofah Covering You in Bacteria? The truth is, over time, bacteria can most-definitely build up on your loofah. The warm, wet environment in your shower may even make things worse. When using a loofah, it’s important to wring out excess water and make sure it dries out completely between uses. You can also clean them with bleach. Still, you should replace yours regularly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when to replace a loofah depends on what it’s made out of. A natural loofah can be used for three to four weeks, while one made of plastic can last up to two months.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that introducing a makeup sponge to your makeup routine is life-changing. Suddenly, your foundation applies easier and looks better. Soon, you’re recommending the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender to everyone you know. But you can’t keep using the same one forever. Sponges should be replaced once every three months.
If you have trouble keeping track of when a new sponge is necessary, consider this: Mascara should also be replaced about every three months. Try to time it so you can start using a new sponge and a new mascara at the same time, and it’ll be a little easier to remember.
Keep in mind, a sponge only lasts three months if you take care of it. You should clean a makeup sponge at least once per week. If not, it will hold old makeup, oils, and bacteria. Not only is this not very hygienic, but it can also lead to breakouts, and you’ll find the sponge doesn’t apply your foundation quite as perfectly as it once did.
You toss regular cotton pads after every use—at least that’s what we hope you do. You can’t exactly wash and reuse them. That’s why reusable cotton pads have to exist. Lately, these fabric makeup remover pads have become increasingly popular as people try to follow beauty routines that create less waste. The question is, do they still need to be replaced eventually?
This is the deal: You won’t use the same towel or washcloth forever. Eventually, it will become worn out, and you’ll buy something new. This is what will happen with reusable cotton rounds. However, you won’t need to replace them after a set amount of time or for hygiene reasons. The pads can be washed after each use to keep them clean. Make sure the ones you’ve purchased are machine washable, then throw them in with your towel load.
You don’t want to put anything that’s past its prime in your mouth, and this certainly holds true for your toothbrush. The American Dental Association states that you should replace your toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric one) every three to four months. If you find that the bristles on your toothbrush get frayed after less than three months (you probably brush aggressively!), you should grab a replacement once you notice the fraying, regardless of how long it’s been.
]]>Now you can get a red ombré effect with Féria Coloured Ombré, either in more of a traditional dark-to-light ombré style or with a different look by coloring just the tips of your hair. Start at mid-length or lower for just the tips, and lightly work your way to the ends. The contrast between the two shades will give intensity to your hair for an ultra-vivid, ultra-vibrant look.
Wear it straight for the most striking effect or style in loose waves for a more subtle edge, as Natalie from Natalie Off Duty has here.
]]>