New Year, New Look

Happy New Year! Now that you’ve toasted to the beginning of the year, it’s time to come up with some New Year’s Resolutions. You might decide you should go to the gym more, eat less carbs, save money, or have more fun and throw caution to the wind this year.

Whatever plans you have it’s probably time to consider changing up your look for the new year. If you’re a same daily hairstyle, same daily makeup kind of person, mix it up this year with a new look. Something that’ll make people notice when you head back to work, but a style that’s still simple and quick enough to do every morning.

Up-Do’s & Hair Don’ts

First things first, avoid full forehead bangs. There is something to be said for a side bang look, but it’s a popular hairstyle for the new year. What’s really come into style the last few years are shorter haircuts, such as a bob cut:

For a more dramatic new look you should definitely consider a shorter haircut for the new year.

Another idea if you want to change up your haircut is to go with layers. This isn’t as climactic as cutting off a lot of hair, but it gives you a different look so that you can feel like you’ve shaken up your style without being over-the-top.  

If you’re not in the market for a new haircut, try a new hairstyle. Most people stick to a ponytail or just wearing their hair down on a daily basis, so try these different hairstyles to create your signature new look for 2019:

The messy bun doesn’t get enough credit. It’s almost as easy to do as a ponytail, but usually looks classier if done right.  A few tips to getting your perfect messy bun:

1. Use a dry shampoo or texture spray on your hair.
2. Tease your hair to add some volume.
3. Use hairspray beforehand if you’re hair tends to lose shape or fall flat.
4. Have your hair tie on hand and hold your hair loosely as you put it up.
5. Place the bun at the top center of your head and fold your hair over.
6. Pull the hair tie around enough to hold, but not too tight; keep that relaxed look.
7. Pull the bun up and down to stretch it out and soften the look.
8. To go more casual, loosen up the nape, and frame a few hairs around your face.
9. Finish with light hairspray.

Not exactly an effortless new look, but, despite the nine steps, it only takes a few minutes to complete this style. Probably 10 minutes tops.

Another hairstyle to consider is a half-up, half-down look. The look can be a bit juvenile if you do it wrong, so, for a more adult version of this easy hairstyle, try this method: 

1. Place half of your hair in a ponytail, leaving enough hair down to frame your face.
2. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
3. Lightly pull at the end of the ponytail to create an opening above it.
4. Fold and pull the bottom of the ponytail through the opening.

Definitely easier than the messy bun as it doesn’t require as much volume. Half-up, half-down is a cute way to mix up the usual ponytail or hair-down style.

Natural Everyday Makeup Look

The key to an effortless day-to-day makeup look is to stick with neutral colors and shades that match your natural complexion. Think peach for lighter skin; bronze, olive, and gold for medium complexions, and softer reds and plum for dark skin tones. 

Let’s start with a primer to keep your makeup in place throughout the day. Try a concealer instead of foundation to cover up spots and dark circles in less time, so your complexion is more flawless without having to cover your face in makeup. Check out this Urban Decay® concealer or the NARS® Radiant Creamy Concealer. If you have dark circles, make sure to apply concealer under your eyes as well. 

With your complexion perfected, let’s transition to your eye makeup. To stick with neutral colors go with this M.A.C eyeshadow palette. The featured shades add to your natural look. For mascara simply go with a brown or black color. As long as you’re not opting for bright blue, it’s hard to go wrong here. You can decide for yourself if you want to use eyeliner. I recommend a long-wear or lasting one if you opt to use it, then apply it lightly, so that it’s not too pronounced.

Time to fill out those eyebrows. Emma* recommends using the Glossier. brow fluffer, filler, and shaper for an all-in-one product to achieve that spot-on eyebrow look. Plus, it comes in different shades, so you can easily match to your natural hue.

The goal of this is to look natural, but also be efficient. Try the Burberry® Lip Colour Contour—it’s designed to prime, contour, and shape. To stick with a natural nude look you can even wear this product alone and call it good. But if you’re looking for a pop of color with your new style, the lips are the place to do it. ColourPop® Ultra Blotted Lip is a great matte liquid lipstick that comes in different colorful shades, as well as more neutral nudes.

Ready to Start the New Year in Style

Now that you have ideas for your new look, feel free to play around. Try new things and see what works for you. Our recommendations are designed to be done before work or school, so you’ll only spend about 10 to 15 minutes on your hair and makeup. Let us know what works for you in the comments below or share an image of your daily look with us on Facebook® using #ShareyourStola.

*Designer at HMS Mfg. Co. for the Stola brand

Written and Published by Jessica – Writer at HMS Mfg. Co. for the Stola™ brand

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