‘Tis the season of summer soirees and events, yet summer parties never seem to get the same buzz as holiday ones. Why do winter parties get all the makeup hype? Here are some red carpet trends from recent summer galas that you can borrow for your next summer get-together. From weddings to girls’ night, we’ve got you covered.
For Weddings
We’ve loved watching Vanessa Hudgens’ style evolution from trendy teen star to sophisticated bohemian-chic. Now she can add being a Tony nominee to her long list of credentials, and we couldn’t be happier with the romantic updo she chose to rock on the Tony Award’s red carpet. This look is versatile enough for any venue; it’ll look fabulous as you sip Mai Tai’s on the beach at a destination wedding, or Cosmopolitans under the city skyline at an urban one. The beauty of this look is that it’s demure and innocent enough so it won’t take attention away from the bride, yet you still won’t look dowdy.
GET THE LOOK
· Eyes: Lancome Hypnose Dazzling Eye Brightening ($25, Lancome.com)
· Lips: Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Rose Couture ($30.50, Lancome.com)
· Hair: Of course, you could always do your own—but you could also book a blowout and styling session instead (just saying). We love Rachel Zoe’s DreamDry Salon, which has locations in New York City and Chicago. Ask for the “Bianca” Crown Braid style—it’s the chicest $50 you’ll ever spend!
For Reunions
It looks like Katie Holmes is definitely a Charlotte! She definitely channeled an early 2000s Kristin Davis at this year’s CFDA Awards. This works perfect for reunions—nothing says “look how great I’m doing,” quite like this laid-back, effortless look.
GET THE LOOK
· Cheeks: Boots No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Spice ($9.99, US.Boots.com, or drugstores)
· Glow: St. Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion ($25, StTropezTan.com). This shower lotion is a synch to use—it just takes 3 minutes of your day to work it’s magic. Use it in the shower: first, wash, then apply the tanner, wait 3 minutes, and rinse off. Even if you’re a virgin self-tanner, and perhaps a little hesitant about how it’ll look, you can rely on this product to give you a healthy-looking, un-extreme glow like the one Katie’s rocking!
· Hair: Got2Be Mindblowing Spray Mousse ($8.99, Ulta.com). This is a quick-drying, flexible hold spray that won’t leave your hair looking hardened, and, well...hairspray-ed.
For Vacation
We’re so excited the Victoria Beckham let her hair down! The normally super-styled star rocked a delightfully out-of-character messy ponytail at the CFDA Awards. No matter where your summer vacation takes you, make sure you bring along this look in your beauty arsenal. Consider this messy ponytail the International Style Ambassador. Wherever you’re headed (and we mean wherever), this look is sure to make some...wait for it...waves.
GET THE LOOK
· Eyes: LORAC Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio – Evening Star ($10, LoracCosmetics.com)
· Hair: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hairbrush ($19.45, Ulta.com)
For Work Events
If only our work events were as fun as Amy Poehler’s. We love how the comedian and star of Inside Out shook up her perennially blonde look by going red a few weeks ago. She made us even happier by sporting this super chic updo. It’s professional enough to show your boss you still mean business, but also casual enough for a work retreat or cocktail hour.
GET THE LOOK
· Eyes: Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Gel Eyeliner ($22, ElizabethArden.com)
· Lips: Obsessive Compulsive Matte Lip Tar in Momento ($10.80, OCCMakeup.com)
· Hair: Anthropologie Seashore Barrette ($14.95, Anthropologie) When was the last time you bought yourself a completely unnecessary, but undeniably cute hair accessory? It’s probably been a while, so to paraphrase Amy Poehler’s Parks and Rec co-stars, you might as well treat yo’self.
For Girls' Night
Sarah Paulson played to win the style game at this year’s Critics Choice Awards (and won herself an actual award, too). Her slick, sassy look screams girls’ night. Just be sure to bring along your attitude—Paulson’s unapologetic red lip and side-swept hair demand it.
GET THE LOOK
· Lips: Clinique Pop Lip Colour in Passion Pop ($18, Clinique.com)
· Hair: L’Oreal Advanced Hairstyle TXT It Tousle Waves Spray ($4.99, LorealParisUSA.com). Made with sea salt to create long-lasting, perfectly undone waves.
