5 BEAUTY TRENDS ON OUR RADAR

We’re serving the hottest beauty trends this season

---

Looking for heat-proof looks to help you slay the next few months? We’ve got you sorted... From barely there brows to protective hairstyles, you’ll be ready to stun the crowd whether you’re at the beach or out painting the town red.

1. FUN FRENCHIES
The French manicure will never go out of style (whether gloss or matte) and it remains the most popular nail look for summer. Only this time around, it’s all about experimenting with those tips. A rounder shape is in right now, and choosing metallics or bright (even neon) shades of polish will suit the vibe of the season.

It’s fine to go with the classic version (white tips, neutral nail), but why not rock the wavy and rainbow Frenchies, glittery tips and the ‘double space double French’ design that’s all over Instagram and TikTok (below). For this season’s parties, add eye-catching floral nail stickers, or embellishments like pearls, sequins or resin charms.



2. TINTED SERUM FOUNDATIONS
Are all the rage right now. They’re lightweight and include added skincare benefits. Perfect for warmer days, they provide beautiful coverage without the heaviness and ‘cakey’ look of a matte foundation formula – and you don’t need to keep it in place with a setting powder!

Keep an eye out for buildable formulas that contain skin-enhancing ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and a minimum of SPF 20. Another thing to look for are waterproof formulas (’cos summer perspiration) that feel weightless on the skin and won’t block your pores. If the product’s paraben- and oil-free and vegan, that’s a plus too.

3. THE NEW BROW
It’s been all about bold, filled-in brows for the longest time, but now we’re swinging the opposite way: the minimal, almost ‘naked’ brow. They can still be visible and fluffy (like the feathered brow look) but they’ll be lighter than your natural hair colour.

Simply use some white pencil eyeliner on a disposable mascara spoolie brush and lightly brush the product through your brow hairs. Think ‘cancelling’ your natural hair colour out while still keeping your brow shape intact. You can use a translucent powder to set them. Alternatively, you can go all out by bleaching your brows!

4. BLUSHING BABE
You’ve probably seen a wash of rosy hues across your social media feeds of late. That’s because celebs like Rihanna, Tessa Thompson and Yara Shahidi have popularised the ‘contoured blush’ look – using blusher to give the face sculpted definition and radiance rather than just flushed cheeks. It’s easy to pull off:

• Start with a clean, moisturised face and apply foundation and concealer to even out your skin tone.
• Smile naturally to locate the apples of your cheeks. Then, use your fingers to feel for the hollows of your cheekbones. This will help you determine where to apply the blusher.
• Using a blush brush (or beauty blender if you’re working with a cream or liquid formulation), apply your shade of choice to the apples of your cheeks.
• Blend it upwards towards your temples, following the natural curve of your cheekbones.
• Go in with a deeper shade along the hollows of your cheekbones to achieve a more chiselled look



5. HAIR-RAISING STUNNERS
Think sculptural and geometric shapes – it’s time to defy gravity! Thanks to A-listers like Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer and Janelle Monae, red carpets have been awash with towering (almost avantgarde) structural braided updos – and we’re obsessed!

All you need are some extra hair extensions for loads of volume and geometric shapes to get inspiration from, and you’ll have a protective hairstyle that’s eye-catching and right on trend. Don’t strain your own strands by making your braids too tight, and keep hair nourished and hydrated by using a braiding gel, coconut oil and moisturising hairspray.

Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images