9 ways to reinvent your look

Thursday, February 2, 2012

THERE'S something about the turn of a calendar year that makes everyone crave dramatic change, especially when it comes to physical appearance. But you don’t have to lose 20 pounds, dye your hair red or max out your credit card at the mall to reinvent your image. Smaller changes can add up to a big impact.

Here are nine almost effortless ways to update your appearance for 2012. They’re
quick, inexpensive and require nearly zero willpower.

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Part your hair on the other side. The simple switch can add new volume at the roots and alter the way the front sections frame your face. If your hair is strongly “trained” in its usual direction, San Diego–based hairstylist Jet Rhys suggests this: Move your part before bed using a comb and a bit of styling cream, then put on a wide, no-slip elastic headband. Slip folded tissue beneath the band to keep it from leaving crease marks in your hair.

Accessorize to your advantage. Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe—just make people think you did by updating the items that get noticed the most, like your handbag.

Accessories are also a cost-effective way to update your closet’s contents because you can wear them day after day.

Don red lipstick. It’s a classic way to add impact and femininity to your look. “In general, reds that are more blue-based are flattering on all skin tones, and they make your teeth look whiter to boot,” says James Boehmer, international lead makeup stylist for NARS Cosmetics. When shopping for one, trust your instincts. “You should go for the one you’re immediately attracted to.”

Modernize your manicure. Your nails may seem like minor details, but they say a lot about you. For example, oval-shaped tips painted with pale-pink polish are pretty, but a little predictable. Try this twist: Instead of rounding off the tips, file them straight across and then round off just the corners, creating what manicurists call a “squoval” shape. When it comes to color, the chicest choices right now are warm brownish-beige shades.

Get sexy hair at home. Mist dry hair with a little hairspray, dividing it into six to eight sections and rolling it onto self-grip Velcro rollers (medium ones if your hair is shoulder-length; large ones if your hair is longer). “Roll hair under, not over—you’ll create more volume this way,” Rhys advises. Hit your hair with a gentle stream of hot air from your blow dryer and let it cool while you do your makeup; then, unpin and gently finger-comb the sections together.

Rediscover the pointy-toed shoe. “There’s simply nothing as flattering to a woman’s leg than a pointed-toe pump,” explains New York–based shoe designer Donald J. Pliner.

That could be because of their unique ability to visually elongate the leg, especially when paired with wide-leg trousers or a sleek pencil skirt. To maximize the leg-lengthening effect, buy a pair in a color close to your skin tone.

Make peace with your closet. If you only wear a fraction of the clothing in your closet, getting rid of the excess will help you rediscover classic items and determine what additions could take your wardrobe to the next level. Having extra space in your closet encourages you to mix-and-match more, creating outfits that look brand new.

Play up your eyes in a new way. Deep-blue eye pencil is a great new alternative to
basic brown and black—it’s just as subtle and versatile, but the blue undertones brighten the whites of your eyes, making you seem instantly less tired and more alert.

Stick to navy or deep indigo hues, and smudge it subtly right into your lash line.

Steer clear of bright or baby blues.

Get shiny hair instantly. At the salon, get a glaze, a semi-permanent treatment that uses ingredients like silicone to smooth and shine each strand, without weighing hair down like shine-enhancing serums and sprays can. To achieve a similar effect for less money, try one of the new at-home glossing treatments. These products help enhance your hair color (between dye sessions) and seal up hair’s dry tips to minimize the appearance of split ends. (Petra Guglielmetti)