How to Recreate NYFW’s Best Beauty Looks for Less

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable at any age, but especially if you're getting older. Not only does it protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can lead to skin cancers, but it also prevents visible signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and lower skin elasticity.

For the best protection, pick out a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to wear it every single day, even if you're just going about your daily activities.

2. Retinol

Next up is retinol, a form of vitamin A that's one of the most researched and impactful ingredients if you're looking to reduce skin aging signs.

It can smooth fine lines, treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. Moreover, this skincare ingredient can help unclog your pores and prevent breakouts! Need we say more?

You can buy retinol in over-the-counter products or stronger, prescription-strength formulas. If you're new to this product, though, it's best to start slow. Use it a couple of times a week as you let your skin adjust because it can cause irritation or peeling in the beginning.

Additionally, retinol should only ever be applied at night since it increases sensitivity to the sun.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, is a favorite in the skincare world. It can reduce fine lines, even out skin tone and texture, and boost skin elasticity.

Plus, this ingredient may calm down redness while brightening your complexion and encouraging moisture retention.

That's why it's a particularly great choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. It works well with other active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C as well, meaning it can easily be incorporated into your routine with serums.

4. Vitamin C

Speaking of vitamin C, this antioxidant also works wonders when it comes to brightening your complexion and dealing with hyperpigmentation. If you have sun damage and dark spots or dark under-eye circles, vitamin C can reduce their appearance.

To get the most out of this ingredient, add it to your morning skincare routine. You can apply a vitamin C serum or cream first before putting on moisturizer and sunscreen.

5. Caffeine

Another way to give your skin a pick-me-up is caffeine. This antioxidant has a tightening effect on the skin and could lessen the appearance of sun damage. Not to mention, it can reduce puffiness and brighten around your eyes.

Buy a caffeine-infused eye cream (we love this one!) and incorporate it into your morning regimen to give your skin an energizing boost.

6. Hyaluronic Acid

If you're looking to hydrate and soothe irritated skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the way to go. Despite having "acid" in its name, it's very gentle and attracts moisture to your skin, ensuring it stays plump and smooth.

Hyaluronic acid is versatile in that it can be used in the morning or evening. The next time you're at the store, search for moisturizers, serums, or sunscreens that include it as an ingredient. Or, put on a hyaluronic acid serum before other treatments, like retinol, to lock in moisture.

7. Peptides

Peptides, which play a key role in increasing collagen production, are naturally found in our skin. Some topical peptides may help temporarily relax winkles; meanwhile, others promote skin turnover for a fresher complexion.

You can find peptides in everything from serums and moisturizers to toners, too, making this ingredient very convenient to add to your skincare routine.

8. Ceramides

Finally, ceramides are critical for keeping your skin barrier well-hydrated and strong. They lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, protect against irritation, and improve overall skin texture. So, ceramides are considered a must-have in any skincare regimen.

Look for ceramides in cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens to work them into your routine.

1. Hair Bedazzlers

The ultimate way to bling out your look, hair bedazzlers let you snap tiny, sparkly rhinestones into your locks for a very princess-meets-pop-star vibe. Whether you were channeling your inner Britney or just wanted some extra glitz for a girls’ sleepover, this wacky gadget made every strand shimmer.

2. Bump-Its

Now this is a classic. Remember those commercials? Nothing screamed "2000s hair" quite like Bump-Its. They were plastic inserts that promised to give your hair (especially your bangs) that effortless poof without endless teasing. We look back at them now and cringe.

3. Crackle Nail Polish

We wish this one still existed, TBH. Crackle nail polish was the edgy, rebellious older sister of your regular ol’ nail polish. It created a cool, shattered effect as it dried. Our favorite thing to do was to pick out a silver crackle nail polish to layer over neon pinks or oranges. It’s giving Avril Lavigne energy!

4. Lip Tattoos

Lip gloss, who?! Lip tattoos let you rock everything from pink zebra stripes to a glittery cheetah print on your lips. Why this existed, we don’t know, but they were definitely a fun novelty at the time.

5. Makeup “Phones”

Claire’s took so much of our money in the 2000s for these little makeup-packed phones. Beauty met tech (kind of…) with these makeup compacts disguised as flip phones – because what’s more 2000s than touching up your lip gloss while pretending to take a call?

6. Bouncy Blush

Not quite a cream, but not quite a powder, bouncy blush was a weirdly satisfying cheek color with a wacky, squishy texture. It made applying blush feel like playing with putty, which made our teenage hearts sing. Half the fun was just poking it in the pan between uses.

7. Hair Crimpers

Somehow, hair crimpers snuck their way into 2000s beauty trends, all the way from the ‘80s. They were the go-to styling tool! With just a few squeezes of those zig-zag plates, your hair totally transformed – but if we tried one now, it’d totally make us look like Weird Barbie.

8. Lip Smackers

Every 2000s kid had at least five Lip Smackers floating around in their backpack! We were loyal to the classic Dr Pepper, but the brand dropped many more wacky flavors like Coca Cola, Skittles, and Fanta. They truly weren’t just lip balms – they were status symbols at every sleepover and middle school lunch table. Bonus points if you had the jumbo ones.

9. Hair Chalk

For those who wanted to be rebels (but didn’t want to totally upset their strict parents), hair chalk was the #1 way to bring bold, colorful streaks to your locks without major consequences. While it did give a cool effect, it really didn’t stay on your strands for very long.

10. Sun-In

You were so cool if you brought a bottle of Sun-In to the pool party. This lemon-infused lightening spray was the ultimate DIY highlight hack, but looking back now, all it did was damage our strands. We’ll never forget that smell, either!

Wild Fable Maxi Sundress

The halter neckline on this sundress cinches your figure up perfectly with a double-tie design in the front and back. It's fairly flowy, being cut from a blend of lightweight rayon and spandex that'll keep you comfy all day long. Since it's a casual dress, you can rock it with your favorite sneakers or easily dress it up with some spring-y sandals.

A New Day Midi Sundress

Oh, this blue color is so dreamy! Pastels are springtime's BFF, so you'll be ready to step out the moment you slip this dress on. The milkmaid-style neckline is also supremely flattering and femme for your bod.

A New Day Corset Mini Dress

We can never say 'no' to a stark white mini dress for the warmer seasons. The best part about this piece is it's made of breezy cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort while you wear it! Plus, the corset bodice and wide straps really bring the look together in the most flattering way possible. If this bright white isn't quite your jam, it's also shoppable in 4 other spring-ready hues.

Universal Thread Denim Flouncy Dress

Denim dresses are a total staple for any season, though thicker designs can feel like a drag to wear once it starts to warm up. Luckily, this buttoned-up mini boasts a lightweight cotton-blend fabric that won't weigh you down! The cap sleeves and collar up top lend it a super polished look that you can wear just about anywhere, depending how you style it.

Future Collective Sleeveless Flutter Hem Maxi Dress

This pink-ish maxi is one of our favorite plus-size spring dresses at Target right now. The color is downright gorgeous, so you really won't need any additional help pulling a statement look. The ruffles that land at the hem feel oh-so playful, too, to match the energy of springtime.

A New Day Corset Midi A-Line Dress

Preppy and curve-pleasing, this midi is fitted with a corset bodice that adds shape to your already-beautiful body. We adore that the length of this piece allows you to play with so many different types of shoes, from sandals to sneakers and ballet flats to loafers. This blue and white floral pattern is truly everything for spring, but it's also available in 5 more colors (solids and a fun gingham) to suit your personal style.

Wild Fable Maxi Bodycon Dress

Bodycon dresses don't always have to be uncomfortable, and this maxi proves it! The denim material it's made of offers nothing but softness and stretch, so it moves oh-so easily with you. Additionally, the vertical seaming around the dress elongates your figure to a tee! We'd style this baby with some cowgirl boots to truly embrace the timelessness of western fashion.

Wild Fable Flutter Short Sleeve Maxi A-Line Dress

Easter dress, anyone? This stunning maxi features a mellow yellow shade that'll make you feel absolutely stunning. What's more is the hiked-up bodice offers an elongating effect to your look while still letting you feel cozy as can be! The bows that land at the shoulders really seal the deal for it being the perfect style to grab for your spring 'fits.

Ava & Viv Short Sleeve Button-Front Midi Sweater Dress

This playful striped sweater dress is ideal for office days since it offers you a nice touch of warmth. It's also fairly modest, meaning no dress code worries here! The buttons up front make getting ready super easy while also adding some stylish flair.

Future Collective Slip Midi Dress

Floral patterns can get overwhelming pretty quickly, but this slip dress offers a calmer effect with some spaced-out blooms for springtime. It features a classic v-neck fit before falling down into a flowy midi-length skirt that's luckily fitted with a lightweight liner for added coverage wherever you take it!

A New Day Linen Mini Vest Dress

Linen will never not be great for warm weather! This breathable mini dress fits you super easily, but still has some structure, thanks to the vest-like fit up top. The squared neckline is also undeniably flattering, no matter your chest size. We'd rock this cutie with some slip-on sandals and a woven purse to embrace the season seamlessly.

Wild Fable Rosette Mini Sweater Dress

Stunning for any spring festivals and concerts you've got on the cal this year, this cheeky sweater dress is packed with floral accents and an eye-catching pink color. Since it's see-through, we recommend layering this piece over a mini slip or bodysuit if you're seeking more coverage.