The Surprising Thing That Happened When 5 Women Skipped Makeup for a Week

Jan 27, 2018

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through the season for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

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Photography: Brittany Griffin

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo and info.

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Styling: Cassidy Miller

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo and info.

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo and info.

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Styling: Cassidy Miller

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

4 Ways to Avoid Makeup Mistakes That Age You

If you’re like us, then you fondly remember sneaking into your mom’s makeup bag and swiping on the brightest blush or lipstick in order to look older. Now that we are older, though, we’re trying anything and everything to make ourselves look younger — pretty ironic, huh? While skincare can work wonders for evening tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, there’s nothing like a few makeup hacks to really knock it out of the park. Keep scrolling for five tips to avoid common makeup mistakes that can age you.

DEFINE YOUR BROWS

Although it may feel odd to start with something other than foundation, Alexa Chung’s go-to makeup artist Tamah Krinsky recommends beginning your makeup routine with your brows. By defining your arches first, you’re less likely to cake on products (since you’ll have to work around them), which is usually the cause of an older-looking complexion. “The shape of your brows are the frame to your face, so you want to make sure they are flattering for your [bone structure],” she explains. Once you have the shape down, it’s all about definition. “Giving brows a little structure will add lift to the eye area, ” explains Marc Reagan, the director of artistry and education for Hourglass Cosmetics, noting how that can help turn back that clock on your appearance. (Photo via I love Images/Getty)

PREP WITH MOISTURE

While we already know that drinking water is important for healthy skin, a hydrating skincare routine is vital for a complexion that screams eternal youth. “In my opinion, the key [to younger looking skin] is exfoliation and hydration. A regimen of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating oil, moisturizer, and SPF are my go-tos for locking in moisture for the daytime,” explains Krinsky. Starting with a moisturized canvas prevents your concealer and foundation from clinging onto dry patches — a common culprit for an older-looking appearance. (Photo via Svetikd/Getty)

FOCUS ON THE BASE

Knowing your undertones and finding a shade match is a solid start to perfecting a radiant, even-toned complexion, but there is much more to consider. Chanel Temple, an Hourglass global makeup artist, explains that it’s all about the finish. “The number one mistake I see people make is choosing the wrong foundation for their skin [goal],” she says. “If you feel like your makeup is aging you, try a foundation with a dewy or luminous finish.” (Photo via Svetikd/Getty)

LESS IS MORE

Celebrity makeup artist Julie Cuomo, who works with Danielle Fishel, explains that being too heavy-handed with your makeup application can lead to older-looking skin. Instead, she recommends opting for the less is more approach. “Start by dampening a beautyblender ($20) with water. Use it when you’re applying foundation, either all-over the face or spot correcting,” she advises. “When [following up with] powder, only tap it into the areas you really need it, like where you get shiny.” By doing so, you’ll avoid caking product onto your skin and prevents the makeup from settling in fine lines and wrinkles (ultimately bringing more attention to them) as your makeup wears throughout the day. (Photo via PeopleImages/Getty)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

What Every Single Woman Needs To Know, According To Buzzy New Manifesto

If it weren't for pop culture and society-at-large prioritizing picture-perfect celebrity couplesor the idealistic "happily ever after," I don't think I would've been as obsessed with falling in love as I was during my 20s. I'm not kidding: my single era could've been used as a case study because I spent entirely too much time fantasizing about "Mr. Right" or "Prince Charming." It's probably why I laugh maniacally whenever I see Shrek's depiction of the latter because I know firsthand how awful some self-professed "nice guys" can be.

But I'd be lying if I said failed situationships and relationships didn't make me lament entering the solo phase again. I almost felt — dare I say — ashamed to be "alone." I liken it to being the only person in a crowd who's wearing their underwear over their cute outfit while someone plays the world's smallest violin in the background. It's a feeling journalist Nicola Slawson's all too familiar with, hence her desire to pen a powerful single girls manifesto for anyone who's still learning how to embrace this season of their lives.

Scroll to see author Nicola Slawson's top tips for living your best single life!

Mia Petkovic

What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About Single Women

Did you know that 50% of people who aren't in relationships actually aren't looking for one (via Pew Research Center)? Yet, pop culture still has conflicting ideas about what this looks like for women (think everything from Sex and the City to Dead to Me). However, it seems that finding a new partner to fill a loneliness void seems to be at least one character's goal.

As a journalist and author of Single: Living A Complete Life On Your Own Terms, Nicola's noticed this too."There is this assumption that all single women are miserable and desperate and that our biggest concern is how we can quickly find a man in order to quickly end what people assume is a terrible state to be in," she says.

Sierra White

Guess what she sees that debunks this myth? "...most single women I know live good and full lives and dating is only a small part of their lives. We have so much more going on and being single is not a waiting room," she shares. To further prove uncoupled people aren't curled up in a dark corner crying into a bowl of ice cream, she features insights about singledom in her book.

"Lots of people I spoke to for my book were either taking a break from dating or simply not interested, yet those stories are rarely told when it comes to books and films and TV shows," she points out. But sadly, "single women are often the butt of the joke," according to her.

R Maz

Rewrite The Rules

If you consider yourself to be a content person who has unlimited things to do on a Sunday? I'm so happy you've found your happy little groove, but I'm also rooting for you if you feel you're wondering about aimlessly because you're not dating someone.

Here's what Nicola has to say about this: "I think one of the first things I would say is to let go of the idea that you’re somehow in a waiting room waiting for your life to start if you don’t have a partner." Having been in your shoes, she says "there used to be so many things," she avoided. "...I felt like I should do them with a romantic partner until I realized I was holding myself back," she gently shares.

She's also conscious that "there is this idea that you need to be coupled up in order to be complete." But, no! "...you're a whole person and, in the words of one of my interviewees Bella De Paulo, one is a whole number," Nicola exclaims.

Ebony Forsyth

Navigating Singleness When You're Thinking About Fertility

The conversation about reproductive rights has made some people reconsider conceiving, but others are still open to becoming parents. If you're one of the few people who's worried about your biological clock ticking as a single person, Nicola and I want you to know your feelings are valid. In fact, she says "this is such a tough position to be in" and that she does "understand the pain and feelings of panic that you can feel as you get older and know your fertility must be declining."

Frankly, she acknowledges "it feels like a race against time," but your choices aren't limited. "I would say start researching your options. You can quite easily get a fertility check to see how you’re doing. Plus, thanks to advances in sciences, you can also freeze your eggs," she suggests. She knows "it's not guaranteed to work, but it may help you further down the line."

Also, understand that you don't have to deal with this by yourself. You can "reach out to support groups" like the community Nicola runs for uncoupled people. "It's associated with my newsletter and there are lots of people in the same boat. It can help to feel less alone," she says. Another resource she recommends is the "Stork and I community for those considering solo motherhood by choice (with a sperm donor)."

Cora Pursley

Moving On After A Long-Term Relationship Ends

You thought you and your former sweetheart were destined to be together forever until a bad breakup left you feeling disoriented. Nicola says she understand this feeling because she's "been there" too! But this isn't the time to pretend like you can bounce back like nothing happened.

"Firstly it’s OK to feel absolutely awful - it’s normal actually! It helped when I understood the science behind heartbreaks - there is a reason you feel so bad - which tells us that those going through heartbreak are experiencing similar feelings to those who are going through withdrawal from a drug addiction," she discloses.

The second thing she's sure about is that "your life is not over, but it's OK to take things day by day for a while." I don't remember how long it took to heal, but I was distraught after my last breakup. I thought I'd found the person I was going to marry and have children with so when it was obvious things weren't working out, I cried for a long time. Eventually, I was able to find joy in small things and went on to build a life I love.

And that's what Nicola wishes for you too! "Look after yourself, treat yourself and take it easy. Don’t try and push yourself to be happy and over it before you are," she advises.

Jordan Hunter

Solo Date Ideas To Celebrate Yourself

Solo date ideas are very much a thing I stand behind and does Nicola. "Sometimes I have chosen to completely ignore the day but other times I have embraced it and chosen to celebrate the love I have for myself. One year I took myself out for a meal one lunchtime at a spot I consider I real treat. I then bought myself flowers on the way home," she divulges. TBH, this sounds like my kind of carrying on!

She continues with, "Other things I’ve done on Valentine’s or on my birthday include booking a spa day or going for a massage, going to the cinema — which is one of the easiest solo date ideas as everyone is quiet and doesn’t speak when the film is on so you don’t need to go with anyone anyway — and choosing a recipe you have never tried before (bonus points if it’s something elaborate) and cooking yourself a slap up meal."

Nicola also says a guest writer for The Single Supplement newsletter "once wrote about a three course meal she lovingly prepared for herself because why not? You deserve to be treated, so you may as well treat yourself!"

Yaroslav Shuraev

What Loving Yourself While Single Feels Like

So, what does it mean to be 100% okay with being single? For Nicola, she's been finding new things to admire about herself. "I’ve learned just how capable and resilient I am and I now have the knowledge that I am OK - more than OK - on my own." One of the things that makes me smile is her realization that this "feels like a super power to her" in light of knowing she "used to have such a tendency towards being co-dependent in relationships."

It's evident my younger self didn't see this, but I too relied heavily on former partners for joy, fun, love, and validation. I thought that they were the answers to things that didn't feel right in my life, but that wasn't the case. The awesome thing about growth, however, is the ability to make peace with who you are and things you learned along the way.

To that Nicola says, "If I did find someone, I think I would be in a much healthier place than I used to be. But equally, if I remain single, I now know I can still lead a joyful life that’s full of love."

Check Out Nicola Slawson's "Single: Living a Complete Life On Your Own Terms" Today

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Single: Living a Complete Life On Your Own Terms by Nicola Slawson

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4 Celebrity Bridal Beauty Looks to Copy for Your Wedding

When it comes to bridal makeup, no one does it quite like celebrities — and their teams of fairy godmothers (AKA glam squads), of course. Just take Mandy Moore’s pink eyeshadow that matched her pink wedding dress for example; or Kaley Cuoco’s seriously dreamy highlight (more on that below). To help inspire your own wedding beauty, we chatted with the makeup artists behind four celeb bridal beauty looks. Keep reading for the exact products the pros used, plus their inside tips to achieving your most radiant #MOTD yet.

Danielle Fishel

The Boy Meets World actress approached her big day with glowing skin, an understated dramatic lid, and the most flawless dusty rose lip. Celebrity makeup artist Julie Cuomo began by prepping with a hyaluronic acid and rose facial mist, layered with La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream ($175) to help lock the hydration in. (Photo via Julie Cuomo)

Cuomo used a damp beautyblender ($20) to prime Fishel’s skin with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow ($55) topped with Chanel Vitalumière Foundation in 3.5 Bisque ($60). Prior to sealing the base makeup with a dusting of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in #2 ($45), Cuomo concealed and highlighted Fishel’s face (specifically under her eyes, along her cheekbones, across her brow bone, and at the center of her cupid’s bow) using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer ($32).

To warm up the Girl Meets World star’s complexion, Cuomo used Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Light ($52) and followed a three shape starting at her forehead, sweeping down towards her cheek, and ending along her jawline. As for the natural rosy flush, Cuomo dusted Jouer Cosmetics Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette ($30) across the apples of Fishel’s cheeks.

To define her lids, Cuomo traced MAC Prolongwear Fluidline Gel Liner in Black Track ($18) along the upper lash line, followed by Ardell Lashes in Demi Whispies ($12). Next, she popped open the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42) to add depth to the bridal statement eye. “I applied concealer on the ball of the eyelid and set with a neutral powder, then I swept Orange Soda on the crease and intensified the outer corners of the crease with Rustic to add more drama,” Cuomo explains. Lastly, she traced over the eyeliner with Cyprus Umber and swiped on a coat of Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara ($29).

“Danielle wanted kissable luscious lips for her first kiss at the alter, so we prepped with Fresh Sugar Lip Balm ($26), then applied Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner ($22) and Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34) and topped with Jouer Cosmetics Lipgloss ($17),” Cuomo explains.

For the final touch, Cuomo gently swept two colors from the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette ($80) on Fishel’s cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and collar bone. “I then tapped a little of the La Mer Moisture Cream with my fingertips over it to give a natural glowy finish,” she says.

Ashley Greene

The Twilight star’s wedding day beauty was all about barely-there makeup and a defined brow with an ethereal highlight that played into her fairytale theme. Makeup artist Emma Willis prepped Greene’s complexion with Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($72) and Becca Cosmetics Backlight Priming Filter ($39). “You only want to apply a few drops of the oil and I like to warm it on my fingertips and then press the residue over the entire face,” she notes. (photo via Emma Willis)

To create Green’s base, Willis used Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation ($46). “Apply the foundation with fingertips or a brush and then with a very wet (but slightly squeezed out) beautyblender, pat and buff into the skin,” Willis says. “For even more of a dewy glow, I also love to spritz my blender on top with Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48).”

For bronzer and blush, Willis relied on Malibu Soleil from the Becca Cosmetics Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette ($46) to develop a warm contour. In addition to the hollows of the cheeks, she suggests applying bronzer to the forehead and temples too. “It will give structure to the face and balance it out,” she explains. Next, she applied Hibiscus Bloom (from the Becca x Chrissy Teigen Palette) to the apples of the cheeks and Beach Nectar to create a glowing highlight. “For added highlight, I used Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Opal ($41),” Willis says. “Add some water or mixing medium to apply wet. It will give an incredible glassy highlight.”

Greene’s subtle burgundy and rose lid look was mastered with Surratt Beauty Artistique Eyeshadow in Marron and Ingenue ($20 each), accentuated with lots of individual eyelashes.

On Greene’s lips, Willis got creative with Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Crush ($18) mixed with Tom Ford Blush Nude ($55), sealed with Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink ($27).

Willis completed the Greene’s glam with a light dusting of Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder ($48) and NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder in Translucent Crystal ($37).

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore turned to makeup artist and longtime BFF Jenn Streicher to perfect her pretty-in-pink bridal beauty. “I knew I wanted the makeup to be timeless yet not boring, and her to literally look like a blushing bride,” says the co-owner of Beverly Hills beauty studio STRIIIKE. “We had been obsessing over this Tom Ford single eye shadow called Fuchsia Foil ($36) and [were] waiting for the right time to use it and thought this was the perfect time.” She applied the color sparingly with her finger to add the lightest dusting of shimmer and color across the This Is Us actress’ lids. For a monochromatic effect, Streicher dusted Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush ($40) on her cheeks and Dior Lip Glow in Raspberry ($34) on her lips. (Photo via Jenn Streicher)

Kaley Cuoco

Bold brows and an inner eye highlight were the standout stars of The Big Bang Theory actress’ bridal beauty. But before those accents were applied, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg began with Cuoco’s complexion. Greenberg started with Skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30) and La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream, then focused on Cuoco’s arches, using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($23). (Photo via Jamie Greenberg)

“We wanted the lids to be a little bit natural so I took these Shimmer Veils ($28) from Cover FX in Celestial and Magic, because that’s what the night was all about,” Greenberg notes in a post on YouTube. While Magic was reserved for the lid, to add an extra touch of sparkle to Cuoco’s glam, Greenberg dotted Celestial in the corner of each eye and made it all pop using 24K from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette ($39). “I went over the corner where Celestial was and just buffed it out and did a little bit of this on the whole eye,” details Greenberg. “What it does is it kind of fuses the two textures so you have no beginning and no end to the textures — it’s just kind of a wash on the eye.”

To fill in Cuoco’s lash line and give her flutter a little extra oomph, Greenberg reached for Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner in Soft Black ($10) and Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara in Classic Black ($10). “Kaley wanted [to look very] natural so instead of doing eyeliner on the top, we did it underneath in the lash line,” Greenberg explains. “We filled in the lash line, made it really dark, and that just defined her eye area.” For additional flair, Greenberg cut Ardell Eyelash Demi Wispies ($7) into three sections for more control, then fused them with her natural lashes with another coat of mascara.

Once Cuoco’s eye makeup was complete, Greenberg applied Cover FX Blurring Primer ($38) to her complexion, followed by the Cover FX Power Play Foundation ($44). “We used three different colors. We did the darker colors on the outside and then the lighter colors on the inside,” Greenberg points out. “This is something you can do when you want things to be a little bit more 4D in your pictures. It’s like contouring but not as obvious because she has to look just as good in person as she does in the pictures so it’s a very faint play on [the shadowing technique].” To blur any lines, Greenberg blotted a damp beautyblender across Cuoco’s complexion. Next, she went in with Cover FX Power Play Concealer ($30) under the eyes and over any imperfections.

On Cuoco’s cheeks, Greenberg blended Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Rose Gold ($42). She followed up with the 24K and Rose Gold shades from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette and finished off Cuoco’s face with Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder in Translucent Light ($35), as well as a spritz of Cover FX Mattifying Spray ($31).

To seal her statement beauty look with a kiss, Greenberg layered Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands ($9) and Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Liquid Lipstick in Niagra Nude ($10) across Cuoco’s pout.

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celebrity makeup celebrity wedding eye makeup natural makeup celebrity beauty

15 “Quiet Luxury” Fashion Finds From Target – & They're All Surprisingly Affordable

In case you missed it, Target’s latest spring fashion drop is just too good. Filled with chic, minimalist styles that span across denim and dresses, each garment in the collection definitely looks more expensive than it actually is.

I scrolled through the retailer’s new arrivals and found 15 spring-ready pieces that deliver “quiet luxury” vibes– all while being surprisingly affordable (ahem, under $45!).

Scroll on to discover 15 stylish Target finds that prove luxe-looking fashion doesn’t always have to come with a designer price tag.

Target

Future Collective Striped Button-Down Shirt

This polished button-down is part of a matching set, and when worn together, the pair looks extremely chic.

Target

Wild Fable Basque Waist Midi Skirt

The dropped waistline on this $25 midi skirt is an unexpected luxe-looking detail coming from Target's Wild Fable line – and I am so here for it.

Target

Future Collective Long Sleeve Washed Denim Button-Down Jumpsuit

It doesn't get more flattering than this uniquely detailed denim jumpsuit! The tie belt really helps cinch your figure in more, though you'll still enjoy the roominess of the recycled cotton material as you move about.

Target

Future Collective Long Sleeve Rugby Mini Sweater Dress

Slouchy and oh-so cozy, this long sleeve knit dress' wide stripe design gives the effect of coastal chic for just $40.

Target

Future Collective Short Sleeve V-Neck Lace Blouse

This top reminds me of something you could find at Free People – but without the Free People price tag. The abundance of ruffles definitely gives it that fancy air for pairing with everything from jeans to maxi skirts.

Target

Future Collective Cropped Chore Jacket

I feel like the fashion "it" girls are always sporting chore jackets these days, and they make the perfect light layer for springtime. While you could shop a similar style to this for $200+, this cropped design is just $45 at Target. Score!

Target

A New Day Short Sleeve Polo Collar Pullover Sweater

It's giving country club realness. With contrasting lining and pearl buttons, you'd never guess this sweet and sophisticated sweater polo is $28! This would make the perfect top to wear to the office or brunch.

Target

A New Day Tank Mini Shift Dress

When it comes to quiet luxury, subtlety is key. That's why basic dresses like this cotton one from Target can be a sneaky way to give your looks an elevated vibe... without spending a fortune. This baby is just $20!

Target

Universal Thread High-Rise Cropped Vintage Wide Leg Jeans

Fancy-looking 'fits are incomplete without denim, but you don't want to reach for any old denim – you want some dark wash denim. These $32 wide-leg babies cover some of this year's most popular denim trends, too, with wide cuffs and a relaxed fit.

Target

Future Collective Long Sleeve Flowy Button-Down Shirt

Oh, how whimsical! This button down will totally become a regular piece in your wardrobe rotation this spring for its breezy fit.

Target

Future Collective Maxi Dress

I honestly would not guess this is a Target dress if I saw it out in the wild. The bodice is beyond flattering with a v-neckline and drop waist, plus the ruffles that line the bottom hem are undeniably dreamy.

Target

Universal Thread Midi A-Line Dress

This is the spring dress to rule all spring dresses! The strapless design lets you show some skin (and get some sun) while the stripes give an elevated nautical vibe you can easily take on vacay this season.

Target

A New Day Mid-Rise Linen Pull-On Shorts

The mid-weight linen material these shorts are made of lends them a satisfying breathability and slouchiness that can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They're also part of a matching set, which only amps up the quiet luxury vibes even more!

Target

A New Day Tie-Waist Midi Shirtdress

Your next office outfit has arrived! This shirtdress serves up some insanely good sophisticated vibes with a dramatic collar, button-down design, and tie belt. Pair it with some loafers and a vintage cardigan for a refined look.

Target

A New Day Long Sleeve Button-Down Cropped Utility Shirt

This utility-style shirt is made with plenty of classic details that every luxury fashion lover wears – except this piece is just $28! Luxury prices, where?

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24 "Adorable" Spring Finds From H&M — Starting At $10!

Each time I think there's no more room in my closet, I always make an exception for H&M's new arrivals. I think I should send a "cease and desist" letter to their corporate offices because I've already added 10+ pieces from their spring drop to my cart. It's like I can't get enough of their elevated denim and leopard pieces. Oh, and don't get me started on the cute cardigans they have! See? I can't stop myself!

Scroll to see the adorable H&M spring finds that have me ready to pack up my winter clothes!

H&M

Textured Knit Cardigan

I love cute or quirky cardigansfor two reasons: they're low-maintenance and add pops of color to an otherwise basic outfit. This striped piece is on my radar because it can be worn with the plainest white t-shirt and a pair of slightly oversized cargos for the cutest transitional outfit.

H&M

Cardigan With Defined Waist

What do you wear when you're having a "quiet luxury" day? This cream cardigan!

It has a defined waist that'll help it fit beautifully over a pair of wide-leg or skinny jeans, but that's not all! You can add a button-up shirt underneath it if you want to add a preppy element to your outfit.

H&M

Embroidered Blouse With Peter Pan Collar

Peter Pan's collar has nothing on H&M's embroidered blouse. It almost feels like it should belong in the Victorian age, but that's not a bad thing! Create a modern silhouette by wearing a pair of low-rise jeans and loafers.

H&M

Patterned Linen Shirt

The only reason I'm drawn to this linen shirt has everything to do with the blue floral pattern. It'll make you and I look like we're honoring our grandmother's expensive dining plates. Who knows, maybe your nana will want to have her own shirt so the two of you can match.

H&M

Textured Jersey Vest

Guess what's not outdated? Cute jersey vests that add a touch of elegance to whatever you're wearing. You could be wearing the most distressed pair of jeans you own, but wearing this textured piece over them along with a pair of mesh flats will make it seem like you're familiar with The White Lotus lifestyle.

H&M

Gathered Off-The-Shoulder Top

No, it won't be weird if you wear H&M's red striped cardigan with this off-the-shoulder top! The more color, the merrier IMO! Then again, you don't have to wear anything with this because the bardot affect will show off your beautiful shoulders or the cute tattoo you just got on your collarbone.

H&M

Feather Soft Oversized Denim Shirt

I'm a firm believer that everyone needs at least one oversized denim shirt in their closet. They're an essential piece that can add a casual flair to your look because you can wear it over a thinner top or you can proudly wear a denim-on-denim OOTD!

H&M

Leopard V-Neck Blouse

Yes, I'm still drawn to leopard print even though winter's almost over. Depending on your preference, I think it can be worn as a neutral or statement piece. Since I'm heavy on wearing denim during spring and summer, I can personally see myself wearing this blouse with longline Bermuda shorts and cute mules.

H&M

Printed Sweatshirt

Everyone also needs a cute printed sweatshirt they reach for when their first errand of the day involves a doctor's or dentist's appointment. Being cozy doesn't have to be reserved for winter so don't be afraid to embrace that energy during other seasons!

H&M

Lace-Trimmed Ribbed T-Shirt

I don't have a fancy sound byte for this t-shirt aside from stating the obvious — it's pink and it's needed if neutral colors dominated your winter wardrobe. My goal is to embrace the cutesy and demure vibes of dressing even though life seems like it's on fire.

H&M

Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants

Linen-blend pants are the key to look put together without feeling like you're going to be held hostage by material that makes you sweat during spring. Nothing will derail your mood quicker than wearing a cute outfit that makes you uncomfortable.

H&M

Baggy High Jeans

If you're rebelling against the idea skinny jeans are trendy again, let's be friends! On a serious note, these baggy jeans look like they have the perfect fit for anyone's frame so they're in my cart.

H&M

High-Waist Knee-Length Denim Shorts

Did you know you can make denim shorts look stylish as opposed to your former middle school "skater" days? Picture yourself wearing these with a matching denim shirt and a pair of cute heels. No one will be able to resist your "it girl" factor when they see you out and about.

H&M

Denim Bermuda Shorts

Spice things up with these dark leopard print shorts for a spring look that'll get anyone's attention. Half of the stares you get will be from people who are wondering where you bought them from while the other probing eyes will want to know more about you.

That's the power of patterned shorts that aren't interested in being "mini."

H&M

Button-Front Dress

I haven't thought about where I'd wear this yet, but I know that I'd gladly button it up. Between the color and gold hardware, I can't get enough of the contrast on this gorgeous dress.

H&M

One-Shoulder Bodycon Dress

I think H&M just released the perfect solo datedress. Though I'd gladly wear this to dinner with my fiancé, you can wear it if you plan to stop by a bar you know your crush likes to visit. They won't be able to take their eyes off you once they see you in it.

H&M

Pintuck-Detail Dress With Flared Skirt

I automatically thought about summer when I first say this dress, but that doesn't mean it's inappropriate for spring! It has a little cut-out action in the back which makes it great for one of those subtle flirting moments.

H&M

Flounced Chiffon Dress

The '70s is having a moment again because this cute Woodstock-esque dress looks like something a flower child would gladly wear. Seriously, it's a great option if you plan to attend a couple of festivals soon!

H&M

Embellished Mules

Who wants embellished mules to dress up their worn sweatsuits and distressed jeans? I do because they're a great statement piece when you're keeping the rest of the your life as

H&M

Mesh Mary Jane Flats

These Mary Janes are sitting in my cart as I type this because they're one of the highlights of H&M's spring arrivals! I mean, who doesn't want a pair of mesh flats that feel comfortable on your feet?

H&M

Fuzzy Leather Flats

Not a fan of mesh or braided flats? Go for a fuzzier leather option! These scream "I'm the rich auntie" and I personally love that for us!

P.S. Wear these with an oversized denim shirt and H&M's denim Bermuda shorts!

H&M

Snake Print Ballet Flats

Remember when ballet flats used to have the ruched option to make it easier to put them on? I know you're tired of the back of shoes rubbing against the back of foot, so I recommend adding these to your cart ASAP!

H&M

Sneakers

You don't have to spend over $50 to have a cute pair of sneakers that go with almost everything you own. All you need is this pair from H&M and you'll have the answer to your casual outfits' prayers.

H&M

Small Crossbody Bag

Small crossbody bags may not hold your entire life, but you'll be able to fit the important things that matter in this one. From your cellphone to your debit card, you'll have everything you need in something that works with the rest of H&M's spring arrivals!

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