Stylist reveals quick hacks to update your hair, makeup and style
Looking to inject some oomph into your everyday look? Summer is the perfect time to experiment with your style. The social calendar is full of weddings, barbecues, and trips to your local pub garden, and you deserve to feel your best whatever the occasion. Plus, with the warm weather, you don't need to ruin a fab outfit with a bulky coat.
As wonderful as this time of year is, the heat can leave us feeling lethargic and overstimulated, making it tempting to reach for a comfortable outfit worn time and time again. But if you fancy trying something a bit different and out of your comfort zone, you're in the right place.
We’ve spoken to the experts to bring you a run-down of the hair, makeup and style tips for a movie makeover that gives even The Princess Diaries a run for its money.
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Start with a hair transformation
Have you ever had a haircut so bad that it left an emotional scar? That doesn’t mean you should spend the rest of your life playing it safe. In some cultures, hair is believed to hold memories, so a bold new cut might be just what you need to let go of a tired look and start afresh.
‘Hair is deeply emotional,’ says Shady Harb, lead Hairstylist at Beauty Club London. ‘It's one of the first things people change when they go through a major life event – a breakup, a new job, turning a milestone age, or simply wanting to let go of the past.’
‘Changing your hair can feel like reclaiming your identity or stepping into a new chapter. It can massively boost self-esteem because it helps you feel more aligned with the version of yourself that you’re becoming.’
It can be hard to know what to ask for at the hairdresser and making bold choices can feel daunting. But you don’t have to go for a dramatic chop right away; instead start small, even subtle tweaks can make a big difference, adding texture, movement, and a fresh feel to your look.
Low-maintenance hair trends
90s layers
This retro cut is back (again) and for good reason. 90s style layers add depth, texture and can work with any hair length. Ask for choppy, textured layers that graze the jawline for a bouncy, voluminous finish.
Face-framing fringe
Soft, flattering and super versatile, a face-framing fringe helps highlight your natural features. It works by layering the hair into tiers around the cheekbones, seamlessly blending the fringe with the rest of your cut.
Long bob (aka ‘lob’)
Avoid post-bob regret and opt for a chic, easy-to-style cut that sits somewhere between chin and shoulder length. A ‘lob’ works with every face shape and is a great way to test out a shorter look without committing to the full bob. Pro tip: bring a reference photo so your stylist nails the length.
Boho micro braids
Though they require patience – taking up to 8 hours or more – boho micro braids are a protective and versatile style that’s worth the wait. Lightweight and long-lasting, the thin braids cascade into loose curls that offer endless styling options and give off a relaxed bohemian vibe.
The shag
Inspired by 70s icon Jane Birkin, this cut features tousled layers that sweep toward the face, paired with a soft, eye-grazing fringe. The shag is a cool, undone look that gives off effortless style.
Drastic hair changes to avoid
Switching up your hairstyle can be a powerful way to refresh your look but going too extreme can lead to regret. According to Shady Harb, these are the top hair transformation faux pas:
1. Going from full dark to platinum bleach
Feeling bored with your hair colour doesn’t mean you should make a drastic change right away. If you’re a dark brunette, attempting to achieve a platinum blonde is a risky move.
‘That level of lightening can severely damage the hair shaft and often requires several staged appointments to maintain integrity,’ says Harb. ‘If you have dark or previously coloured hair, ask your stylist about staged lightening or balayage instead of an all‑over bleach.’
2. Impulsive chops
A traumatically bad haircut is usually born out of impulsivity – being swayed by a celebrity trend without considering how the style will suit you. ‘Steer clear of dramatic chops without a plan,’ warns Harb. ‘Going from very long to very short is transformative, but it’s also a commitment – make sure the cut suits your face shape, hair texture and daily routine.’
‘If you’re unsure, test a mid‑length first or try a wearable, temporary style (like a structured blow‑dry or pinned‑up look) so you can be confident you’ll live with it.’
3. High-maintenance colours
Certain colours come with a high price tag and a lot of upkeep. ‘Shades like platinum, bright red, or fashion tones need regular touch‑ups and special products to stay true,’ says Harb.
‘They're beautiful but can be costly and time‑consuming. If you love the idea, opt for a gloss, lowlights, or a richer autumnal tone that gives impact but grows out more gracefully.’
4. DIY dramatic colour changes
Think twice before attempting to do a DIY dramatic colour change. ‘At‑home bleach and box dyes can give unpredictable results,’ warns Harb. ‘Always consult a professional for significant chemical processes – request a strand test, discuss a realistic maintenance plan (timing and cost), and include bond‑building or conditioning treatments in your timeline to protect hair health.’
Makeup hacks & products to enhance your look
Trying out a new makeup look can be discouraging, leaving you red-faced from frustration (and from scrubbing off wonky eyeliner or muddy contour).
To help you skip the stress, editorial makeup artist Amalie Russell shares her top tips and fuss-free hacks to elevate your everyday makeup.
Bold lip
A bold seasonal lip is one of the easiest ways to add mood and energy to your look. ‘The secret to a modern, yet timeless look is pairing colour on the lip with minimal skin,’ says Russell.
She recommends creamy, semi-matte formulas that are easy to apply. ‘For that perfect 'Lip Whip' look out for Viollette_FR Plume Lip Collection as it delivers a blurry-bold statement with hydrating perks.’
Whether opting for a deep burgundy or a cool pink-nude, define the look with a matching lip liner like Lancôme’s Lip Idôle Lip Shaper, a long-wearing pencil that helps your lip colour stay polished.
Full brow
Never underestimate the power of a good brow – they have a dramatic impact, either framing your face or creating an unbalanced appearance (I’m looking at you, razor-thin brows).
Embrace your natural arch and use a tinted brow gel or pencil to fill in sparse areas. Aim for a feathered finish and brushed-up texture for a soft yet full brow. ‘The key is precision, tiny strokes, then brush out to add natural definition,’ says Russell. ‘I would recommend the Bobbi Brown Precise Brow Pencil.’
90s rom-com blush
Inspired by Julia Roberts in, well, just about every 90s rom com (Notting Hill, Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding), this trend uses soft pink and peach blush swept up towards the temples for a flirty flush.
For application, Russell says to ‘place the pop of colour when you smile on the apple of the cheek and softly blend out the edges with your foundation brush or powder brush so it appears translucent (almost like seeing blush peek through a stained glass filter)’
Russell recommends Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush Matte in Pale Pink or The 3ina No-Rules Powder Blush 232 in Hot Coral Matte for your peachy flush. Cream blushes like Rare Beauty Soft Pinch also blend easily and give a natural looking glow.
Undereye concealer
‘Concealer is an instant fix to look less tired and to diffuse imperfections or discolorations,’ says Russel, who recommends choosing a buildable formula that won’t crease or cake.
She swears by the Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick, which blends seamlessly while still offering real coverage. ‘This concealer is hydrating and brightening as well as easy to apply with fingertips,’ says Russell.
Eyeshadow
Don’t be afraid of a little eyeshadow – if it feels like it’s too much, chances are you’re just not blending enough. ‘Brushes that are shaped like a teardrop or dome with long, fluffy fibres are the key to a seamless blend,’ says Russell. ‘Try circular small motions away from your colour placement with Mac 224S Tapered Blending Brush for an immediate airbrushed effect.’
For eyeshadow beginners, Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Palette is a great place to start. Each quartet includes a mix of satin-matte, shimmering and metallic shades that are easy to blend. For a soft, dreamy look try the Pillow Talk palette, and for something chicer, try The Sophisticate for a subtle smoky eye.
Soft contour
When done right, a soft contour can beautifully define your facial structure and elevate your makeup. ‘The final step to finishing your minimal skin look is adding warmth with a soft sculpt to the face,’ says Russell. Her go-to product is The Patrick Ta Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo.
‘The cream bronzer goes on first (with brush or fingertips) adding dots or tiny swipes to cheeks, forehead, nose and eyelids. Then layer the powder bronzer on top with a brush to set the cream bronzer and finish your seamless, minimal skin look.’
Refresh your wardrobe
Refreshing your outfits doesn’t require a full wardrobe overhaul. Small, intentional changes can help you break out of monotony and find a new confidence in your style.
Shauna Colaci, a Personal Stylist and Coach who helps women rediscover confidence through what they wear, says: ‘When you change how you dress, you literally see yourself differently. You walk taller, speak with more ease, and stop hiding. It’s less about the clothes themselves and more about saying, ‘I’m ready to be seen again.’
Shauna Colaci’s Top 5 Style Tips for Transforming Your Look
1. Start small
Incorporate a few new statement pieces to instantly elevate your weekly outfits – think knee-high leather boots, off-the-shoulder knits, or a sleek midi skirt. ‘Most people think a “style revamp” means a full wardrobe overhaul. It doesn’t,’ says Colaci. ‘Start small – swap your usual blazer for one in a stronger colour or wear proper shoes instead of trainers for a week. Tiny changes build momentum.’
2. Declutter first
‘Before you shop, open your wardrobe and get real about what’s just… not you anymore,’ says Colaci. Be ruthless in your clear-out, try on each piece and ask yourself: Does this make me feel good? ‘If it doesn’t fit or feels “off,” that’s your sign to move it on. You can’t build a fresh look on top of clutter that makes you fear opening the wardrobe every morning.’
3. Trends aren’t gospel
Style starts with confidence, so instead of chasing trends, focus on how your clothes make you feel. ‘If a colour, print, or silhouette doesn’t feel like you – skip it,’ says Colaci. ‘Real style is about self-knowledge. When you focus on what feels right in your body and your mood, you’ll always look great, because authenticity never goes out of fashion.’
4. Break your outfit routine
It’s easy to fall into ‘uniform dressing’, especially for work, but breaking out of your default outfit formula is the key to revamping your style. Colaci’s advice: ‘Try flipping yours. If you’re usually jeans + blazer, make it skirt + knit. If you’re a neutral girl, add one pop of colour or a statement shoe. It’s still you, just refreshed.’
5. Let accessories do the talking
Playing with accessories is a powerful way to elevate your fashion, adding fun accents to your usual look. ‘Good jewellery, a scarf, or a structured bag can rescue almost any outfit,’ says Colaci. ‘Think of accessories as the punctuation marks of your look – they bring the personality back in.’
Polène’s striking Éole Hoop Earrings give an abstract twist to the classic hoop, pairing wonderfully with a turtleneck. Whether you’re team gold or silver, invest in your metal of choice to bring a runway polish to your everyday style.
Refreshing your wardrobe doesn’t need to break the bank; it’s all about small, intentional changes. Whether it’s switching up your outfit formula, clearing out the clothes that no longer make you feel good, or investing in a piece of statement jewellery, these slight shifts can have a big, confidence-boosting impact.
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