We asked stylists for some of their best trade secrets — and they gave us the lowdown on easy hair, makeup, and fashion tips.
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Beauty tricks have been around forever, whether it’s the age-old tip of brushing your teeth with baking soda for a brighter smile, or the classic egg white hair mask your mother told you about. Thanks to Amazon — and some genius advice from expert stylists — we have a wealth of budget-friendly beauty and fashion tips at the ready.
First off, when it comes to makeup, starting with a primer can make a huge difference in your finished result. This NYX face primer glides on evenly, creating a perfectly smooth canvas for foundation — or you can even wear it on its own. You can also prep your eyelashes with this conditioning primer that allows you to create a fuller, more dramatic look with your mascara.
Now before you go and buy a whole new wardrobe, there are plenty of small ways you can elevate the clothes you already have. Investing in a handheld garment steamer means you can make any outfit look sharp, and these waistband extenders give you a little more wiggle room in your favorite denim. Accessories are also your friend; you can totally transform a basic ensemble by tying a chic silk scarf around your neck or by slipping on a pair of cool rectangular sunglasses.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your closet, step up your makeup routine, or achieve luscious locks, you’ll find plenty of expert advice here on how to look so much better.
When stored on regular hangers, your coats and jackets can form undesirable bumps on the shoulders; that’s why Los Angeles-based personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little says, “Protect the shape of your coats and blazer shoulders by using rounded end hangers. The weight of these garments is usually heavier and these hangers distribute it better so you never end up with ‘hanger horns’.” This highly rated set comes with six hangers in your choice of five colors.
While high heels and grass don’t necessarily mix, there’s an easy way to make your dress shoes suitable for outdoor events. To protect your footwear investment, Gisondi-Little recommends using heel protectors like these that, adding that they can also keep you from “sinking into the turf.” The transparent heel stoppers blend into any shoe, allowing you to walk on grass, sidewalk grates, and cobblestone pathways without worry.
It’s happened to all of us: We’re heading out the door in a perfectly styled outfit, only to realize it’s sprinkled with lint or pet hair. Luckily, this extra-sticky lint roller from Scotch-Brite keeps hair and debris at bay, and it’s earned an impressive 4.6-star overall rating. “Keep one in your closet, car, and bag and use it liberally,” Gisondi-Little instructs. “Dark colors especially are a note to self to use the roller.”
Simplify your wardrobe by investing in versatile basics — such as this maxi-length tank dress. Made from a lightweight viscose-elastane blend, the garment has a scoop neck and a drapey fit. “Create multiple looks with floaty or fitted dresses by belting them (skinny or wide!) or topping with a blazer,” suggests Gisondi-Little. With just one dress, you can create multiple casual and dressy looks.
To achieve Gisondi-Little’s recommendation of belting your dresses, try these faux leather belts that are embellished with metallic double-ring buckles, giving them a groovy, chic vibe. Besides pairing wonderfully with flowy or formfitting dresses, you can add these to your denim for a more polished look. You get two different colors in a pack, creating double the amount of styling combinations. Besides faux leather, they’re also available in faux alligator skin and microsuede.
Gisondi loves topping dresses off with a blazer; if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for one, this blazer is a fantastic pick. With a slim fit, notched lapel collar, and fierce padded shoulders, it can also elevate a simple jeans-and-tee combo. Two functional front pockets provide the perfect place to stash your small essentials. Choose from basic colors like black, add a pop of color with shades like mustard yellow, or go classic with plaid.
Gisondi-Little is all about storing your kicks in clear shoe boxes for “easy visibility and maximized storage.” She adds, “I swear by organizing by category and season for saving precious time.” Made from durable clear plastic with opaque lids, these stackable shoe boxes also protect your sneakers, high heels, and ankle boots from dust in between wearings.
Looking for an easy way to breathe new life into your looks? “Tie a silk scarf around your neck to give your outfit an unexpected twist,” says San Francisco Bay Area personal stylist Andie Sobrato. This mulberry silk scarf is available in a sea of gorgeous colors and patterns, from florals to stripes. This is definitely the French girl-chic accessory your wardrobe has been missing.
Smoothing out the wrinkles in your clothes is a simple way to make your outfit look fresh and crisp. “Using something handy like a […] wrinkle spray can make you look more polished in an instant!” says Sobrato. If you loathe ironing, this plant-based spray is a simple but effective cheat — just spritz and pull on the material with your hand. Plus, it has an invigorating citrus-mint scent.
Whether you’re sporting a T-shirt and jeans or a maxi dress and heels, adding some simple jewelry — like these earrings — can elevate your look. “Pair your outfit with a statement earring like a gold hoop for a little flair,” Sobrato suggests. Available in three finishes, these hoops are plated in real 14-karat gold, with stainless steel posts that won’t irritate sensitive ears.
Made of 100% cotton jersey, this classic white crew-neck T-shirt is a great go-to wardrobe staple that can be worn with jeans, skirts, shorts, and more.
