Author: NehadAbdelgadir

The Easiest Summer Makeup Trend and How to Achieve It

Summer brings to mind bright colors and glowing skin. With just a few steps you can achieve one of the most popular looks for this season: monochrome makeup. The key to this makeup trend is to have a natural smooth base so that the single color really pops.

In order to get there, you have to utilize formulas best suited for your skin type. Put simply, those with drier skin should look for creamy products that hydrate the skin to leave a luminous finish, while oily-skinned individuals can achieve this same look by sticking to products aimed to leave a matte finish to help de-slick throughout the day. Normal to combination skin types are generally able to mix and match accordingly to achieve glowing skin.

I prep my combination skin using a cleanser, chemical exfoliator, moisturizer, and a smoothing primer with SPF. I make sure to wait a few minutes between steps to make sure my skin has absorbed each product. 

To target hyperpigmentation on my light/medium skin, I use a small amount of orange concealer around my mouth and under my eyes. I blend this into my skin with a concealer brush to neutralize my skin tone.

Then, I move to my eyebrows. Using a retractable eyebrow pencil, I use a light brown shade to outline the inner corner of my eyebrows and use a medium brown to define the rest of my eyebrow. In order to blend the harsh lines, I brush my eyebrows with a spool brush and use brow gel to keep them in place. For a crisp look, I use a small amount of my foundation on an angled brush and outline my brows. Don’t forget to blend!

Next, I apply my foundation with a flat foundation brush and use a beauty sponge to smooth out any streaks. I set the makeup on my nose, my forehead, and under my eyes with powder and proceed with a setting spray all over my face.

Now that I have a fresh canvas to work on, I decide which color I want to use. I picked a light raspberry shade and applied this as I would a blush and eyeshadow. I love to apply this from the tops of my cheeks to the sides of my temples in a “C” motion. For my lips, I used a similar toned creamy lipstick. Pro tip: If you are struggling to find a similar color in your collection, simply dust your eye shadow color over lip balm.

Finally, I add two coats of mascara. For added luminosity, I use a shimmering highlighter on the highest points of my face and the look is complete!

If you create a monochrome makeup look, be sure to tag @CFashionista on social media. I would love to see the fun colors you chose as the basis for this look!

What You Should Do Before the School Year Begins

Working diligently on projects and internships, vacationing with family and friends, sleeping in past noon, and dedicating every moment of free time to meet your goals and do what you love is what summer is all about. Shifting gears from this relaxed vibe to a degree of restlessness as a full-time student is no easy task. I have met up with rising junior Azeezat Siyanbola, a pre-med student at Barnard College, for a short question and answer session to share her experiences and tips for a fruitful new school year. As we talk, she tells me how she sets goals, channels motivation, and spends her free time.

Nehad Abdelgadir: In order to have a productive and successful school year, what do you do during the last stretch of summer? 

Azeezat Siyanbola: Thinking about the upcoming school year usually makes me nervous, so I don’t bother to open that bottle of energy until a week or so before school starts. I’ve now realized that I need to create better habits. I now plan ahead by writing down a list of goals to stay organized.  I’ve even started thinking about next summer. Not because I’m planning 100 ways to have fun in the sun, but I am pushing to have an even more productive summer than this one. This entails starting to look for summer internships or research programs and planning out the steps I have to take towards submitting applications early spring, which is closer than it appears.

NA: What do you believe all students should do before the school year begins? Why?

AS: Students should enjoy every last bit of summer. If you are unable to travel then explore your city by doing things you may not normally do. This summer, I checked out cool food joints in NYC. The school year could be physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful, so rest up and enjoy as much as you can!

NA: Is there any easy way to re-adjust your sleep schedule?

AS: There isn’t an easy way to readjust a sleep schedule. Aside from the fact that I took more naps than I usually did during the school year, my sleep schedule did not change much. It won’t be an easy transition, and might be painful the first week, but hey—what can you do?

NA: How do you get back to school motivation?

AS: My motivation tends to be short lived, but as a rising junior conscious of time, things changed. My fear of senior year being around the corner works as my motivation. I have an image of a life that I wish to attain and live in and that image is what I tap into when my motivation rush plummets.

NA: Is there anything else you would like to share?

AS: Mental health and health in general—take care of it. Take your days. Even extroverts need a day in.

How do you prepare mentally and physically during the last few weeks of summer? Let us know in the comments!

3 Garment Tips All Women Should Know

You are at the mall and you see a beautiful garment a few feet away. “It’s absolutely perfect for summer!” you think as you mentally check off the boxes in your head. That is, until you figure out it has one or more of the following: a slit, peek-a-boo legs, a distasteful sleeve length, an unflattering neckline, or awkward rips. You internally groan at the inconvenience of revealing more skin than you would like. “But it’s so nice. I don’t want to give it up,” you tell yourself. And you shouldn’t, because I have three tips and tricks to help you tackle common garment obstacles without a visit to your local tailor.

If you desire longer sleeves or a conservative neckline, layer your look with a shirt of a desired style and length.

For garments with sleeves too short for your liking, you may pair it with clothing to be worn on top of your outfit. Consider kimonos, cardigans, jackets, and blazers. You can also experiment with blouses over or under your garment to get a desired fit.

Is a certain neckline bothering you? Plain shirts or tops with higher necklines can be worn underneath for chic vibes with strapless, plunging, or sweetheart necklines. Try bell or butterfly sleeves to add some flare.

Colored pantyhose, tights, and leggings are a great way to flavor ripped jeans, sheer pants, or short bottoms.

Wearing plain leggings or a maxi skirt under dresses and skirts combats revealing legs.

Maxi dresses and skirts are often subject to peek-a-boo leg syndrome, a term I have coined for a condition that occurs when the slip of a garment cuts off mid-thigh or at the knee, leaving legs exposed through sheer fabric. Don’t fret, this can easily be adjusted with leggings or a plain maxi skirt. Simply wear this under your outfit to create a fluid stream of opacity. For a seamless look, match accordingly. This same rule applies to dresses and skirts with slits!

Be bold and remember to have fun creating combinations!

Do you have any favorite clothing adjustments that don’t require a tailor’s service? Let me know in the comments section below. If you have tried any of these tips, show us on social media and be sure to tag @Cfashionista!