Ombre Beauty

The ombre trend surely isn’t new to any of us. In fact, I would probably say its been a bit overdone. I’ve seen everything from scarves to cardigans to jeans made with the unmistakable dark-to-light color fade, and I’m definitely guilty of purchasing quite a few of these items. Incorporating ombre into an outfit is a great way to make a simple color like black or gray seem unexpected and feminine, and it keeps many pieces from looking completely boring. What’s new this season isn’t the ombre pattern; it’s the fresh way it’s being used. Rather than applying it to clothing, it’s being used like crazy in the beauty world. It all began with ombre hair, which is dark at the roots, and lighter at the ends. If done poorly, it can just look like a dye job gone terribly wrong. However, when it’s done correctly, it looks incredibly chic. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the look is also extremely low maintenance. It requires very few touch-ups, since hair grows from the roots, which are usually left their natural darker color. In addition to being perfect for the less fussy fashionistas, it’s also a great option for those who are deciding between going brunette or going blonde. For redheads, it’s a great way to experiment with different hues without going too crazy. Celebrities Rachel Bilson and Sarah Jessica Parker both rock this trend the best, so if you’re interested in playing around with the ombre look, I would recommend looking at some pictures of them first. Don’t let ombre hair steal the show, though, because ombre lips and eyes are equally, if not more, statement making. To achieve either of these makeup looks, you’re going to need 2-3 different shades of the same color. For eyes, try black to grey to white for the perfect smoky look, or brown to gold to translucent to experiment with this season’s favorite palette. For lips, I love actress Emilie De Ravin’s version. She looks stunning with her lips lightly lined with a bright fuchsia, which then fades from rose to very light pink. The end result is gorgeous and is sure to draw attention to your favorite facial features. If you decide to try the ombre hair look, though, try to stay away from either one of these makeup looks- too much color fading is definitely overkill. I should also mention that you should steer clear of ombre clothing when you’re sporting these beauty looks, for the same exact reason. Other than that, there are no rules with this trend… just have fun!

By Ali Antonucci