Another fabulous contribution to her What’s in the Bag series by Lexi Tollefsen, my insanely amazing editor who also happens to double as a student at Princeton.
Spring can be a stressful time on campus. Although the flowers are in bloom, the sun is finally emerging from behind the clouds, and the freedom of summer is only a few months away, it’s hard to forget that finals are around the corner. For me, finals means stressed out skin and a lazy beauty routine. We’ve all been there, finals or not—dark circles, blemishes, dryness, and dullness (the list could go on and on).
But instead of giving in to this frustrating cycle, I decided to get inspired by the effortless beauty of one of Hollywood’s chicest Brits, Emma Watson and especially to her chic evening beauty vibe. If you haven’t noticed, this former Ivy League beauty has been killing the red carpet lately, making her the perfect source of inspiration for a spring night time makeover. I was especially inspired by Emma at the premier of her newest film, Noah, in Berlin. She sported a fiery red lip, ultra clean skin, a bold brow, and super sleek slicked back hair.
Emma’s look is the perfect for the girl on the go, because it’s so simple and incredibly striking but at the same time, easy to achieve. So, whether you’re a college girl dreading the finals crunch, a working girl coming up on spring madness at the office, you deserve a much needed break, and a night on the town will most likely do the trick. So look no further, I’ve compiled a list of some must-have products (high and low, of course) that are sure to update your evening bag as well as help you get the Emma Watson look before the spring rush gets the best of you.
To moisturize – La Mer The Soft Moisturizing Cream, $285 // Embryloisse Lait-Créme Concentrate, $16
Moisture can do wonders for dull, tired skin and is the key to a healthy glow. But it’s important to not go overboard. Too much moisture can leave your complexion looking oily and unnecessarily shiny. That is precisely why a lightweight cream is your best bet. Give La Mer a try if you’re looking to splurge, or Embryolisse if you’re looking to save without sacrificing the quality. These creams will get your face nice and smooth and perfect for your evening Emma look.
To even skin tone – Clinique Superbalanced Makeup, $25 // Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $11.99
Finding a base/foundation that is right for you is so important. I love Clinique and Neutrogena because they not only even your tone, but also promote healthy skin. Look to either product for oil control and a smooth finish. Both products are super long lasting, so you won’t need to reapply when you’re transitioning from your day at the office to the night out.
To stay fresh – Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, $35 // Alima Pure Mineral Luminous Shimmer Powder, $20
Emma Watson is known for her gorgeous, milky complexion. She pulls off the delicate matte look effortlessly. One of my favorite ways to achieve this look is through translucent or barely tinted finishing powder. Dust over your foundation to keep your face looking extra soft. I keep Alima’s Powder Trip in my school bag at all times for midday touch-ups. Its organic too, which I love, and gives just the right amount of natural-looking radiance.
To sculpt – Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil, $32 // Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre, $26
A bold brow [like Oscar PR Girl or Cara Delevingne] is the perfect way to amp up your spring beauty look without much extra effort. Achieve perfectly sculpted brows like Emma’s with a brow pencil or crayon. Make sure to shade your brows lightly and with care. It’s not chic when brows are overly penciled in.
To add color – YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, Rouge Gouache, $34 // L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge, Blazing Sangria, $9.99
Top off the Emma look with a sexy red lip. Emma’s wearing a shade with a slightly orange undertone, so the color really pops against her clean skin. It’s such a classic choice, but never fails to amp-up a look. To make your lips look and feel healthy, begin prepping your lips before you begin your skin care and makeup routines. Start with a lip scrub [like Victoria Secret Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm] or treatment [Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask] , apply your favorite balm [like my new love EOS] to moisturize, and let it sit while you apply your makeup. Leave the lipstick for last, so your lips are given ample time to prepare for the bold color. When you’re ready to apply the color, start by applying lip liner in a complimentary shade and then apply the lipstick all over the lips. To fully emulate Emma’s look, skip a layer of gloss to preserve the matte finish of the lipstick.
These products are sure to give you that charming Emma Watson radiance and keep you looking and feeling good on your next (much needed) night out. Nothing is better than fresh beauty inspiration for spring. Have fun, gals.