With the change of every season we at ELLE Canada get excited about adopting fresh looks to enhance our style. And though we watch the runways to garner beauty inspiration, we’re acutely aware a model’s stylized look does not always translate into a daily trend. So here’s our round up of the top beauty tips to ditch – and hitch yourself to – this spring.

What not to do…
Trend offender:
Super frizzy hair

Where it was seen: Models strutted this look down the runway of Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Nix it now: Living in Canada, we spend an entire season (winter!) combatting flyaways. Why would we want to spend our spring/summer willingly super-sizing our locks? Don’t even get us started on how unwearable this look is during the day.

Try this instead…
Adopt this tip:
Simple styling


Where’s it was seen:

Loose curls were spotted on the runways at Proenza Schouler, Donna Karan and Rag & Bone. High buns were all the rage at Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa. And accessories – think
barrettes and clips – were a hair highlight at Rodarte and Cynthia Rowley.

Add it now: Natural and easy to emulate, each of these looks is functional and refined – perfect for wearing from day to night.

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What not to do…
Trend offender:
Artsy nails

Where it was seen: We tracked down bright, plaid nails on the runway at Betsey Johnson; polka-dots were spotted at Alice Olivia.


Nix it now:
We’re all over playing up patterns in our spring wardrobe (hello floral designs!). But on our nails? Not so much. Our distaste for this trend stems not from the time it would take to actually craft the look, but more from how impractical it is for most ladies (especially those of us with short, stout fingers – this look will just make our pointers appear pudgy).

Try this instead…
Adopt this tip:
Au naturel moon manicures.

Where’s it was seen: Prabal Gurung is the source of this sexy spring nail trend.

Add it now: This fresh take on the
moon manicure says you’re trendy without going overboard on colour or pattern. Simply pair two nude shades together, intersect them at the base of your nail and you’ll get an almost-naked look that’s perfectly provocative.

Makeup trends you should and shouldn’t try to copy on the next page …


Test the latest celebrity hair and makeup trends with our Virtual Makeover Tool!
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What not to do…
Trend offender:
Crazy cat eyes


Where it was seen:
Bold, shaped eyeliner was a highlight at Miu Miu and Peter Som.

Nix it now: Only a few people can rock this lashline look: A thick, angled sweep of cream shadow along the top lid (with a cat-like flare at the corner). And whether it’s crafted in basic black or fluorescent yellow, it’s not something we envision pulling off at any event.

Try this instead…
Adopt this tip:
Bright eye shadow or luscious lips (not both)

Where it was seen: Soft and subtle sweeps of eyeshadow (in bright and wearable colours like purple and green) were spotted at Oscar de la Renta and Jason Wu, while bright lips (oranges, pinks and reds) were a feature at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly by Michelle Smith, Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore.

Add it now: Have green eyes? Try a sweep of eye-popping purple across your entire lid. Blue eyed-gals should reach for soft oranges or greens, while girls with brown peepers can do with a dusting of any of this season’s electric shades.

If you have luscious lips, sweep on a hot pink or saturated orange lipstick – choose a colour that matches your skin tone to play up your pout. (
Tip: Orange shades look best on dark and olive skin, while pink is perfect for anyone who’s pale.)

Make your lips even more lust-worthy by foregoing gloss (shiny, slick pouts are “out” this season).

Read more:

Bad beauty habits you need to break now

How to get flawless foundation

Eye do: Say goodbye to tired eyes
Beauty flash: Double duty foundation

Test run the latest trends and celebrity looks in our Virtual Makeover Tool!