Since Her Conference is quickly approaching this weekend, we can’t help but start thinking about our hair and makeup as we organize our final preparations for the big event.
With a phenomenal line-up of guest speakers and other collegiettes from all over the country attending the event, you’ll want to look your best this weekend as you network and make new friends. Here are a few of our favorite, trendy looks perfect for Her Conference, so you can look confident and professional.
Red Lipstick
Leave your neon pink and dark berry lipsticks at home, and opt for a bold red shade that matches your skintone. The color is timeless and looks stunning with so many different outfits, from black and white to leopard print and HC-approved pink.
Follow these lipstick hacks before applying, and you won’t have to worry about the color fading or accidently getting on your teeth as you mingle with some of the biggest names in media. We recommend the Red Revival Lipstick from Maybelline ($7.49) if you’re looking for a classic red lip color.
Polished Topknot
For a simple style to go with a bedazzled outfit, such as a skirt with sparkles or a dress with an eclectic pattern, try a polished topknot to look classy and fabulous.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, and then twist your hair around your hand and the base of the ponytail. Pull the ends of your hair through the elastic, which will help to create the knot. To finish, spray with a light hairspray such as the Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray from Suave ($2.88) and use bobby pins as desired.
Natural Smoky Eye
To stay professional, you may want to stay clear of a dark, sultry smoky eye this weekend. If you can’t imagine parting from your beloved eyeshadow routine, consider a more natural smoky eye look instead so you can get the best of both worlds.
Before you start, apply an eyeshadow primer such as Shadow Insurance from Too Faced ($20) to prevent creasing for a long-lasting finish. Start by applying a mauve shadow to your lids, and follow with a light brown or golden shade in the crease of your eyes to make them really pop. Add a medium brown shade to contour, and use a brush such as the Sephora Pro Blending Brush ($20) to blend the shades together flawlessly.
Complete the look by highlighting the area underneath your brows with a cream colored shadow and applying two coats of thickening mascara.
Bombshell Curls
These super elegant curls will give you major confidence as you pose at the Her Conference photobooth with your girlfriends. The look is classic, but also super fun and adorable.
After you wash your hair, apply a mousse such as the Dove Style + Care Amplifier ($3.49) for extra texture. Blow out your hair and create a deep side part on the side of your choice. Next, split your hair into two sections, a top and a bottom, and curl a 1 to 2 inch piece of hair with a 1-inch barrel curling wand.
Once you’re done curling each piece, pin each up with a pin curl clip or a bobby pin. After you’re done curling all the sections, spray your hair with an extra-hold hairspray like the TRESemme Two Extra Hold Hairspray ($4.99) to make sure the curls stay put, and allow them to set for about five minutes before releasing the pins. Finish the look by gently brushing out your hair and spritzing the curls with a shine spray, such as the TRESEmme Smooth No-Frizz Ultra Light Shine Spray ($3.63).
Subtle Kitten Eye
Instead of a dramatic winged-out cat eye, try a more low-key “kitten” eyeliner look for the conference. It will still give your eyes a bit of extra definition without going all-out.
Using a marker-tip eyeliner such as the Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner from Maybelline ($7.99), draw a very tiny flick after applying liner to the edge of your eyelids close to your lashes. Top with a few coats of curling mascara such as Pin-Up Tease from NYX ($5.99) to pull the look together.
Boho Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is still totally in style, and we don’t plan on retiring it anytime soon! It can bring a little bit of extra edge to a simple outfit, so if you’re planning on wearing a neutral outfit to the conference, rock a fishtail braid for a bit of pizzaz. For added texture, spray your hair with the Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray from Not Your Mother’s ($5.99) to make the braiding process easier.
To start, part your hair into two even sections. Then, take a strand from one section and bring it over to the other side, making sure that the sections are large enough to work with, but still small enough so that the fishtail will look different than just a regular braid. Repeat this process with the other section, and repeat these steps until the braid is finished, and secure with a tiny clear elastic.
Barely-There Makeup
Since Manhattan is sure to be hot this weekend due to the warm summer weather, we totally understand not wanting to pile on the makeup. For a “no makeup-makeup” look that will have you looking polished, you only need a few products.
First, skip the foundation and opt for lighter coverage with a product like the Camera Ready BB Cream from Smashbox ($39) to conceal acne and even out your skin tone. Next, fill in your brows with a brow pencil such as Brow Wiz from Anastasia ($21) and coat your lashes with a natural mascara such as the Organic Wear Mascara from Physicans Formula ($9.99). For a final touch, swipe on a nude lip gloss such as the Tiramisu Butter Gloss from NYX ($4.99) for the perfect kissy-face selfie with your new HC gal pals!
We can’t wait to see you and your beautiful self at Her Conference this weekend, sporting whichever beauty look you may choose. Stay beautiful, collegiettes!