Hot Summer Trends at Cool Prices

These days, we’re all making do with less. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to recycle last season’s beauty trends. We chatted with some of the best pros in the business, who showed us how to achieve the “it” looks of the season with basic products already in our arsenal. Sometimes it pays to be cheap.

Summer Trend No. 1: A Blue Period

Blue eyes -- electric, teal and peacock -- have been seen on everyone from Rihanna to Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Money Saver: “Look through that makeup palette kit we all get as gifts. There’s usually one or two bright blues,” says celebrity makeup artist Molly R. Stern, who has worked with Mandy Moore and Rashida Jones. This trend works best with just a pop of color. Blend a small a dot of azure shadow along the lash line. For a more dramatic effect, wet a brush and rim eyes with pigment. Finish with an application of mascara. “The brighter the eye, the subtler the rest of your face,” says Stern. “Keep blush natural and your lips neutral.”

Summer Trend No. 2: On Red Alert

Richly pigmented-painted lips are a go-to for red carpet regulars. Why? Red lipstick is classic, elegant and versatile. Sheer formulas fit all occasions. Invest in a richly tinted gloss, and you can easily take it from day to night.

Money Saver: Use a matte lipstick you already own. Blot a rosy lipstick down to a stain by applying with fingers and patting your pout with a tissue. “Top with a hydrating balm,” says Stern. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal; highlight eyes with a single coat of mascara and pencil-arched brows.

Summer Trend No. 3: Go Gaga

Lady Gaga’s overdone eye makeup is as important to her diva style as her refusal to wear pants.

Money Saver: Pile on your favorite eyeliner in multiple coats. “Think Cleopatra and thicken the line at the outer corner,” says New York-based celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, who counts Alicia Keys as a client. To keep lids pearly, buff on a silver-white powder shadow, or even glitter. Liberally apply dark mascara to upper lashes. And slick a neutral gloss on lips.

Summer Trend No. 4: Anime Your Way

This Japanese-inspired dramatic style “is an artistic, rock ‘n’ roll look for the young-at-heart,” says Sheriff. And it’s all about the eyes. “Purple and emerald are fashion-forward, while burgundy is a bit softer,” she says. Using a creamy pencil, trace along the lash line, starting at the inner corner and fanning up and out.

Money Saver: Eyeliner is one of the less expensive products out there. Dust a metallic-infused bronzer or shadow across lids. Curl lashes and load on black-brown mascara. Finish with a “pat of peachy pink cream blush and dab on a dewy, natural-looking gloss.”

Summer Trend No. 5: How Handy

“A trendy new nail polish can inexpensively update your entire summer style,” says Jin Soon Choi of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa in New York. “This season’s hot colors are deep coral and orange red in satiny finishes.”

Money Saver: Even without lacquer, healthy, moisturized hands can make you look pulled together. Keep cuticles soft with olive oil or almond oil.

Summer Trend No. 6: Hair Today

A chic chignon bun is easy to do, keeps you cool and looks polished, says celebrity stylist Frederic Fekkai. Gather hair into a low ponytail.

Money Saver: Use a rubber band. Twist it into a loop around your index finger and tuck ends under. Secure the bun with hairpins in a crisscross to ensure against slippage. Finish with a light-hold hair spray or anti-frizz mist.

Karen Tina Harrison was the beauty director of Sassy Magazine, and has consulted for a variety of beauty companies. She covers lifestyle topics for publications including The New York Times, Glamour and About.com

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