Get Set For Spring

April 10, 2012
By: Gabrielle Prior

Whether it’s your make-up bag, body or lifestyle that needs a spring-clean, Gabby has some top tips for you to look as lovely as all those daffodils…

Beauty

Wipe away those cobwebs and tired eyes as spring is here and we all know this is the season clean up your beauty regime. Judging from the catwalks and latest beauty trends, spring 2012 it is all about bright eyes and the natural look. Embrace your nudes;its time for a fresh, clean start. After many a late night, whether it be working on that coursework due in the next day or partying until the early hours, we have all been victim to those dreaded bags under the eyes. Now is the time to give them a revamp and the refresh that they have been craving. There are lots of eye primers in the shops at the moment, but it can be hard finding the right one for you that will hide away those tired eyes. My top four would have to be:

1) Clinique’s pore refining solutions instant perfector. (£18 Boots.com) This is magic in a tube, rub a little around the eye area or any other dry areas of the face and it will provide a silky smooth base for you to apply your make up on.

2) If you’re on a tight budget, then fear not, a cheaper alternative is Rimmel’s Match Perfection Fix and Perfect Primer (£6.99 Boots.com). This can be used in a similar way, before applying make-up as a softening basecoat.

3) For covering dark circles a concealer is a must! There are lots out in the market at the moment, all of which do a similar job at hiding those late nights. Soap and Glory do a ‘Kick Ass concealer’ three piece camouflage kit (£10 Boots.com). This set is great in that it features an amazing under eye concealer, an ‘on the spot’ as you-need-it complexion concealer, and a weightless transparent setting powder; all of which are perfect for creating the spring time look.

4) Clarin’s Beauty Flash Balm (£28 Boots.com) is another must have this spring time. Apply a small amount to your face before applying make up and it gives your face an instant boost. Perfect for those days when you have overslept and are running late for a lecture.

Or if you really are strapped for cash, why not do the free option and take a trip down to Gylly beach and let Cornwall’s sea air take its course, giving you an instant fresh faced feel!

Style 

Spring is the time for fresh starts and fresh colours, so why not revamp your wardrobe? Replace your dull winter gear with bright florals and whites. A white blazer is a spring must have! Try Topshop’s Ponte Boyfriend Blazer for £40. You can pair it with almost anything and it will instantly give your outfit a touch of spring. Clear out any unwanted clothes and why not try and sell them on Ebay? Not only can you make some space in your overcrowded wardrobe, but you can even try and get some money for your unwanted items. Refreshing your style is the perfect way of embracing the spring spirit.

Health

As I am sure many of you know, Easter is never the healthiest time; we have all stuffed ourselves full of chocolate until we feel sick! So why not get some spring time fresh air and take up a sport or activity that will get you outdoors? Hire a wetsuit and surfboard and take a trip to Porthtowan for some surfing. The water may still be a little cold but think how good it will make you feel! If surfing is not your thing then why not head to St Michaels Hotel and pamper yourself at the spa and go for a swim? Now the evenings are getting lighter it has become ideal for evening runs along the seafront. Plug in your iPod and put in your headphones then off you go. I tell you now, there is nothing like looking over Gylly beach with the sun setting. If you prefer more contact sports then how about joining one of the FXU sports teams, such as Netball Lacrosse or Hockey? Check out the FXU website for more information. (www.fxu.org.uk).

Spring is perfect for adjusting your diet. The student life has never been the healthiest of lifestyles, so now is the time to change that. Why not try and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables? For snacks you can invest in a Graze box, which gets sent to your door each week full of healthy snacks and nibbles, perfect for those peckish moments that strike whilst writing those essays. For £3.79 each week, you get to choose what goes in your box each week and you get a variety of choice from dried fruit to olives! (www.graze.com) It is the ideal time to experiment and try out healthy new recipes. Why not invest in ‘The Really Useful Ultimate Student Cookbook’ which will give you a selection of cheap, easy and healthy recipes. Aimed at students it helps with all aspects of student cooking and even includes tips for eating well. A perfect healthy spring buy!

So whether you decide to change your beauty regime, revamp your wardrobe or kickstart your healthy lifestyle, why not spring clean your image this season for a fresh, new start!

 

Images: Topshop.com, Boots.com, Clarins.com, Graze.com.