For some reason, bangs are always a bit controversial. Curtain bangs are no different. Some love them and some aren’t feeling them and others think people are calling long layers bangs when they’re really just a layer. Bur regardless, Ashley Benson does have new curtain bangs are they look great on her. The actress shared a video of her on set wearing a wavy bob wig and apparently, it inspired her to make a real change.

Not only did Benson get curtain bangs, but she also went shorter allover and much lighter. “The focal point of this look is the cut and color combo,” her hairstylist Joseph Maine said in a statement. “I love how the platinum color really compliments her skin and the dark root gives her a lot of depth, making her light blonde pop. The depth in her root also goes with her eyebrows and makes her eyes stand out. For the style, I wanted it to look effortless and just slightly tousled.”

Instagram.com/ashleybenson.

“I love working with Ashley because we get to try so many different looks,” the Trademark Beauty co-founder said. “She’s always up for new things. This is our first time really playing with her hair since Paris Fashion Week in March where we did eight different looks. It was fun to try something new today! While this is a wig that she’s currently rocking, we were so inspired by it that we ended up chopping her real hair super short too. It’s pretty drastic!”

Source: Instagram

Benson’s new bangs will take a little styling work to get used to but they’re very versatile. She can wear them straight forward, blown-out in a cool ’70s way or even just tuck them into the rest of her hair when she’s not feeling then. They’ll also grow out easily right into her chic bob. We love them and hope she keeps them around for a while—until she switches it up again.

Christmas and New Year are upon us. A lot of you are not feeling it. You may have a lot of reasons to stay in hiding! But here’s some advice: don’t!

If you have gotten comfortable with your endless routine of “what-day-is-it-anyway?”; “can I still wear that sweater and sweatpants or is it time to wash them?”; and “what does it all matter?” I want to encourage you to step up your game.

Hopefully, you will be able to share some social closeness with at least a few people in your safe “bubble.” And hopefully, you will have an opportunity to speak with family or friends or groups via Zoom, FaceTime, etc.

Even if it means venturing to the grocery store or pharmacy for necessities, why not give the people you meet some visual delight?

Connecting with Your Friends and Family

For both situations, whether public or private, but especially if you are only connecting electronically, it’s even more important than ever to make that little extra effort to spruce yourself up and sparkle a bit.

Doing so will help you create a more upbeat pathway to a future beyond lockdowns and isolation. It will give you a chance to proclaim: “I’m still here.”

The truth is, every time we get dressed, we are demonstrating respect both for ourselves, first, and for everyone that we encounter. Think of all the times we see our wonderful Margaret Manning on videos here on Sixty and Me. How would you feel if she showed up in a ratty sweatshirt?

Margaret takes the time to present herself with dignity and joy. She has that much respect for herself, for us, and in doing so, inspires us to do the same.

What We Can Do to “Sparkle” for the Holidays

Start with color. Traditionally, around the holidays we tend to go for brighter colors. It’s how we counteract the stark weather outside in the Northern Hemisphere.

Color Choices

There is a lot of psychology behind the colors we wear. Black is great for cocktail dresses and New Year’s gatherings. It has a quality of mystery and drama. But is that how you want to be seen this season? I think we’ve had enough mystery and drama this year, thank you.

So, unless it’s your favorite color, you look fabulous in it, and you intend to jazz it up with a lot of bling and makeup, at least for these holiday events I recommend that you avoid black. Your family or friends will want to see you in something brighter or lighter.

Winter white? Yes, white is a very big trend right now, especially in sweaters and suits, although you aren’t likely to wear a suit on camera for Zoom sessions with your tribe. But a winter white jacket and matching slacks with a sparkly or satin-y top can be a very chic and lovely combination for a gathering, however small.

Reds are, of course, a perennial for the holidays, and everyone has some shade of red in their palette. In general, (and although we all are unique in our coloring) saturated stark and vibrant red/orange shades work best for women with more contrast in their coloring, e.g., dark hair and very dark or light skin.

Warmer reds – the bricks and terracottas that are very popular right now – are better on women with more olive skin and auburn or brown hair.

Cherry reds and pinks are lovely on those with bright, playful coloring. And bluer reds, those leaning somewhat toward mauves and plums, are lovely on women with pale coloring, i.e., very little contrast in their overall skin, eye, and hair colors.

Solid Color or Pattern?

Also, solid colors tend to be a better look on camera than patterns. In person, you can go for a pattern. But in general, patterns are busy and can distort on camera. If you want to look a bit more elegant and “forward,” solid colors will help you to show up more. You want the focus to be on your face, not on the intricacies of the pattern.  

Feature What Shows

The good news is that regardless of any weight you may have gained, most online meet-ups will only feature you from the waist up. This way you can still wear your most comfortable bottoms with a showier top.

If you have a few “safe” guests over, you can just draw their eye to the pretty thing you wear on the top half of your body! (Besides, they have likely gained weight too!)

Leather and Themed Sweaters

Leather is still a huge trend right now. But it just doesn’t say home for the holidays, does it? Fortunately, cozy sweaters and tops are very popular. Still, consider not going full “reindeer” or “snowman.” Those are definitely festive, but not terribly chic. (If you knitted it or a relative made it for you, you get a pass.)

Look for one of the solid color sweaters, especially in cashmere. If you have some in your wardrobe, this would be a good time to bring them out. We’re seeing them at every price point you can imagine.

Online you’ll find them in shades of pink – from hot pink to cotton candy – and a broad range of blues, from navy to powdery blues. There are also a lot of copper colors right now, which can be beautiful on those with warmer coloring.

Another very popular trend that has continued throughout the entire year is the sweater set. Button down V-neck cardigans can stand on their own without a matching piece. That’s a very modern spin on this trend.

Asymmetrical Necklines

We are also seeing a lot of tops with asymmetrical necklines, some revealing entire shoulders on one side, and some with cut-outs. Depending on how daring you are, this would make quite a statement. You could pair them with tailored or wide-leg pants or a long skirt (for a stay-at-home event, of course.) Or just wear them to dress up your jeans or nicer loungewear bottoms.

Shiny Tops and Velvet

What better time than the holidays to wear a shiny or sparkly top? That’s one item that can really cheer up your look. It can be either a satin or sequined tank worn under a jacket or coat or a matching color sweater.

Unless you are going for a more dramatic look, keep the colors similar. You don’t want to mix too many metaphors when you are wearing something that eye-catching.

Finally, don’t forget velvet. A velvet top with a simple gemstone necklace or earrings is a lovely and very feminine look for all holiday gatherings, both in person and on screen.

Bling It Up!

Speaking of jewelry, think of yourself like a Christmas tree. Ornaments reflect light and have a magical quality. So, add a piece or two of your favorite jewelry that makes you the ornament that sparkles.

Since none – or at least very few – of us has had a chance to wear much jewelry over the past year, the trends have stayed the same as those featured early in the year. (Retailers, sadly, haven’t moved much inventory.)

You’ll still see trends like thicker chain link necklaces, pearls in all shapes and styles, and large costume jewelry “gemstones.” The newer chain necklaces are truly “heavy” metal: they are pretty dramatic, and very large in scale.

The gemstone necklaces and the lighter metal links are just more festive. You can also combine a gemstone necklace with pearls for a very Chanel-type look. The holidays are a perfect time to do this without looking overdone.

The “bourgeois-meets-streetwear” idea is another very fun way to play with jewelry. You can wear jeans or slacks and a $20 tee shirt in a festive color with a chunky gemstone or pearl necklace or some of the pretty chandelier-type earrings and instantly have a very chic look.

If you use your hands a lot when you talk, charm bracelets are a growing trend and showy cocktail rings are always a nice way to add a little emphasis to your hands. Just make sure to keep up your manicure, whether in a color or a neutral shade.

Dress Up Your Face

Internet pros understand that no matter how much makeup you wear, cameras and lights, even on great phones, will wash you out. (I learned that the hard way.) So, if you are having a holiday Zoom meeting with family or friends don’t be afraid to go a little bit more extreme than you ordinarily would for an in-person party or celebration.

Also, cooler colors that work for you in daylight tend to look more exaggerated on camera. If you have any lipsticks in your warmer shades, you will look somewhat healthier and brighter. That means lean toward your rich reds and corals instead of lightest pinks.

As with any makeup, play up your best features. If your eyes sparkle and tend to speak volumes, emphasize them. Add a little eyeshadow or at least some mascara, particularly if you wear glasses. For most people, regardless of their eye color, black mascara shows up best on camera and behind specs.

Lastly, you can test out your image beforehand by turning on your phone’s selfie video camera. If uneven coloration or age spots show up, then you know you need to use some sort of cover up. As for the wrinkles, wear them proudly. They show you have done a lot of smiling… and living.

Are you having any holiday gatherings? Will they be online? What do you plan to wear?

Every Britney Spears fan has been waiting for this moment. The blonde extensions are officially gone! We love Britney (she’s just a one-name star, right?) with any hairstyle but her extensions didn’t always blend perfectly into the rest of her hair. Plus, they felt a little like 2005 Britney and we’re rooting for 2020 Britney. So, when saw Britney’s lob haircut photos, we couldn’t have liked the posts fast enough.

In true Britney fashion, she shared three consecutive similar photos (one with that red background she loves), up-close of her new ‘do. “Cut my hair !!!! You know what they say …. out with the old …. in with the new !!!!! Now let us pray !!!!” she wrote. Adorably, her boyfriend Sam Asghari commented, “I love it” with four heart emojis. You have to love them.

The lob style is really pretty on the pop star. It’s full of face-framing layers even with some curtain bangs. Look at Britney getting in on one of the biggest trends. She looks fresh and youthful.

Source: Instagram

Britney has gone through a lot lately, dealing with her conservatorship. She recently released a song “Swimming in the Stars,” which is currently available to purchase as a limited-edition vinyl LP. The track is an outtake from Spears’ most recent project, Glory, which was released for the first time in 2016 and was re-issued in May 2020, along with another new song, “Mood Ring.” Fans are loving the lyrics and looking for secret messages about her conservatorship. Of course, it could also be a nod to her love of astrology.

Either way, Britney knows her fans are behind her and we’re ready for whatever comes in 2021.

As if Sephora’s usual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales weren’t enough, this year the retailer is giving its reward members even more ways to save. The first-ever Sephora Sephorathon 2020 sale is rolling out throughout December and we have all the details you need to know about to grab holiday gifts and kits, makeup, skin care and everyday essentials you’ll use all year round.

Here’s how it breaks down. As usual with Sephora sales, your Insider status determines how much you’ll save. From December 3-9, use code 2020SAVE (one-time use) for $15 off $75 (Insider members), $20 off $75 (VIB members) and $25 off $75 (Rouge members) as part of the Dollar Savings Offer.

On December 10, all-new, exclusive Gucci and Fenty Beauty products are dropping. The Gucci Flora Lavender Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Toilette ($80 at Sephora) is a white-floral fragrance that’s perfect for gift-giving. Then, there’s the already iconic Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream ($19 at Sephora) in five high-shine finishes.

Plus, from December 10-16, use code BIGPOINTS during the Point Multiplier Event. Insiders get twice the points per dollar, VIBs get three times the points per dollar and Rouge members get four times the points. On December 17, an all-new Maison Margiela is coming!

On December 19, Super Saturday, Beauty Insider members have the chance to win a Sephora eGift Card of either $100 or $10 in-store or online. Finally, as part of Sale on Sale week from December 20-December 1, all members get an extra 20 percent off sale items with code MAJORSALE.

Phew! Now that you have the details, shop some of our current faves, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Sephora.

Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath

This new fragrance has a fresh floral scent with key notes of soap bubble accord, rose superessence, white musk and coconut milk accord.

Sephora.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream

Shop a creamy version of everyone’s favorite lip gloss in five high-shine shades.

Sephora.

Gucci Flora Lavender Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Toilette

This floral fragrance has key notes of red berries, pear and white gardenia.

Sephora.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick Pavé – Celestial Divinity Collection

Choose from Elson (a blue red) or Omi (a mid-tone rose), both with this gorgeous packaging.

Sephora.

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener Limited Edition Gift Set

Now’s the time to splurge on Dyson’s game-changing flat iron and grab the Dyson-designed paddle brush and detangling comb too.

Sephora.

First Aid Beauty All That FAB

There’s no one in your life who wouldn’t love this value set with all the First Aid Beauty favorites.

Sephora.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set: Holo’Daze Edition

With bestselling mini glosses in four flattering shades

Sephora.

Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves Bestsellers Set

The Must-Have value sets are always some of the first to sell out. This one has products from Nars, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Huda Beauty and more.

With Instagram filters so popular, smoothing the faces of everyone on our feeds, we love when a celeb gets real about their skin. Because even the most gorgeous of stars still have fine lines, noticeable pores and a breakout here and there. One of our favorite new actresses, The Undoing‘s Matilda De Angelis recently shared a photo of her acne and we couldn’t love her more for it.

The 25-year-old Italian actress, who played Elena Alves on the HBO show, shared her fears of doing her job while dealing with acne. “There are things that cannot be controlled and this year taught us well,” she wrote both in Italian and English. “There are changes that we must accept in our life and with them, the perception of ourselves and the world around us.”

She goes on to explain how all her “fears and insecurities” are shown right on her skin. “There are much bigger problems in life, I am aware of that, but I wanted to share this little truth perhaps to feel stronger, perhaps to accept myself better,” she says. “Our fears can paralyze us or they can become a great force, it is up to us to choose the path.”

Source: Instagram

De Angelis finishes by giving us some advice that we can take with us through any tough time. “And to practice so much gratitude for all the good things that happen to us and maybe even for the bad ones,” she adds.

She’s not the only one getting honest about skin concerns. Recently, Hailey Bieber spoke out about her perioral dermatitis and Keke Palmer shared her acne concerns as well as her PCOS diagnosis. The more seemingly “perfect” celebrities show us what’s behind the filters, the more we can smash all those beauty standards for good.