Classic Trend: The Reasonably Extreme Makeover
It’s a trend that, since the word go, has been followed by celebs in need of a pick me up. Whether it’s a career change, two fingers up to an ex, or a reflection of growing up it’s a trend that is instantly recognisable and one that’s very easy for you to follow. The reasonably extreme makeover allows people to sit up and take notice – without you having to shave your head, get sent to rehab, or be Heidi Montag.
So how can you achieve this yourself? Let’s start with the hair. So many celebs start out blonde, and people take notice... of the fact that they’re blonde. So what do they do to change this? Go brunette. Think Nicole Richie, Scarlett Johannson, and Peaches Geldof. The right shade of brunette can make blue eyes stand out, accentuate a great bone structure, and draw attention to a smooth complexion. Plus it means you can wear tricky shades like yellow and orange without looking washed-out.
Then there’s the make-up. Those who go to work wearing full on slap – we’re talking foundation, blusher, false lashes, lippie, the lot – should try toning it down for once. Go for a natural look: a sweep of mascara and a dab of lip gloss is probably all you need to look lovely. It’ll draw attention in the right way – to your natural beauty (at this point I must recommend the self-professed ‘makeunder’ programme Snog, Marry, Avoid. Jenny Frost displays some fine presenting skills and the show features plenty of dreadfully-dressed people to ogle). Alternatively, if you wear the barely-there look every day, try some brightly coloured liquid eyeliner or (and the or is very important here) some dramatic red lipstick.
Finally, why not go for a style overhaul? Has anyone noticed how Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen suddenly went from jeans and t-shirts to maxi-dresses and smoky eyes? It could probably be argued that Victoria Beckham gets a dramatic new hairstyle every week in order to maintain public attention... and it works. As for Cheryl Cole, she went from crop-top wearing high-ponytailed Sporty Spice lookalike to big haired vamp seemingly overnight.
You too can achieve this transformation – all you need is a little imagination. Chop off your flowing tresses and get a trendy new bob in time for summer (if you’re not sure, at least consult your hairdresser ). Stop wearing short skirts all the time (even if you do have great legs) and don some chic peg leg trousers. Heck, why not get that nose-piercing you’ve always wanted? The beauty of the reasonably extreme makeover is you can always go back to the old you, if that’s the best one.
Check out our galleries for more make over inspiration.