The Best Summer Balayage for Dark Hair

Bronde Balayage

One of the best balayage options if you're going from dark to light, the bronde balayage can give your hair a smooth lift. Olivia Palermo's color gradient looks natural and is also very easy to maintain, as it is not totally symmetrical.

Image: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for COVERGIRL

Dusty Rose Gold

Brunettes are increasingly leaning toward cooler pastel shades for summer. This is a flawless shade, and you can simply add in some blond edges.

Image: @corynneylon_hair

Violet + orange

This simple orange job on deep violet hair is stunningly original and fresh.

Image: @chloeanngaymer

Buttery Golden Ombre

Lucy Hale's dirty blond fades into the super light blond edges, and the transition is beautifully distinct. We love that her roots and crown are still brunette so that her highlights pop up too.

Image: Amanda Edwards/WireImage/Getty Images

Babylight Blond

A delightfully subtle addition to your standard brunette hair, this technique is breezy, polished and amazingly easy to touch up.

Image: @kristin_ess

Warm Bronze

A beautiful, sun-kissed shade of balayage, warm bronze gives hair amazing body and dimension, especially if it's a choppy cut.

Image: @corynneylon_hair

Copper Gold

Instead of plain ol' blond, go for a matte gold finish with shades like sandy or copper gold. You can always tone this shade down to something a little cooler.

Image: @hairbymandielynn

Iced Chocolate

If cold brew is your thing, this ever-so-chic iced chocolate balayage should be ideal for you. This look looks great on all lengths. 

Image: @hungvanngo

Super Pastels

We love Irene Kim's adventurous muted rainbow balayage. 

Image: @ireneisgood

Warm Espresso

Priyanka Chopra's take on balayage is perfect: Keep it subtle but dramatic. 

Image: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Balayage has been in our lives for less than a decade, and it’s already a recurring summer trend. But the soft, sun-kissed painted light gradation, which gives a flawless lift to our festival hair and our influencer-inspired waves, comes in many styles and colors.

The best kinds of balayage, especially on darker hair, end with strong dramatic edges or tips; the color on all the sections has to be saturated so none of the transition areas look patchy or forced. But it’s amazingly easy to fix a balayage with color melts or additional highlights. Here are some of the best summer balayage for brunettes.

[ Next: Periwinkle Pastel Hair Is Like a Dream Come True ]

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Rebecca Leigh Longendyke and WSJ. Magazine Deliver a Breathtaking May 2019 Cover

We’ve been devotees of everything WSJ. Magazine since as far back as we can remember. Last year alone the title managed to bag Oprah Winfrey, Gisele Bündchen, Gwyneth Paltrow and gave us a supermodel extravaganza for September. So it should come as no surprise that the magazine is blowing us away for May. Transporting us to New Zealand, WSJ. Magazine enlisted model Rebecca Leigh Longendyke, photographer Lachlan Bailey and stylist Anastasia Barbieri for the occasion. Showcasing the majestic scenery of South Island in the captivating cover shot, Rebecca sits perched in a chunky knit sweater taking in the jaw-dropping view.

IMAGE: WSJMAGAZINE.COM

“Stunning! WSJ. Magazine is doing better than Vogue Paris… with the same photographers,” called out jorgepalomo.

“Sublime is the word I was searching for upon seeing this. How beautiful,” admired Miss Dalloway.

“Just beautiful, I won’t even complain about her looking away from the camera because it just works on this unconventional but engrossing cover. Thank goodness for Barbieri!” praised Fiercification.

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“What a gorgeous cover, I always love it when they incorporate landscapes or architecture into them,” raved dodencebt.

Sharing the same sentiments was dfl-001: “I take so much artistic inspiration from nature and natural beauty, so the wide vista with mountains in the background and the meadow with smaller human figure is quite beautiful.”

Mikel was quick to describe the cover as “breathtaking” and we couldn’t agree more.

See the cover story in all its glory and join the conversation here.

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Grace Wales Bonner Wins the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

Grace Wales Bonner is no stranger to awards. While studying at prestigious Central Saint Martins, her collection, Afrique, won the L’Oréal Professionnel Talent Award. She went on to win the Emerging Menswear Designer Award at the 2015 British Fashion Awards and scored the 2016 LVMH Prize worth €300,000 (about $335,300 USD). So we’re not surprised that Bonner won this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund.

Grace Wales Bonner at the Wales Bonner Fall 2016 Menswear show; Image: Imaxtree

“Grace is a designer with a very clear point of view,” states Edward Enninful, editor-in-chief of British Vogue. “Her clothes are fully realized – you can immediately recognize a Wales Bonner silhouette and attitude, which is amazing for someone so young – and her work is like a form of art. Her influence extends far beyond fashion; not only does she have a growing ready-to-wear business, but what she’s already done for culture would be impressive in someone twice her age.”

The winner was decided by fashion industry heavyweights like Enninful, Erdem Moralioglu and Paul Price from Topshop. The accolade was well-deserved; Bonner’s designs are distinctive and boast intricate embellishments inspired by her Jamaican roots. Although she made a name for herself in the menswear category, she’s setting her sights on womenswear as well. 

Wales Bonner Fall 2015 Menswear; Image: Imaxtree

The designer told WWD, “The women’s wear has been successful and has had more visibility and we’re moving towards a place where both collections will be equal.”

Now that Bonner has collected the £200,000 (about $260,500 USD) prize and a mentorship, we’re excited to see how the young designer will continue to develop her brand and how her collections will continue to promote individuality and diversity.

[ Next: These Emerging Designers Hand-Selected by Net-a-Porter Are About to Be Huge ]

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Light-as-Air Spring Jackets That Won’t Cause You to Overheat

Image: Imaxtree

Layering can be the most exasperating thing to do in winter when you need to put on three tops, a jacket and even pants over leggings just to stay warm. But with spring’s warmer weather, no one would ever think of wearing multiple shirts. That’s where light jackets come in.

There’s no denying that matching a good spring jacket to your outfit levels up your look. When you pair a multicolored track jacket with an animal print maxi dress, it gives your look a unique streetwear twist. You can also opt for the trendy combo of a cropped top, wide-leg trousers and a drawstring-cinched jacket.

Image: Imaxtree

Go through our list of light spring jackets to stock up for the season.

Collina Strada

Cardio Sheer Windbreaker, $322 at Need Supply Co.

IRO

Startle Jacket, $547 at Shopbop

Aéryne

Felice Belted Organza Jacket, $255 at Luisa Via Roma

Adidas

Mesh Track Jacket in Pride Pink, $80 at Nordstrom

ASOS

Design Pac a Mac Jacket in Animal Print, $40 at ASOS

Ivy Park

Mesh Panel Longline Parka, $215 at Nordstrom

3.1 Phillip Lim

Cinched Sleeve Anorak, $495 at Shopbop

Avec Les Filles

Organza Hooded Parka Jacket, $129 at Urban Outfitters

Comme des Garçons

Long Lace Front Coat, $935 at Nordstrom

Free People

Movement Salt Spray Jacket, $148 at Shopbop

[ Next: 24 Espadrilles to Complete Your Spring Wardrobe ]

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Show Yourself a Little Love With These Graduation Gifts

Mer-Sea & Co.

Bath Soak in Coconut Sugar, $10 at Anthropologie

Adulting is tough, but bath soaks can give you some unconditional love. This coconut sugar soak is almost therapeutic thanks to notes of musk and vanilla.

Lord Jones

Old Fashioned CBD Gumdrops, $45 at Lord Jones

We can't stress how essential an uninterrupted night of sleep is at any age. These gumdrops are made with gelatin, natural fruit flavors and broad-spectrum CBD extract derived from hemp. 

Le Labo

Discovery Set, $85 at Nordstrom

Until you find your signature scent (which could take years of trial and error), this luxe sample-size set of four diverse perfumes can open up some options. 

Burberry

Check Slim Fit Shirt, $420 at Nordstrom

There's something about a button-down Burberry check shirt that screams "I'm important."

Charbonnel et Walker

Pink Celebration Hamper, $150 at Neiman Marcus

Treat yourself to this celebration hamper featuring dusted strawberry truffles, a champagne bar, champagne truffles, a truffle heart and more.

StackedSkincare

Ice Roller, $30 at Sephora

An ice roller calms irritable skin and this one has a stainless steel barrel to fight inflammation. It can also be used to fight redness, dark circles and puffiness.

Yves Saint Laurent

Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick, $39 at Sephora

This couture-approved matte wonder has a rich, creamy pigment and feels amazing on your lips.

De Mamiel

Restorative Cleansing Balm, $64 at Net-a-Porter

This balm doesn't just clear away dirt, grime and residual makeup, it also has mood-lifting properties thanks to fragonia, chamomile and rose geranium oils. It also has manuka honey to actively prevent breakouts.

Avocaderia

Avocado Recipes for a Healthier, Happier Life, $13.51 at Target

This book from the minds behind the avocado-devoted New York eatery Avocaderia is the ideal Sunday afternoon companion. 

Urban Outfitters

1000 Piece Puzzle in Pink, $16 at Urban Outfitters

For the days when you feel blue,  brew some loose-leaf tea and occupy yourself with this Frida Kahlo puzzle.

Cooluli

Mini Beauty Refrigerator, $59.95 at Urban Outfitters

We can't stop swooning over this lovely mini fridge that can store all our sheet masks, serums, wipes and secret stash of Ferrero Rocher. 

Form Nutrition

Superblend Protein - Chocolate Salted Caramel, $39 at Net-a-Porter

This plant-based protein supplement is made with pea protein, brown rice, hemp plus AlgaVia and also has fruit and vegetable extracts. It doesn't just help you meet dietary requirements, it also keeps your energy levels up throughout the day.

Anthropologie

Framed Magnetic Chalkboard, $28 at Anthropologie

This chalkboard can be a vision board, a to-do list or you can use it to hang up some happy Polaroids.

If you’re inching closer to adulthood and just received a hat and a piece of paper from your school as proof, take it from us: It’s going to be a long road. It’ll be a while before you feel like an actual grown-up. But that’s OK.

Graduation season is tricky since there are just so many emotions. But pace yourself. You have all your life to be overworked and underappreciated, so now is the time to reward yourself.

Celebrate the closure of this wonderful four-year chapter that gave you so much with some self-care. Here are just some indulgent buys you can give yourself because you’re worth it.

[ Next: Marie Kondo Your Mind With These Self-Care Products Under $20 ]

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Céline Dion Plays Peekaboo in Valentino on ELLE’s Disappointing June 2019 Cover

Nina Garcia has been killing it with ELLE‘s cover stars of late, calling upon the likes of Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid for recent issues of the magazine and at this rate, whatever the competition can do, Nina can do far better. ELLE‘s latest features living legend Céline Dion for June 2019. Photographed by Tom Munro with Charles Varenne on styling duties, L’Oréal Paris’ new brand ambassador wears a showstopping Valentino creation in the cover shot proving more is always better.

IMAGE: ELLE.COM

For our forum members, however, the cover was a total flop. “Tom Munro is so much better than this and why does she look like Nina Garcia?” asked mepps.

“As pretentious as her sudden fashion enlightenment,” added Srdjan.

“I’m disappointed. She is trying to build a high-fashion image and she let Nina do this to her? This is plain and basic, too American-oriented, there is nothing here, hiding the face doesn’t make you look like a mysterious couture lady,” declared an underwhelmed ghostwriter10549.

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Also left shaking their head was dfl-001: “Who is asking for this?! How many people in the industry were pining for a sudden Céline resurgence? The magazine industry is faltering not from lack of interest or ad revenue moving online. It’s because they got boring as hell.”

“That cover doesn’t do her justice at all… a plain and basic US ELLE cover. If I saw this on newsstands, nothing in that cover would intrigue me to buy it,” proclaimed slayage.

“It’s a striking shot, but it doesn’t work as a cover. One could hardly identify her with all that fabric covering half her face. Major kudos for such an unexpected cover subject, though,” reasoned Ken Doll Jenner.

Did Céline deserve better? Check out the accompanying shoot and share your thoughts here.

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14 Fresh Scents That Are Basically Summer in a Bottle

Viktor & Rolf

Magic Salty Flower, $145 at Sephora

While we’re not advocating ditching the brand’s iconic Flowerbomb fragrance, summer is the time to switch it out for this breezy, beachy option. Salt flower accord and exotic frangipani flowers will transport you to a tropical island even when you’re stuck at work. It’s fresh and floral without being overpowering.

Chanel

Les Exclusifs de Chanel in 1957, $200 at Chanel

Chanel’s scents regularly appear on top 10 lists and this floral-accented musky fragrance deserves a spot on the best scents for summer countdown. At the center is white musk surrounded by bergamot, iris and neroli. The fragrance gets even more complex thanks to notes of cedar and a hint of honey.

Guerlain

Mon Guerlain Eau de Toilette Bloom of Rose, $109 at Sephora

Full disclosure: We’re big fans of the original Mon Guerlain fragrance. But this summery spin might just usurp the OG. It has a fresh floral aroma grounded in mandarin, rose and white musk for a truly sensual experience. What else would you expect from a scent inspired by Angelina Jolie?

Hermes

Un Jardin sur la Lagune Eau de Toilette, $139 at Hermes

Get the best of both worlds with this new scent boasting floral and woody accents. The dreamy garden-inspired fragrance is the perfect balance of the outdoors. Simultaneously soothing and vibrant, Hermes’ latest offering is made for laid-back summer days.

Maison Margiela

REPLICA Under the Lemon Trees Eau de Toilette, $126 at Sephora

Can’t escape to the countryside this summer? This sunny citrus scent will suffice. Notes of kalmansi accord, coriander and musk give it a depth lacking in other citrus-based scents.

Marc Jacobs

Daisy Love Eau So Sweet, $104 at Ulta Beauty

Marc Jacobs’ iconic Daisy fragrance gets a summer twist. White raspberries show off their sparkling personalities as soft florals and a delicate musk sweeten the deal. You’ll want to wear the fun, flirty scent all season long.

Jo Malone London

Star Magnolia Cologne, $140 at Sephora

Fresh florals aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but teaming them with key notes of lemon and sandalwood is pretty refreshing. This crisp scent also includes star magnolia, green magnolia leaf, orange blossom, ginger and shiso leaf. It acts as an instant pick-me-up every time you spritz it on.

Lancôme

La Vie est Belle en Rose Eau de Toilette, $128 at Macy’s

Lancôme’s fruity take on its beloved La Vie est Belle scent is the epitome of summer. A floral heart of iris is amped up by peony and roses along with that red fruity punch. The bottom notes of sandalwood oil and patchouli give the fragrance a multifaceted aroma.

Narciso Rodriguez

Pure Musc Eau de Parfum, $98 at Sephora

Keep things so fresh and so clean, clean this summer with the latest entry in the for her franchise. The powdery floral has notes of orange blossom and cashmeran around a floral heart of musc for an intriguing aroma. It’s perfect for all those hot and steamy summer date nights.

Miller Harris

Violet Ida Eau de Parfum, $139.65 at Feelunique

Despite its name, violets aren’t really the star of this scent. Its top notes are Italian bergamot and surprising carrot oil for a more complex aroma. Iris along with a base of vanilla and liquid amber give this perfume a summery finish.

Chloe

Nomade Eau de Toilette, $95 at Ulta Beauty

Chloe’s joyful fragrance has a real boho vibe. Sweet litchi and nuanced freesia are enhanced by oak moss for a bright, sunny scent. We also love how the transparent bottle lets a sparkling pinkish light filter through, making it a real showstopper on your vanity.

Coach

Floral Blush Eau de Parfum, $60 at Coach

Coach’s classic tea rose scent shows off its playful side with a little help from goji berries and grapefruit. Peony and peach give the fragrance another dimension, while notes of white wood and musk linger all day long. And the bottle with its eye-catching flower charm is too cute for words.

Gucci

Guilty Pour Femme Eau de Parfum, $92 at Macy’s

Gucci's sophisticated scent relies on top notes of citrus mandora and pink pepper to supply its edge. Throw in lilac and patchouli oil and you’ve got one distinct fragrance. If you’re looking for a signature summer scent, meet your new, slightly mysterious BFF.


Tiffany & Co.

Sheer Eau de Toilette, $90 at Bloomingdale’s

Attention all you minimalists out there: this is your new go-to scent. Subtly luxurious, blackcurrant, vert de mandarine and ylang ylang are highlighted by rose oil and iris for a layered fragrance. The diamond-esque bottle is also brilliant in its simplicity.

By now we all know we should switch up our skin care strategy once the weather warms up. But you should also hit the refresh button on your go-to scent. Florals and fruity fragrances are the perfect summer companions because they embody everything the season stands for. And since most of us don’t have off to enjoy the high temps and cool breezes, these fresh perfumes are a great way to bring a little summer with you everywhere you go.

While citrus and potent bouquets fit the profile of a standard summer scent, this season we’re favoring unexpected accents, like musk, neroli, coriander and even carrot oil. Hey, we like our aromas complex, just like our personalities. As a bonus, all of these top summer scents come in bottles that are just as enchanting.

Check out the slideshow above to discover your new signature (summer) scent.

[ Next: 15 Deodorants That Won’t Let You Down ]

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