The most exciting trends for the upcoming seasonand how to get the looks.

As the seasons change, so does our style. Once September hits, we put away our sundresses and flip flops, move the bright nail polishes to the back of the medicine cabinet, and begin the natural transition to cool weather looks (read: cozy colors and new dos), which for many of us, means changing our overall beauty look. To get you started and inspired, weve gathered some of our favorite fall beauty trends that work for both the classic beauty lover and the avid beauty experimenter. Keep reading to see what they are and learn how to incorporate them into your routine.

Consistently ranked the happiest country in the world by the European Social Survey, Denmark is the epicenter of a heart-warming way of living called "hygge" (pronounced: hoo-ga). Although there is no exact translation to English, the word "cozy" comes close and it relates to "hug." Designing a cozy environment in your home or office, enjoying the simple things like the company of friends and family, taking the time to unwind, and slowing down the pace of life are all central to hygge. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, says that "hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things." But, there are elements you can add to your own space that'll help you embody the lifestyle principleslike keeping a Hygge Emergency Kit (a stash of items to pull out on the evenings when you want some quality alone time). Here, we break down a few of them for you.

"No recipe for hygge is complete without candles," Wiking says in the very first chapter of the book. Turning down the lights and lighting a candle is the fast track to hygge-ing and the first thing you should do to transform your atmosphere. A lavender-scented candle instantly brings a sense of tranquility to your space (we love this one from Votivo). It's impossible not to enjoy the warming glow of its flame and relaxing effects of the essential oils' aroma. Smell is also a big part of hyggeif a particular scent reminds you of a memory or time and place when you felt safe and comfortable, then it "smells like hygge."

Enjoying the little pleasures in life also means being kind to yourself and indulging in sweets like the Dylan's Candy Bar Gummy Bear Stack A-Round. Danes are crazy about all things confectionary and associate treats like gummy bears and licorice with hygge, according to Wiking. Not getting too hung up on the demands of eating healthy and taking the opportunity to delight in the taste of your favorite sugary snack is well-deserved by everyone.

Does anything sound better than sipping a cup of hot tea while wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket? Relish in steeping a cup of calm with Kusmi Tea Paris' peppermint-flavored Be Cool Tea Tin and Tea Ball Infuser. Item number three on Wiking's Hygge Emergency Kit list, tea perfectly ties into the hygge philosophy of comfort and the joy of taking a break.

Although hygge does encourage togetherness and familiarity, that doesn't mean you can't do it on your own. There are few things more hygge than taking a moment for a personal pamper session. Apply a sheet mask like Erno Laszlo's Firm & Lift Hydrogel Mask or repair your strands with Krastase Nutritive Masquintense's moisturizing formula. Slather on some nourishing JUARA Candlenut Body Crme and maybe even paint your nails while you're at it with Smith & Cult's Nailed Lacquer. Embracing hygge is also appreciating downtime like this.

There's nothing like some tunes to set the mood. Creating a playlist that'll complement an evening spent with friends around the fireplace or an hour by yourself de-stressing your mind and body invites even more coziness and positive vibes into the room. Amplify the sound with a Native Union MONOCLE Portable Speaker.

Danes counteract the long Scandinavian winters by bringing elements from the outdoors inside (think: anything made out of wood, including (quite literally) natural items like twigs, nuts, plants, etc.). Something about wooden objects, like the smell of a fireplace, "Makes us feel closer to nature; it is simple and natural, just like the concept of hygge," Wiking says. CLEAN Reserve Terra Woods Eau de Parfum perfectly embodies the fresh, appealing scent of the great outdoors with notes of textured woods, musk, and tonka bean. With just a few spritzes it instantly uplifts and comforts at the same time.

Another necessary item for your Hygge Emergency Kit: a book. After a long day, getting lost in the pages of your favorite novel, biography, or how-to guide (maybe even The Little Book of Hygge) will instantly put you at ease. And don't just skim itthat wouldn't be very hygge of you. Just let the story unfold and take it all in, even that old (or new) book smell.

For many of us, our devices are our lifelines. But, putting down your phone and turning off your computereven for just an houris crucial. While that seems like a long time without a screen, it'll help you learn to be more present in your physical versus digital space, which is important in hygge. So you won't be tempted to peek during those 60 minutes, a Parker Thatch Eye Mask that reads "Do Not Disturb" will make it very clear that you're off duty.

Pillows and big blankets are necessary in any hygge household to evoke warmth and being snug. Make them feel even cozier with thisworks deep sleep pillow spray, which is packed with calming ingredients like lavender, patchouli, and chamomile. It'll help lull you into relaxation (or a full-on nap) even faster. The scent also brings a sense of peacefulness and security, essential to making your home more "hyggellig" (nice), according to Wiking.

The Danish way of living known as "hygge" is spreading happiness worldwide. Learn how to bring hygge into your life with tips from the book *The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living*.

How to Hygge: 9 Ways to Embrace the Danish Lifestyle Concept

Let's review the basics: Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980's, the Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method built on the notion that frequent breaks actually help you in the long run. The system can be broken into five simple steps:

1. Choose a task to complete: either a standalone job, or a piece of a larger project.

2. Set a timer for 25 minutes, either on your phone or on a special Pomodoro timer.  

3. Spend the allotted time on that task, and only that taskno emails, chit-chat, or Facebook breaks.

4. Afterwards, take a 3-5 minute break (get some coffee, take a short walk, etc.).

5. After completing four of these cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break.

In theory, the frequent breaks help your brain reboot and stave off work fatigue, making you less likely to procrastinateor to waste precious time when you're stuck on a problem. To see how dramatic a change it can be, I decided to spend one workday using the Pomodoro Technique, as opposed to my regular "go with the flow" approach. Here's what I found:

Yes, You Will Get More Work Done

First, let's get this out of the way: I completed more tasks on my Pomodoro day than on any other workday, period. I not only procrastinated less, but was more driven to complete each task within a reasonable time frame (no more hours of denial and writer's block). As for emails, well, they deserve a point all its own...

Emails Are the Devil

Under normal circumstances, I keep my Gmail inbox open at all times, and immediately check it when an email comes in. After one day of Pomodoros, I realized just how much time this wasted, not because of the time spent reading each email, but because of how long it takes to reacclimate yourself to the task you were previously doing, and to get yourself back on track.

It Works Better for Creative Tasks

One of the main benefits of the Pomodoro Technique is that it streamlines both brainstorming and problem-solving, since you're no longer tempted to dive down a rabbit hole that consumes precious hours of the day. Because of this, Pomodoros have a greater effect on roles that involve creative thinking and multiple potential solutions, rather than mindless or monotonous tasks like data entry.

It Also Works Best for Varied To-Do Lists

Pomodoros are ideal when you're facing a variety of smaller tasks, rather than a single exhaustive one (like a complex illustration). The method will help you stay focused, sure, but it's in the effective prioritization of time (not getting hung up on one small step) that Pomodoros really shine.

You Have to Be Flexible

Many Pomodoro devotees adhere to the rules quite strictly, as deviation can be a slippery slope. However, in my experience, I found that true efficiency required me to be flexible: If I had 20 minutes before a meeting, I'd rather undergo a shorter cycle than forgo one entirely. Similarly, if a larger task could be completed in five Pomodoro cycles instead of four, I'd prefer to add a cycle before taking my 30-minute break, just to keep the momentum going.

There's A Learning Curve

Ultimately, while I did see tangible results in a day, the Pomodoro Technique works best as a lifestyle, not a hack. It takes a few days to get the hang of it, and a week or more to embrace it completely, so don't get discouraged if your first day doesn't go as planned. Just rewind your timer and keep on ticking.

For decades, the Pomodoro Technique has found fans among the business world's brightest minds. But how much time will it actually save you?

For decades, the [Pomodoro Technique](http://pomodorotechnique.com/) has cultivated a fan base among the business world's brightest minds. At its core is a simple notion: That short bursts of work, punctuated by frequent breaks, improve mental agility and thus increase productivity. But how much can this time-management technique actually help? 

The Pomodoro Technique: Can It Really Double Productivity?

If youve ever wished your hair color could look as good as it did in your baby pictures, then youll understand why a technique meant to make your hair look like a toddlers is set to become the most covetable color trend since ombr. Babylights are teeny tiny highlights that mimic the multi-dimensional tones that small children's hair has naturally. Unlike a drastic color change (fire hair, anyone?), these tiny additions enhance your natural hue, and celebrities like Karlie Kloss and Miranda Kerr are already embracing them. Heres how you can, too:

Babylights work on every hair color: Ask for highlights that are a shade or two lighter than your base and about half the width of traditional highlight. (This process takes even longer than traditional foils, so be aware that your stylist may charge accordingly.) As with any hair color appointment, bring an inspiration photomaybe even one of yourself as a tyke.

Low-maintenance types, rejoice: Because babylights blend with your base color, you can wait up to 14 weeks before getting a touchup. Of course, youll still have to take care of your new investment with a quality color-safe shampoo and conditioner (we love Oribes color-preserving shampoo and conditioner). A weekly hair mask will help fight damage and lock in color. After all, this is one throwback youll want to last for a long time.

This look is all about going back to your roots, literally.

Meet Babylights, the Newest Way to Highlight Your Hair

You've already spent hours mastering the cat eye, and now it's time to show your lower lash line some love. After popping up on the runways last year, dotted eyelineraka tiny circles of liner dotted along the lower rims to make eyes look bigger and brighteris finally having its real-life moment. Spotted on everyone from cool-girl Zoe Kravitz to some of our favorite beauty bloggers, the look proves that a tiny dot can make a bold statement.

When it comes to dotting, less is more: Start with a smooth base and defined brows, and opt for minimal mascara on the lower lashes. Use a black felt tip liner like Club Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black or gel liner like stila's long-wearing formula to draw one or more dots under each eye, directly underneath your pupils. (If black feels too dramatic, try a subtle version with a shimmery purple or navy blue.) Complete the look withwhy not?your favorite polka-dot dress.

This eye-catching detail is all it takes to ramp up your makeup look. 

Update Your Cat-Eye with the Dot Eyeliner Trend


###The Return of Messy Hair 
We've always been up for some good old-fashioned bedhead, but after years of tidy pompadours and Don-Draper side parts, Mens Fashion Week has brought this casual look back into focus.


###You Need a Signature Pair of Loafers
According to all of the feet that crossed Ralph Laurens runway this week, this comfy breed of dress shoe is a certified wardrobe essential. Distinguish yourself from the crowd with a signature color or material: Were opting for tassel-free brown leather with a slim silhouetteno socks or country club necessary.


###Pleats are Back (and They're Better Than Ever)

They may have been on sabbatical for several decades (with the notable exception of a golfers wardrobes), but pleated pants are finally making a comeback. Change up your slack game with an understated pair, like these seen on the Billy Reid runway.


###Shorts Really Are for the Office
In the past, the general feeling about shorts at work has been critical at best. But with short-and-suit-jacket combos popping up at designer shows like Ernest Alexander and Nautica, these warm-weather staples are inching their way towards commonplace. The trick is to find a pair with more formal menswear components: pleats, creases, and materials like wool or linen are all great places to start.


###Rolled Cuffs Aren't Limited to Jeans
Rolled cuffs have been a staple of denim for the better part of a decade, but the trend is finally starting to expand its horizons. Last week's shows depicted the style on a wide range of garments, from white cotton chinos to grey wool slacks. We recommend that the uninitiated start with casual pants, but don't be afraid to experiment if the opportunities arises: the menswear gods have your back.

Painted red feet aside, the first-ever Men's Fashion Week came with plenty of novel (and surprisingly useful) advice. 

Over the course of five days and 41 shows, the first-ever Men's Fashion Week showed us things we wouldn't try in a million years (like red painted feet and mustard suits), but also plenty of novel ways to shake up your everyday wardrobe. Here are five important takeaways we learned amidst the spectaclefor the guys who dont necessarily care about fashion.

5 Takeaways from Men's Fashion Week (for Guys Who Don't Care About Fashion Week)

OK fine... it's all a hoax, but it does have us considering the lengths we would go to for initiation into the club. (Bun intended.)

By now, we're all familiar with the delicate art of hairstyling known as the [man bun](/guide/article/how-to-wear-a-man-bun). Weve watched its rise to fame everywhere from [Instagram](https://instagram.com/dailymanbun/?hl=en) to the [Red Carpet](http://articles.latimes.com/2014/jan/13/news/la-ar-golden-globes-2014-jared-leto-alex-ebert-man-buns-20140113)and now, according to this mysterious YouTube teaser, a society? In a time of [Leto-caliber](/guide/article/jared-leto-braid-manbraid-golden-globes-2015) man locks, we say: If you cant beat em, join em. (If you're [patient](/guide/article/so-you-think-you-want-long-flowing-jared-leto-hair), that is.)

You've already upgraded your ice, so it's time to take the unofficial sweet treat of the season to the next level. Glitter Inc. rounded up 15 decadent, out-of-the-box popsicles of the coffee-filled, booze-spiked, and even cheesecake-flavored variety that will make you all the more glad that summer is officially here.

After seeing Cara Delevingne out and about in a purple bandana and a cute, off-duty high pony, we're all for bringing this '90s hair accessory back. Re-familiarize yourself with the throwback tie by taking one of these four cool ways to wear a bandana for a spin.

Looking to pad that Father's Day gift you remembered to buy well in advance? We recommend serving up a guy-friendly bacon bouquet with breakfast before the celebratory BBQ, or giving the No. 1 guy in your life an impromptu style makeover, like these adorable toddlers did at Birchbox HQ.

This Sunday also marks the Summer Equinox, aka the longest day of the entire year. Consider those extra hours of daylight permission to channel your inner rebel, whether that means burning through most of Season 2 of True Detective when it drops that night, or toasting up one more batch of spiked s'mores.

Because everyone's working for Saturday and Sunday.

Since we know how crazy-busy Monday through Friday can be, wed like to take a little pressure off the stressful question of how to spend this weekend. Here are a few particularly entertaining things we think youd like to partake in:


Were (more than) ready for springand its time to get our wardrobe set for the new season too. Our social media manager Juliette headed over to Rent the Runways NYC showroom for tips on how to wear three of spring 2015s biggest trends: clean silhouettes, subtle shine, and graphic black-and-white prints. Watch one of their fashion experts walk her through the looks, from gorgeous dresses to glam accessories, and score some spring style inspiration for yourself.

In February, all Birchbox subscribers received a special credit to rent dresses or accessories from Rent the Runway. Find the dresses featured here on their site and more styling tips in their online guide.

Give your wardrobe a springtime upgrade with help from the fashion experts at Rent the Runway. 

Rent the Runway Shows Us How to Wear 3 Top Spring Trends

Inspired by the geometric nail designs seen at Creatures of Comfort and Charlotte Ronson, this mani is about the polish thats not on the nail. Editor Maura attempted the peek-a-boo look by placing carefully cut strips of Washi tape on each nail from base to tip, followed by two coats of Color Clubs Insta-This. Once the polish dried, she removed the tape strips and painted over it with a clear topcoat. The result: You can get a unique mani without having to go overboard with glitter or nail art, she says.

This romantic trend seen at the Dolce & Gabbana runway show is a little over the top, but getting the look IRL actually requires little more than a trip to the deli. Director of Editorial Operations Bene started by gathering her hair into a low chignon, held in place with bobby pins. Next, she cut a few buds from a bouquet of mauve daisies she picked up at a bodega and placed them around the base of the bun, securing the stems with additional pins. I would do this in real life for a special event, says Bene. Plus, it smelled so nice!

Sounds intimidating, right? But the dramatic liner trend, which weve seen everywhere from YouTube to the Diesel Black Gold fashion show, is not so scary to pull off. Senior Video Manager Lorelei lined her lower lashes and waterline with Vasantis Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil, then lined her top lash line with Benefits Theyre Real! Push-Up Liner. The trick to getting the oversized point at the inner corners of your eyes, says Lorelei, is using the angled edge of the Benefit liner to stamp the line onto your inner corner. Finish by filling out the rest of your lid with smoky shadow.

This years lip is loudfuchsia, classic red, and electric poppy were all spotted on Spring 2015 models. And impreciseit should look soft and feathered. Associate Editor Lauren applied MAKEs Silk Satin Lipstick in Miami Beach, then used her finger to lightly pat and smudge the edges of her lips. I found it less intimidating because the look wasnt so exact, says Lauren. Its a less scary way to rock a bold lip.

2015s do this dont moment comes courtesy of intentionally clumpy lashes. We first spotted them backstage at Cynthia Rowleys Spring 2015 presentation and they have since popped up in fashion mags, including W magazines recent Best Performances portfolio. Social Media Manager Juliette used seven different mascaras to get this 60s-referencing look, then bunched her lashes together using her fingers. The big difference is how dramatic it is on the bottom lashes, she says.

If last year was all about plum lips, this year ushers in plum blush, as seen at TopShop Uniques Spring 2015 runway show. Thankfully, our trusty Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain in Dahlia works just as well on our cheeks as it does our lips. To prove it, Associate Editor Valerie applied a few dots to the apples, then used her fingers to blend the pigment toward her ears. I felt crazy putting dark plum on my cheeks, but as it blended I was surprised how smooth and romantic it looked, she says.

Out with the old and in with the new! Birchbox staffers take this years hair, makeup, and nail trends for a spin.

In 2014, we saw the return of the [90s beauty](/magazine/article/90s-makeup-and-fashion-trends) (thank you, Lorde), [colorful updates to the cat-eye](/magazine/article/how-to-wear-different-colored-eyeliners), and all [metallic *everything*](/magazine/article/shimmery-makeup-holiday1).  In search of the Next Big Thing for the New Year, we spun through the Spring collections, fashion mags, and Pinterest, to find the must-have manicures and unexpected cheek colors for 2015then we tried them out ourselves:


Wolf Eyes and 2015s Other Most Buzzed About Beauty Trends

Hey there!

Fall 2017 Beauty Trends