USA Beauty

Sparkling smiles and suntanned skin are the epitome of the American aesthetic, and are easily achieved with just a few simple tips.Is it just us, or have you noticed that even everyday, average Americans seem to be, on-the-whole, a pretty attractive bunch? White teeth, healthy skin, bouncy hair - it’s as if they just roll out of bed looking fabulous. Well, that I-just-woke-up-like-this look is no accident. With an abundance of inspiration in the form of the annual Awards Season, US-Beauty takes its lead from the Oscars and Grammys, and from the many fashionable actresses, models and musicians that call the US home. Here’s everything you need to know to nail the look.

Skincare 

The Californian surfer vibe was synonymous with how most of the world saw Americans for decades. Carefree, bronzed and athletic, it was a look that much of the western world wanted to replicate. Traditionally, the best way to go about achieving this was by baking in the sun, allowing nature to do its work and providing an all-over tan. Considering many Americans spend plenty of time outdoors socialising and playing sports, the bronzed look has never been difficult to achieve, but it doesn’t come without its risks.While a high SPF sunscreen is a staple in many countries, in the US less than 30% of women use it regularly. As sun protection isn’t the norm, fine lines and wrinkles are more of an issue, which is one reason that anti-ageing creams are such a popular product. However, a growing number of women, particularly those of the younger generations, are now turning to skin-safe alternatives, such as bronzers and self-tanning products. This allows them to achieve that same healthy, sun-kissed look, without the risk of skin damage or premature ageing.When it comes to keeping skin looking hydrated and plump, it’s all about easy all-in-one products that offer bang for their buck. American brands have created fantastic skincare solutions, such as Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, or Olay with their world-famous Total Effects cream, a beauty staple that moisturises, evens skin tone, smoothes lines, minimises pores and restores firmness. Or, for women who prefer skin products dedicated to specific skin concerns, Clinique is also a well-loved choice.

America, The Home of Makeup

Boasting quality homegrown brands such as M.A.C and Estée Lauder, it’s hardly a surprise that makeup plays a huge role in most women’s daily routines. In fact, most women will wear makeup of some description daily, whether inside the house or out. After a primer is applied to create a smooth base, concealer is applied to hide imperfections. Multi-award-winning Estée Lauder Double-Wear Concealer is perfect for covering even the most stubborn redness or dark circles. Next, a foundation or CC cream offers an even, glowing complexion. Mascara and hydrating lip balm are at the centre of any US-Beauty makeup look, providing the subtle beauty that many women opt for as a daily look. However, eyeshadow palettes are also making huge waves in the US-Beauty industry and come in every colour of the rainbow. If ever there was a time to go bold with colour, this is it!Another makeup trend that American women are embracing, following the lead of glamorous socialites, is the use of contouring to define the cheekbones and sculpt the face. Originally used in Hollywood to give depth to the face when filming, contouring experienced a revival in the 90s on the supermodel scene, before becoming amongst online makeup content creators and the likes of the Kardashians. While it can take some practice to get right, contouring can revolutionise your makeup game. Highlighter is applied to the parts of the face that the sun touches, such as the tip and bridge of the nose, the cheekbones and chin. Meanwhile, a darker contouring powder is used to create the illusion of shadow under the cheekbones, under the jawline and around the hairline. The end result is a more defined face that has shape in all the right places. To start experimenting with contouring at home, try a highlighter by BECCA, experts in all things contouring.

Shiny, Healthy Hair

Whether complementing full makeup or contrasting a simple look, having bouncy, shiny hair is the perfect accompaniment. Americans prefer volume and body over sleek locks, and achieve this by choosing the right products for their hair type. Volumising shampoo and conditioner ensure hair has plenty of natural movement, while a protecting serum coats the hair, ready for styling. Blow drying is part and parcel of normal US-Beauty haircare, and results in full, straight hair that can either be curled or further styled.And of course, no article on US-Beauty would be complete without mentioning the importance of hair colour for those who want to maintain a youthful appearance and cover areas of greying hair. Revlon Professional, Bumble and Bumble, Redken and Keratherapy being just a few of the popular American brands we stock here at allbeauty. 

Say Cheese!

A straight, white smile is an aesthetic prized in US-Beauty, with American’s taking their dental hygiene seriously. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice per day is standard practice, while regular dental appointments and braces are also par for the course - and it doesn’t end there! At-home whitening treatments and brightening toothpaste are essential for removing any staining and to maintain a bright smile.

Perfume 

Although Americans don’t cherish perfume to the same extent as France, they still produce some of the world’s best fragrances. Amongst their top name perfume brands are world-renowned fashion designers including:• Calvin Klein• Dolce & Gabbana• Elizabeth Arden• Marc Jacobs• Estée Lauder• Vera Wang• Tommy Hilfiger• Tom FordOf our top-selling fragrances, Marc Jacobs Decadence, Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Clinique Aromatics Elixir and Calvin Klein Eternity Moment rank in the Top 10. Meanwhile, celebrity fragrances are also increasing in demand amongst American women, with Britney Spears, Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian all having their own highly popular lines of perfume.You can view the full range of best-selling fragrances our customers love here.We think you’ll agree that achieving the fresh-face and bright smile that are synonymous with US-Beauty are achievable even for those of us across the pond. Will you be incorporating any of these tips, techniques or products into your routine? Let us know what you’ll be trying!