It's 2012, and the queen of re-invention is back! With her brand new album (MDNA) out very soon, Madonna has given herself a makeover that has literally turned back the years.
The queen of pop is well into her 50s now, and even though she was has a little work done, she still looks great for her age! Her skin is glowing, her stlye is sophisticated and clean cut, and her hair is radient.
In this article I am going to analysing Madonna's lucious golden locks to see how to she achieved this radiant look that has shaved years of her appearance.
Madonna is no stranger to changing her hair. She's been peroxide white blonde, natural brown, black and every shade in between. but right now she is sporting a warm natural looking blonde.
The Colour
For 2012, Madonna has ditched the icy blonde of previous years, and opted for a more subtle and warm blonde. The subtle shades of more natural blondes work perfectly for Madonna making her skin glow and giving her a more sophisticated look, compared to the more cold and lighter blonde in the 2010 picture.
Subtle shades of warm colours are always a must for turning back the years. Always try to pick a hair colour that compliments your skin tone.
Madonna's pale tone suits this colour because it brings out the warmth in her face.
The Volume
Natural looking volume is a must-have look at the moment. Rollers have made a come-back, and they are the perfect way to get that bouncy look.
Products are always the best foundation for volume. Picking a volume enhancing shampoo and a good mouse for styling will make your hair seem thicker and it will be easier to achieve the look.
Heated rollers are also a must. They can range in price from £20-£150. I've used rollers at both ends of the spectrum, and even though there is a difference, you can still get similar effects. (For a good set of affordable heated rollers, see this BaByliss 30-piece set, AND for something a little more pricey, check out my article on The O Pod).
Once hair is dried, just pop in the rollers all over the head and wait for them to cool. Bigger rollers will produce more volume and more of a loose curl, and smaller rollers with produce a tighter and smaller curl. Remember, you can be creative with rollers. Why not try bigger rollers on the crown, then alternative between medium and and smaller rollers around the sides and back of the head. This will give you volume on top and curl everywhere else. Once you take the rollers out, work your fingers through the hair to loosen up the curls, and style to a desired look.
Back-combing is always a great way to get volume at the root. Taking small section all around the head, tease the hair with a comb, making it look matted, spray with hair spray, then comb out the top layer of hair. People can't see your hair under the surface., so it doesn't have to be perfect all the way through. Back-combing is a simple and quick way to get lasting volume. (Tip: No body wants to see your back-combing, so make sure none of that ratty mess is visible through your hair).
The Curls
Curls are always a good look for any season, and most people can pull them off. For a healthy, natural look, Madonna has been curling the hair more around the end of the hair, leaving the root area not curled, but it still has volume.
This look immediately adds style, but without looking too over-done. Looser, big curls will always look more youthful than tight small curls.
Curls are an effective, and easy thing to achieve. Try practising with straighteners or curling irons. With straighteners, use a protector spray, place the straighter where you want the curl to start, spin the straighter 180° and slowly pull through the hair, keeping it smooth and steady. (Tip, leave it on the ends slightly longer so the ends don't frizz).
Remember, less is sometimes more effective. Simpler hairstyles make you look more effortless and won't over complicate your look.
The Make-Up
What has make-up got to do with hair I hear you ask? Everything. Your hair frames your face, and you want it to work the best it can with your face.
Madonna is rocking nude, minimal make up at the moment. Simple colours, simple lips, simple eyes and simple brows. Less is often more. This simple look on her mature skin makes her look less-caked and more fresh faced.
There is a hint of warmth in her make-up which compliments her hair perfectly, giving her what seems to be a natural glow!
Nude colours and subtle tones are in at the moment. The 'I'm not wearing make-up' whilst wearing make-up look is easier than you think to achieve. Just apply lightly, don't cake it on, don't go OTT with the colours, and you'll create that natural look easily.
So remember, a more natural look is always the way to go when trying to achieve a youthful appearance. Even if nothing about it is natural, no one else knows how much work has gone into it. It takes a lot of money to look this cheap, and a lot of time to look this natural.
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