European Style Spotlight: Lifestyle & Beauty Trends

European Style Spotlight: Lifestyle & Beauty Trends

By: Eleanor Hoover

(Our team member, Eleanor Hoover, is abroad this semester in Madrid. She is our international liaison and will be reporting all of the trends that she sees in Europe and how to replicate them back in the States.)

The sun is finally starting to shine on the streets of Madrid as March furtles on and trees begin to bloom. The Retiro Park - think Central Park, but in Madrid - is filled with kids on bikes, readers on picnic blankets, and couples floating in boats over the blue water of the Estanque Grande. Dogs on the streets have traded in their winter coats for lighter spring sweaters and the same trends have moved upwards to their owner’s attire as well. Terraces that were still filled in the winter months now have lines around the block as everyone waits, hoping to snatch a table in the sun to share some croquettes. The lifestyle and beauty of Madrilenos is easy, elegant, and beautiful. Let’s take a closer look at the lifestyle and beauty trends popular this spring.

Skincare/Makeup

When it comes to beauty products, Madrilenas take the “less is more” approach. It is highly unlikely to see a smokey eye or dark, shaped brow on the street. Cream-based makeup products like blush and eyeshadow are used to create a dewey, “no makeup” look that can transition from morning to evening effortlessly. An emphasis on wispy brows also dominates and fits perfectly into the “I woke up like this” aesthetic that is prominent in Madrid. Because Madrid is a landlocked city in the center of the country, there is a longing for the summertime glow that, in Spain, is obtained on the shores of Mallorca or Las Palmas. To continue that glow year round, bronzer is a girl’s best friend. Not to be used as a contouring tool but just whisked across the forehead and cheekbones to create radiating skin. Finishing off the look while also providing hydration, a shiny lip balm is all you need, no matter the occasion. 

Hair

Grab your blow dryers but ditch the straightener, Madrid is crazy about crazy hair. Continuing the trend of embracing natural beauty, Madrilenas have embraced one of our worst nightmares: frizzy hair. A laid back, relaxed, beachy look is the most prominent style worn by the most fashionable and trendy women in Madrid. A loose curl or natural waves worn down or a messy bun or braided ponytail on days in between washes are seen from parks to cafes and everywhere in between. Hair color follows on the same path as most people embrace their natural locks, enhancing them at most but rarely going with a full dye. Bleach blonde, teased, and hairsprayed is an absolute no here in the Spanish capital. In terms of length, you do you! While a bob is very stylish, most women lean towards a longer cut, some featuring the all-too-familiar curtain bangs that are dominating the hair market at the moment. Let yourself shine with your natural color and texture and you’ll be in with the cool girls in Madrid. 

Workouts

While they do love to sit and sip coffee, Spaniards are equally as active as they are static. Walking around the city as much as they do, one would imagine extra exercise might not even be necessary. However, there are a variety of workouts popular here in Madrid. Siclo is a spin studio that started in Mexico and has expanded across South and Central America, but also into Spain. This studio has a large following and has created a strong fitness community in Madrid. Moving towards more low-impact activities, pilates and yoga are also favorites in the city. Dealing with activity during a pandemic has led lots of people to the parks both on foot and on wheels. Why not take advantage of incredible parks on gorgeous, sunny days?

Travel

*Travels back in time to a world without COVID restrictions*

Ahh a world with open borders… do you remember? Madrilenos long for those days. But! Let’s just play pretend. Because Madrid is in the center of the country, the beach is always calling, but also the mountains. On weekends, it is very common for Madrilenos to flock to “el campo,” or the countryside where they can breathe a breath of fresh air outside the city. However, “el campo” is reserved mostly for the winter. During the summer months, the ocean is always the best destination. The island of Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is the spot to go for locals. Palma is the main city on the island and makes for easy access from Madrid by plane. Further south, Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, northwest of the African coast. The Canary Islands are a true local treasure that provide warmth all year round. No matter where you find yourself, Spanish summers are incredible, however, Madrilenos take advantage of the seaside most commonly from July through September. 

The lifestyle and beauty trends here in Madrid are based on longevity, not fleeing trends that are only around for one season. Embracing your natural self and taking care of your body are central to the lifestyle here in Spain’s capital. I have been having an absolutely incredible time here in Madrid and wish the days were longer! Two months down, two months to go!

For more fashion tips, follow along with us on Instagram at @um.squaremagazine and keep up with our blog on www.um.squaremagazine.com! 

Photos belong to their respective owners.