I'm a millennial and I'm into Amazon Prime's The Summer I Turned Pretty. As in really into it. I want the hydrangeas, the blue wallpaper in Belly's bedroom, the lot. It's the aesthetic, it's the teen angst, it's the beachside setting. It's pure escapism and I'm unashamedly wrapped up in it - Jenny Han, I bow down. And then there are the beauty credentials - you'd better believe I have a professional opinion on the series too. There's a lot to love about the Cousins look. I've been lusting after Belly's long layers for two seasons now - the '90s, Jennifer Aniston style flicks that add polish and dimension to her do - and if you thought they looked good at the beginning of season three, just wait until you hit the wedding day episode. No spoilers here, but the layers are layering.
You've got to hand it to Taylor too, who made a case for beach waves in season one, threw a Stevie Nicks style fringe into the mix in season two, only to grow it out and serve up a wet-look bridesmaid style worthy of Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala in season three. She came, she saw, she conquered screen-worthy hair.
And the Fisher boys haven't escaped my attention either. For the love of god can some pro tell me how to lock down Jeremiah's particular brand of highlights? Deep, rich and golden they're the stuff of salon dreams. And apart from willing Belly to get a grip and kiss the guy, do you know what I was thinking while she was tending to Conrad's surf injury in that episode? Darn his glow looks good. That's what. I was ready to let my sun-kissed holiday skin go until I saw that scene and made straight for my gradual tan when the credits rolled. All this is to say that when it comes to beauty lessons, there are plenty to be learned in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Get the full debrief below:
1. Don't say 'prune' instead of 'cheese'
It's season one and Belly is stepping out with Jeremiah at the country club's debutante ball (wearing a signature Belly bun - low, slicked back and chic). Mere moments before this Susannah told her to say 'prune' into the camera instead of 'cheese', in a bid to accentuate her cheekbones. 'Why is Belly pulling that face?', her mother Laurel wonders allowed as Belly pouts at the event photographer, 'no idea,' Susannah feigns ignorance while motioning for Belly to start smiling. The lesson? I'd walk into battle for Susannah and her interiors taste, but will take her modelling advice with a pinch of salt.
2. Always pack waterproof mascara
Belly takes an evening dip to unwind and think things through at the Cousins beach house. It's her 'thing'. But invariably she surfaces mid-length to see one of the Fisher boys lingering on the side - Conrad brooding over something or other, Jeremiah about to bound in himself. The lesson? If you're a make-up lover and regularly take to the water while two of your biggest crushes are mere metres away, wear waterproof mascara or don't wear it at all. There's no place for panda eyes in a tense will-they-won't-they scene.
3. A moment for Jeremiah's highlights
They're his golden retriever energy made manifest, a mass of sun-kissed curls that scream couldn't care less cool. Will I be taking a folder of saved The Summer I Turn Pretty stills into the salon the day I decide to bite the bullet and go blonde? Yes I will.
4. Learn from Laurel
We could all stand to learn a lot from the quiet luxury of Laurel Park in The Summer I Turned Pretty. She's a dark horse this one - she lulls you into thinking she's all about keeping it low key and neutral in navy sweaters, chic pulled-back buns and lip balm and then wham, you're at the debutante ball in season one and she's rocking a crimson gown and matching red lip. Who knew? Laurel manages to channel French girl chic, then go all NYC siren in the flick of a switch. Take note.
5. Crocodile clips are back
A Y2K revival that comes courtesy of Taylor in season two. She wears the cute mini ones at Steven's graduation, then brings in the big guns during her stay at the Cousins beach house. She's big on the sorority girl look this season and the crocodile clip revival fits right in.
6. The fringe with benefits
Taylor came into season two with crocodile clips and a fringe that won't quit. It's raised at the root, feathered into face framing layers, it's giving Stevie Nicks and all that 'Silver Springs' attitude - the perfect accessory for her new in-your-face-Steven relationship with musician Milo. New era? New hairdo.
7. Stockpile stick-on gems
They're always on the maybe pile at the end of a dressing table clearcut, a clear plastic sheet of stick-on gems, a hangover from festival season that you keep tucked away in case someone, anyone, moots the idea of a themed party. 'Chuck them,' you tell yourself, 'but what if we head to Wilderness next year?' you perk up. And back they go in the dressing table drawer. The truth is you can't beat the glimmer of a stick-on gem, the instant 'I'm having fun' vibe they bring to an otherwise everyday make-up look and that's why we keep them around. We might not be heading to the Cousins beach house for a retro-themed house party anytime soon, but what's the harm in being ready?
8. Baseball caps are for good hair days too
All hail the unrivalled cool of Nicole. When Belly and Jeremiah bump into her at Rosie's farm shop in season two, she's all crochet crop, baseball cap and bunches - the epitome of summer holiday style. We're used to seeing baseball caps as a bad hair day solution, but Nicole proves they can complement a cover-worthy look too.
9. Get the Conrad glow
While Conrad is able to micro dose his vitamin D with daily surfing sessions (and a broad spectrum SPF 50 we hope) those not so lucky in the naturally sun-kissed skin department may well have been sent running for their go-to gradual tan after watching his close encounter with Belly in the bathroom this season. Only me?
10. For the love of layers
Having already waxed lyrical about Belly's long layers, there's very little left to say - they're ready and waiting for a '90s blow-dry.