Welcome to Magical Moda, the column that specialises in the latest fashion gossip. I’d love to go on for pages and pages, but alas, I am restricted to only these four sections below: new makeup launches, trends of the month, seasonal fashion, and last but not least, the magical happenings on the beauty scene!

So sit back and relax dear Hogwarts students, and let’s dive straight into the tome of trends.

NEW MAKEUP LAUNCHES:

May 24th - Fenty Beauty - HydraVizor Huez Tinted Moisturiser Mineral SPF 30

Described as “plumps skin with daily hydration and comes in 10 inclusive, flexible shades that have a natural, glowy finish ✨ Each shade also has the perfect level of pigment to tackle flashback - Now everyone can wear mineral spf WITHOUT the white cast!” I’m pretty darn intrigued! As a brown girl, I know I struggle to find sunscreens without a white cast and this looks great! Kudos to Rihanna!

May 7th - E.L.F. Cosmetics - Jelly Pop Dew Primer

Described as a “sticky gel makeup primer infused with watermelon extract,” this limited-edition primer looks sweet AF! At a pretty low price of USD 10, I know that I’d take advantage of this : ) limited edition Jelly Pop, so get it while it lasts!

May 14th - E.L.F. Cosmetics - Brow Laminating Gel

Now, I love a good brow gel! So let’s see what this one’s about: “Strong-hold eyebrow gel that sculpts, shapes & sets for a laminated look,” Well, it clocks in at a 4.2 on their website, so it should be pretty good. And it’s only USD 8! Hmmm…my brow gel has been running out…

May 6th - NARS Cosmetics - Laguna Face palettes

Now, I don’t own a lot of NARS products, but I can tell you I’m itching to get more. With deep bronze shades that are sure to shine and make your face glow like you’ve just drank Felix Felicis, this palette is sure to make you look like you have the best tan out there.

May 9th - Tarte Cosmetics - Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Oils (Puff Applicator)

Okay y’all, we all know how good Tarte is with their lippies. The maracuja is practically calling my name and it is KILLING me every second I don’t respond! I love a good lip oil and one that plumps and provides the juicy full coverage that Tarte is famous for. Well, I just can’t resist.

TRENDS OF THE MONTH:

GLASS SLIPPER MANI:

Knock knock! Oh hello there, Cinderella. I don’t happen to have your glass slipper - but I do have a gorgeous manicure inspired by it! Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik assisted Lauren Sánchez in debuting the look at the Met Gala 2024 earlier this month. The look features a gorgeous iridescent finish and a pearly shattered glass effect that perfectly complements the theme of the Met Gala.

A dainty and elegant choice, the nails are characterised by pale almond-shaped tips and metallic flakes with a high-polish shine that reflects the light beautifully and gives that feminine glass effect. Rather than the chrome shine or the heavy metallic glittery look, these glass slipper nails dazzle the crowd with a pristine shimmer that will have you preening for the paparazzi.

CHERRY COLA LOCKS:

I know what you’re all thinking. Um….I’d rather not cosplay a Weasley right now. But trust me on this. A sultry alternative to copper, the cherry cola colour is shining in the spotlight. Summer is the perfect season to display this colour and as we get closer and closer to the peak, research and trends show that cherry cola is popping off. It takes the copper trend a little deeper and complements tans gorgeously. 

It’s beautifully vibrant, bold, and dynamic. Already, celebrities are picking up the trend, including the three-time Grammy winner, Dua Lipa. Cherry cola brings out vibrance in us and looks good on the majority, especially for those curly-haired babes out there. There are loads of semi-permanent hair dyes out there too just in case you feel like trying out the colour but maybe not fully committing.

COWGIRL BOB:

Cowgirl cuts made their big debut in September 2023, but they’re reviving with a vengeance. Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox have already caught up with this look and displayed it on the red carpet, too. The cowgirl bob, which is a mix of the cowgirl cut and the French bob, is the perfect cut for summer with chic bangs and roughened edges that give that lovely imperfect-but-perfect, rolled-out-of-bed look.

The cut is incredibly versatile, too. It can be customised to be perfectly unique and true to your style. When styling, many stylists recommend leaving the ends out to emphasise texture and curling it just to give that little bounce. Curling can be intimidating for lots of people but wands like the Dyson make it easy. And don’t forget to use a good heat protectant!

SEASONAL FASHION:

Ah yes, May! First in the lineup to a gruelling summer. I’m sure you’re wondering what to wear since the weather is largely unpredictable, so let me help you refocus your looks for June.

In summer, for the Northern Hemisphere, I recommend not wearing anything long-sleeved. It’ll burn you alive- I’m not kidding. Trust me on this when I say that this summer will be awful. April and May are already signs of a really hot summer (El Nino is doing its work) so let me give you some advice. If you love your denim, invest in a pair of ragged shorts. I recommend light denim, dark denim, and white. Those are your basics. If you want to stay a little modest, go for the jeans - but I recommend getting stonewashed and thin. If you can, also go and rock the wide-leg or flared look. Get those sandals, tanks, and crop tops out-they’ll be your best friend. Jean jackets are also really cute for malls. As for accessories, Summer is the season of gold. Also, baskets-basket patterns are super, super cute in the summer.

Now, onto my Southern amigos- go to the other end of the spectrum! Long-sleeved chic tops will look beautiful. While I’d recommend short hairstyles, or putting your hair up for the Northern chickies, it’s the South’s time to invest in braids, half-up half-downs, and chic chignons at the base of your neck. Being cold is not an excuse not to look good, mon cherie. Cute cardigans will be perfect for the season and there is never a reason not to get a vibrant scarf. I love getting warm-toned scarves in reds, browns, and creams. However, that is due to my warm undertone. So it depends-but make sure you understand whether you are mostly cool-toned or warm-toned. Cool-toned means purples, blues, and cool pinks. Warm toned means beiges, browns, reds. Neutral tones include calm forest greens, browns, and creams. You’re welcome in advance!

MAGICAL MODA: 

It seems that the quiet luxury in the Muggle world has Witch and Wizard heads turning, too. Nude, understated, and luxurious without being overbearing, are the three newest categories of May’s gowns. The Met Gala influenced a lot of these looks (Madam Aphrodite’s, I see you getting back that lace!)

But not everyone’s decided to lay low. Brash, bold, and fiercely stunning, notable star Ginny Weasley’s newest wardrobe staples elicit gasps among the Wizarding World. Bearing her Gryffindor roots with pride, the ex-Holyhead Harpies player dazzled with her intricately beaded red scarf and golden accessories. Bangles dotting her wrists, diamonds at her throat, and stylishly fringed jeans, Ginevra Weasley certainly knows how to wow the crowd!

Last, but not least, florals are coming back from their hiatus. Madam Malkin made a bold return to the fashion scene since it was handed over from the original owner and disputed the critics by absolutely carrying their new looks. Gorgeously beaded gowns that I know for a fact are popular choices for the End-of-Year Ball at Hogwarts and embroidered rose cardigans, a blush will turn to a flush as the lucky wearers become the talk of the town.

Whew! I think that’s all I can say for now. Enjoy your May, Ladies and Gentlemen - take advantage before the heat sets in!

Written by Sara Rowan

Edited by Ivy Dewdrop

Proofread by Sara Rowan