Four Empowering Ways to Express Your Femininity

In 2023, there is no shortage of ways to be a woman and express your femininity. To mark International Women’s Day, we’re taking inspiration from she-roes near and far, from trendsetting celebrities to our very own Booksy Ambassadors. 

Read on to hear about the women who inspire us, and get motivated to express your femininity in bold new ways this year.

Binary, Busted

There is no right or wrong way to be a woman. So this year, we wanted to highlight how traditionally masculine or androgynous looks can still have a feminine touch.

Back in 2022, we saw a lot of buzz (no pun intended) around ultra-short, ultra-chic cuts. Celebrities like Demi Lovato brought them back into the mainstream, giving a nod to Demi Moore’s classic G.I. Jane look.

This year’s short hair trends offer a few more options, from grungy bedhead looks to sleek bobs and pixie cuts. If you’ve toyed with the idea of a short haircut, maybe this will give you the nudge to try one of these low maintenance looks.

Don’t take shortcuts with your short cut. Find the right stylist for your hair makeover on Booksy. 

Express Yourself

However you express your femininity — loud, subtle, somewhere in between — a big part of it is owning your style. And when it comes to making creativity a lifestyle, look no further than Booksy Ambassadors Sam Carter and Spifster for inspiration.

No Detail is Too Small

Sam Carter is a Chicago-based hairstylist who prides herself on running an inclusive, gender neutral space. In addition to walking the walk, Sam curates her space with thoughtful details that show her personality and support her community. Sam’s rainbow foils (shown below) prove that the smallest details can make the boldest statements.

Be Your Own Canvas

A prolific designer and celebrity nail artist, Spifster infuses everything she does with her own unique flair. She got her start in graphic design, but has since expanded into home decor and apparel. One look at Spifster’s creations and it’s easy to see why her advice is to “never compromise who you are.” She especially enjoys giving her nail clients wearable art that is always with them.

Take a cue from Spifster and express yourself by wearing art wherever you go. Express your femininity this year with nail art scenery like landscapes, geodes, and crystals. Metallic makeup and nails are also in — and even made an appearance in the hit show Euphoria. Here’s how to get the look. 

Lavish Lids

Winged eyeliner isn’t going anywhere, but there are more ways to wear it than ever before. This year, spice up your beauty routine by experimenting with one of the many fun twists on the traditional cat-eye. Ariana Grande, Chrissy Tiegen, and Janelle Monae have all sported different variations of this trend, so it’s safe to say you’re in good company. There is a style for every skill level, from the smokey eye to the 60’s inspired graphic eyeliner.

There’s a fine line between a sleek cat-eye and looking like Jack Sparrow. For occasions that are too important to mess up, book your makeup artist on Booksy. 

A Better Beauty Ritual

It’s no secret that the beauty industry can be not-so-great for the earth. The sheer volume of packaging, and the difficulty of recycling it, creates a lot of waste. And alternatives that seem sustainable, such as glass, can actually have a bigger carbon footprint than plastic. 

Product Innovation

A good first step? Ditch single use products. In response to the popularity of single use eye-masks, cult-favorite beauty brand Dieux created the Forever Eye Mask. Not only is it reusable, but you can pair it with your favorite serum, moisturizer, or eye cream. Now that’s what we call a win-win.

Major brands have also hopped on the innovation train. Refillable cosmetics have been popping up on virtual and physical shelves, making it easier than ever to feel better about your beauty ritual. Take a peek at this eco-friendly Charlotte Tilbury lipstick and this refillable eye palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills. 

If you’re aiming for a more sustainable beauty routine, the bottom line is to only buy what you need. Buying products you won’t use just creates more waste, so try your best to finish your products unless they are causing irritation. And speaking of irritation, using too many products can also harm your skin — so make sure that the ingredients in your products play well together. 

Natural Beauty

The good news is that a more eco-conscious beauty routine also coincides with the embrace of natural skin and hair. Scaling back on your skincare and haircare routine means fewer products, more intentional product selection, and less waste. 

Ever since Alicia Keys made headlines for going makeup-free back in 2016, the fresh-faced look has been catching on. And many brands have taken note. Glossier, whose tagline is Skin first, makeup second, has helped make the dewy look the emblem of healthy skin. 

How you approach your natural look depends on whether you’re going for a more matte or glossy finish. This is based on your preference, your skin type, and even the season. For instance, you may opt to go matte in the warmer months, while layering additional moisturizers and even occlusives in the colder months. 

More women than ever are also embracing their natural hair, including celebrities both on and off screen. If you’re learning to love your natural hair, the key is to let go of the need for perfection. Instead, understand and address your hair’s basic needs and be patient with the process. Need a pep-talk on how to love on your natural hair? Check out this educational webinar with celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble.