The Cool Girl Spring Guide
Cool Girl Spring Watchlist, Spring color palette and Fashion Trends I Love, My Go-To Makeup Routine, Perfumes for spring and my wishlist , New Haircut, Current Obsessions and more
Spring is almost here, and I’m so ready! After the love on my last seasonal post, I’m taking it further sharing my ultimate spring moodboard filled with everything inspiring me right now. Expect a cool-girl spring makeup look, dreamy perfumes, and fresh style inspiration. I’ve also included insights from amazing creators on what they’re most excited for this season.
Style / Fashion:
This spring, I’m all about puff sleeve tops, elevated basics, cool pastel tones, butter yellow, crisp white, maxi dresses, gorgeous blouses, and classic denim. My style is evolving as I turn 23, and I’m feeling the urge to rebrand my entire closet.
Lately, I’ve noticed that I gravitate toward chic, effortless basics with an elevated touch. I’ve deleted and recreated my Pinterest boards countless times, constantly refining my vision. Simplicity is key I always feel prettiest in clean, well-curated outfits that align with my favorite color palette.
My spring styling advice?
Don’t overload your wishlist think about how each piece will work in your wardrobe.
Create a seasonal color palette and make a vision board (Pinterest is your best friend!).
Go window shopping, try things on, and focus on what actually flatters you, not just trends.
Here’s what I’m loving and eyeing:
Polka dots
Butter yellow
A pop of red in accessories (bags, shoes, etc.)
Asymmetrical tops
Puff sleeves always a yes!
Beige & cream tones
Sky blue & navy blue
Gorgeous, flowy dresses
Elevated basics with effortless charm
Boho-chic & relaxed, feminine silhouettes
Baby pink & powder pink
Pops of pistachio or mint green (I NEED this color in my wardrobe!)
I’m still unsure how mint green will look on a brunette, but I have to try it. This season is all about refreshing my style with timeless yet playful pieces. What’s on your spring wishlist?
Haircut mindump:
So, spring is here, which obviously means new season, new hair, new me. I’ve been thinking about this for two months now should I get curtain bangs or not? Not short-short bangs, just the soft, face-framing, effortless kind.
Here’s the dilemma:
I LOVE bangs on me. They make me feel chic, put-together, and a little French-girl cool.
But I KNOW I’ll regret them at some point. The grow-out phase? The styling? Ugh.
Yet, I keep coming back to them. I mean, if I keep debating this much, maybe I should just do it? For the overall cut, I’m leaning toward a **perfect mid-length**not too short, not too long, just that gorgeous, effortless, flattering length that works with everything.
Basically, this is just me having an inner monologue out loud, trying to convince myself one way or another. What do you think should I just go for it?
Cool Girl Watchlist for Spring :
Movies I Watched & Loved
I’ll be sharing more movie recommendations in my upcoming March Favorites Substack post, dropping next weeks toward the end of the month! Stay tuned!
Enola Holmes
Monte Carlo
When in Rome
Miss Congeniality
The Princess Diaries
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Atonement
Tuck Everlasting
Priscilla
West Side Story
Watchlist
Pride and Prejudice (rewatch)
The Virgin Suicides
Emma
Marie Antoinette
Watch all the movies i have on letterboxd watchlist lol
The leopard
TV Shows
Dawson’s Creek
The OC
Freaks and Geeks
Bridgerton (Season 1 specifically)
Animated Movies
Bambi
Snow White
Tangled
Sleeping beauty
My Spring Makeup Routine :
Spring Makeup Essentials: A Fresh & Glowy Look
For spring, I absolutely love using baby pink blush on my cheeks it gives that perfect sunkissed glow! Right now, I’m using the KIKO powder blush I bought last year, but I have my eyes on a liquid blush because I feel like it will look even more glowy and gorgeous.
Skin: Less is More
When it comes to skin, minimalism is key:
Moisturizer for hydration
SPF for protection
Thermal water for a refreshing touch
No foundation or tint for me! But if you like a tinted look, go for one that’s lightweight, hydrating, and non-cakey.
Concealer & Powder
I use just a few dots of concealer, blending it with my fingers for a seamless finish. Then, I apply a tiny bit of mattifying powder (Maybelline Fit Me) only where needed, mainly to set the concealer under my eyes.
Lips: Glossy & Berry-Tinted
For lips, glossy and juicy is the way to go! I’m obsessed with that “just ate berries” look, like a girl on TikTok described. This spring, I finally found my perfect shade: the KIKO Gloss in shade 17 OMG, I’m obsessed! It looks mesmerizing on me, and people even noticed how flattering it is.
Other faves:
NYX Lip Oil in Sprinkle Sprinkle
Clarins Lip Oil (used it so much last month, I need to repurchase soon!)
Eyes: A Soft, Effortless Touch
A tiny bit of eyeshadow on the lids just a subtle wash of color.
Mascara? Either none or a tiny bit on the outer lashes for a soft cat-eye effect.
If you want that effortless, sunkissed, and juicy spring look, here are some must-have products to try
Mac lip liner in WHIRL ( my favvv )
Blush
iwant to recreate thissss soon
Perfumes :
I have a hyperfixation on sweet almond oil it smells absolutely heavenly! There’s something so yummy and edible about it that every time I apply my lotion, I feel like I’m eating a cake. I literally smell like a freshly baked dessert, and I love it!
So, if you're obsessed with gourmand scents like me, you need to try fragrances and lotions with sweet almond oil, cupcake notes, candied lemon, and vanilla. They smell incredible, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them!
Sweet Almond Oil warm, nutty, and subtly sweet
Cupcake-Scented Products for that delicious, bakery-fresh aroma
Candied Lemon a perfect mix of citrusy and sugary goodness
Vanilla rich, cozy, and irresistibly sweet
Few recs :
L’Occitane Huile Souplesse Amande
EOS Body Lotion Vanilla Cashmere
Le Petit Marseillais Body Lotion ( current hyperfixation )
Perfumes
What i’m loving this month and what i recommend:
Giorgio Armani Si – Elegant, feminine, and timeless with a sweet, slightly fruity warmth.
Burberry Goddess (My March scent!) A dreamy blend of vanilla and lavender, with a hint of candied lemon that makes it extra special.
Burberry Her – A girly, youthful, and sweet scent, perfect for cool girls and teens. I smelled it once in a perfume store, and it’s stunning! Ideal for spring.
Girl of Now by Elie Saab – This perfume is sweet almonds in a bottle! One day, while baking with my mom, she said, "Manel, you smell like sweet almonds, cake, and cupcakes!" and she was so right! It’s edible
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf – This perfume smells like spring floral, bright, and fresh, yet sweet and addictive.
My wishlist :
Olympéa by Paco Rabanne ; My sister has it, and I borrowed it for spring. It’s fresh, elegant, and totally spring vibes I need it in my collection!
Sì Passione by Giorgio Armani : My absolute favorite spring perfume from 2023. It’s sweet, feminine, and full of spring energy definitely getting it again!
La Belle by Jean Paul Gaultier : My bestie wore this once, and when I smelled her, I literally gasped. It was that good guess I’ll have to buy it!
Narciso For Her by Narciso Rodriguez : A writer recommended it, and now I’m obsessed with the idea of trying it. Adding a sample to my wishlist!
Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana : My bestie bought the big bottle, and when I asked her about it, she just said, “I can’t explain… it’s just SO good.” I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Chloé Atelier des Fleurs : I really want to try something from this line so delicate, fresh, and effortlessly chic for spring.
Just to be clear I’ve never bought a big bottle of perfume with my own money. I’m 23, but I’ve always kept a collection of lovely mini samples since 2020. I’ve received full-sized bottles as gifts, but I can’t wait for the day I finally buy one myself! So, if you see me sharing tons of perfume recommendations, it’s because I’ll be getting mini samples not full bottles. I’m currently unemployed and don’t have the budget for full sizes, but that doesn’t stop me from exploring and loving perfumes!
Hope you enjoyed Part 2 of this Substack series! It was so fun to put together. Now that I’m no longer active on Twitter, I find myself writing more here it’s where I pour all my thoughts and ideas. Let me know what you’d love to see in Part 3! Also, I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I haven’t been very active on Substack lately. I only posted once this month mainly because I’ve been watching tons of movies and consuming cool media.
I’ve realized that posting a maximum of three times per month works way better for me it keeps me from getting burnt out. Now, I mostly enter Substack to read other articles and gather inspiration rather than post constantly. When I do write, I schedule a dedicated day to create my posts.
I’d also love to hear your opinions on polls—so be honest! Your feedback truly helps.
For those who follow me across different socials—YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok where are you most active? And where would you like to see me post more?
I already share monthly photo dumps and stories for my loyal followers, but I’d love to know your preferences so I can focus on one platform more consistently! Let me know!
March’s post is going to be LONG this time—haha!
I’ve watched so many movies, consumed tons of media, articles, food, recent faves, and current hyperfixations… so stay tuned! 💫 Hopefully, I’ll be able to post it after Eid (or before if I find enough time). Just keep an eye out, lovelies!
Author of Love and -
Spring marks a time of new beginnings – winter’s end, flowers in bloom, and a brand new astrological new year. Nothing feels more magical than hearing the birds chirp again and the warmth of the morning sun on your cheeks. As I've entered my early twenties I find myself claiming spring as my favourite season. Spring offers a slowness paired with indulgence and a collective appreciation for the little things. To me, spring is white lace, flowy dresses and denim, tulips and lilies, fresh produce, baking little fruit centred treats, making plans after work and sitting by the windowsill. This spring I am excited to spend time with myself and the people I love as I slowly crawl out of my winter hibernation. To begin projects that felt too strenuous this past winter and to slowly get excited for warmer days. And most of all, I am excited to celebrate 23 (happy birthday to all the fellow aries out there). Things I am loving for this spring: ballet flats (specifically coloured or patterned ones), croissants, flowy fabrics, patterned headbands, dark wood, lace, faux fur coats, hardcover books & magazines, tankinis, shortbread cookies, berry jams, affogatos, etta james, crossword puzzles, birthday cake, and revisiting old favourites (every year on my birthday I rewatch 13 Going on 30)
the Author of styletoast :
I think you already know Brooke from her gorgeous, well-curated quizzes—she’s such an inspiration!
This spring, I’m inspired by the soft and feminine—light pink hues, clean fragrances like Byredo’s Blanche, and the effortless charm of undone styling. The Chloé Jelly Sandals from the Spring 2025 runway and Miu Miu’s relaxed, lived-in aesthetic capture the mood perfectly. I'm also loving these shell earrings from Lovard—they feel like wearable art. Visually, I’m drawn to the dreamy world of Sofia Coppola as captured by Juergen Teller, the glow of paper lanterns (especially those by Claude Home), and the bohemian nature of Rachel Zoe’s early-2000s styling. I keep coming back to two images: The French Woman’s Bedroom by Mary Sargent Ladd (1991) and Woman on Bed with Conch Shell by Ear by Nina Leen (1949)—both capturing a quiet, feminine softness and the beauty of rest. Links:
Author of The Memo:
Spring is my favourite season. I love the fresh florals, the warm weather and the romance of it all. Unfortunately being in the Southern Hemisphere, Autumn has just begun, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take influence from the other seasons!
I love Spring cleaning. I’ll clean out my room or closet seasonally to ensure I’m not holding on to anything that isn’t serving me. This season, I’m trying something new and Spring cleaning myself. Wellness is a big focus for me at the moment and to celebrate the beginning of a new season, I’m treating myself to a sauna and magnesium salt float. I believe that cleansing yourself is just as important as cleansing the space around you, and what better time than Spring to do it!
As well as Spring cleaning myself, I’m inspired by Spring and it’s strong influences in my fashion choices and beauty routines. Spring feels like the perfect excuse to romanticise everyday life and I hope it feels that way for you too.
Spring (and Spring-vibe) beauty essentials
A borderline excessive amount of blush: Westman Atelier Babycheeks in Petal, Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff etc…
Fake freckles: I really want to try the Salty Face fake freckles, but for now I use my trusty brown eyeliner
A Diptyque Baies product: candle or room spray, it doesn’t matter. This scent is the epitome of Spring to me
Spring inspo for the southern hemisphere girls
Wearing light colours like cream or grey and light wash denim
Extra blush on your cheeks and across the bridge of your nose
Wearing your hair in loose waves or a loose braid (with a silk hair tie of course)
Ballet flats
Cardigans (the Jenni Kayne Cooper cardigan has been on my wishlist for wayyy too long - so perfect for Spring!!)
Hope you enjoy this post! See you soon, just a few weeks away! Don’t forget to follow my socials, I’m more active there when I’m not posting here!
Love this! For the lashes, do you also curl them, or do you only put on mascara?
loved this 🩷