How to Spice Up Your Cinco de Mayo Beauty Look

Go beyond the sombrero and try these festive beauty looks.

Photo: instagram.com/cindycrawford/

A holiday that is celebrated by many south of the border and beyond, the interesting meaning behind Cinco de Mayo is likely unknown. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over France in 1862 during the Battle of Puebla, which took place during the Franco-Mexican War and lasted six long years. While the holiday is mildly celebrated in Mexico, party people in the United States have adopted Cinco de Mayo as a way to honor Mexican culture and heritage—particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Traditionally, Cinco de Mayo festivities include parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, and many of the traditional Mexican foods we all love like tacos and mole poblano. And of course, the drinks will always be overflowing. Margaritas, tequila shots, and Coronas with lime will likely be at the ready at any Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

This year, Cinco de Mayo lands on a Friday, presenting the perfect excuse to spice up your beauty look (and not just your tacos) to kick off a fun weekend. There are many ways to pay tribute to the festival, one of which is through color. Cinco de Mayo is notoriously colorful, with shades of sunshine yellow, vibrant fuchsia, and exuberant lime green.

Adding a fun lip is an easy way to add something extra to your look without taking too much time or effort. Plus, if you’re going out to celebrate straight from the office, it’s an easy way to take your look from work to play. Try a red, bright pink, or even an orange lip color like Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm ($34, each) in Touch Me Red, Desire Me Pink, or Catch Me Orange.

If you think a bold lip might be too adventurous and you have a little bit of time on your hands, try some nail art. Think bright colors and Mexican-inspired designs. Aztec patterns or freehand sugar skulls make for wow-worthy nail art.

Lastly, consider channeling your inner Frida Kahlo with a floral hair accessory. Tucking a flower in your hair can instantly add more of a festive feel to your overall look. Feeling ambitious? Go all out with a braided crown adorned with multiple flowers interspersed throughout. We love Crowns by Christy's handmade floral headbands.