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How-tology: 3 Best Curly Cuts
Q&A: Welcome to Splitsville
Winter Get-Away Beach Bag Musts!
When we're in the heart of the winter months, nothing sounds better than a nice vacation somewhere warm. If you are about to head out to the beaches to escape the cold, check out our Winter Get-Away Beach Bag Musts to make packing will be a breeze. To warmer tides!
How-tology: Mix It Up
Q&A: Slick Fix
 What styling products should I use for a good slicked back style?No rockabilly pompadour could stand up to the dance floor heat without several dabs of pomade. Designed to add shine, texture and hold to short and long hair, this styling aid works best when applied to dry hair, but can also be used on wet hair for a soft, less-sculpted look. We Love: Blow Mane Tame Weightless Pomade, Phyto Nourishing Styling Pomade, A Beautiful Life Surf Wax |
How-tology: Baby You Can Style My Hair
Banish bad hair days. Blow-dryers have become irreplaceable tools. When properly used (and not to excess), they shouldn't cause hair any problems; to prevent damage, use the high-heat setting only when your hair is very wet. And be sure your dryer has enough wattage: Anything under 1,200 watts is probably not powerful enough to dry and style your hair quickly and efficiently. Vrooom, let's get started!
How To Do Your Basic Blow Out:
Before blow-drying, blot your hair with a towel to absorb excess moisture (don't rub).
Hold the dryer 8 to 10 inches from your head and use high heat to partially dry your hair (about 60 percent), concentrating on the roots. Be sure to keep the dryer moving at all times so your hair doesn't overheat -- don't aim hot air at a constant position for a prolonged period. Apply gel or mousse at this stage, if you need it. (Use hairspray only after blow-drying so the alcohol doesn't singe your hair.)
With the dryer on medium heat, style your hair with a vent brush until it's about 80 percent dry.
For the final drying, use a round, half-round or paddle brush to smooth your hair and minimize frizz.
When your hair is completely dry, finish on the cool temperature setting -- cool air helps set the style.
Tools of the Trade:
Diffusers
Diffusers are cone-shaped attachments that fit on the barrel of a dryer to diffuse the airflow, or spread it over a larger area. They're great for curly hair because they dry slowly and softly, keeping the curls in place; use low speed and a low temperature. Diffusers can also give volume and lift to straight hair: Flip your hair down by bending over, then direct the dryer to the crown of your head and the nape of your neck.
Volumizers
Volumizers or finger diffusers are attachments with long "fingers" that lift and separate hair at the roots, adding fullness without unraveling individual curls. This tool is especially good for long, curly hair that tangles easily.
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Celebrity Spotlight: New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week is coming to a close! Today’s the final day of fashion running the city, and designers put forth their visions for the spring of 2017. There were some trends, like intense nostalgia for the 70s and 80s, but today we’ll focus on the beauty looks we loved! Take a look at what we noted this season, so you can be on the beauty cutting edge.
Tom FordCollection Tom Ford's Autumn/Winter 2016, kind of a big deal since most collections at fashion week are for the spring season. Tom Ford, in a kinda game changing move, goes for the see now buy now model. Since the collection is for the colder months, it features some great geometric fur jackets, and almost metallic takes on warm colors you'd see from falling autumn leaves. Loose silhouettes paired with dynamic, long pencil skirts give the collection variety. Get the Beauty Look Dewy and minimal makeup. To get that look use either liquid foundation with a good highlighter or find yourself some tinted moisturizer. Works wonders! Also a good way to emulate Tom Ford's metallic clothing is with warm-toned metallic polishes. |
Cushnie Et OchsCollection The fashion duo Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs (making Cushnie Et Ochs, get it?) build their brand on clothes that are luxurious, yet understated and are crafted to celebrate the female body. Their Spring 2017 collection features color blocking in tans, black, and white, in a variety of jumpsuits and dresses. The usage of geometric cut-outs give their pieces unique silhouettes. Get the Beauty Look Cushnie Et Ochs self describe their beauty looks as inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. Think pouty bold lips and a light smokey eye. To get the lip look, use a red lipstick on your top lip and a lighter shade on the bottom. The two-toned lip gives subtle dimension and drama. We love: DuWop Mini Private Lipstick Trio, Lola SOS Liquid Lipstick |
Tommy HilfigerCollection Tom Ford isn't the only one with an Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. Tommy Hilfiger's showing was everything you'd expect from the brand (think nautical, punchy red/white/navy blue, comfy sweaters, over-sized sweatshirts) enlivened by the show's spectacular setting on a carnival pier. It was also a star-studded event, with Gigi Hadid as the flagship model, supported from the sidelines by Taylor Swift and here ever present squad. Get the Beauty Look Think California girl that makes it look like she doesn't try to hard, but there's definitely some effort made. Sun-kissed skin, slightly tinted glossy lips, and of course a good beachy wave. We love: Naked Princess Tinted Lip Treatment, A Beautiful Life Pre-Game Texturizing Spray |
Jeremy ScottCollection Jeremy Scott's Spring/Summer 2017 collection was full of love for the eighties, with colors so bright you might need shades. Pop-culture influenced, the dresses, swim suits, shirts, and skirts featured punchy prints (I personally loved the toothpaste print because, why not) and text proclaiming "Hot Hot Hot" and "X Rated." The collection on the whole communicated a rambunctious night out, and who doesn't love that for fashion week? Get the Beauty Look We love Jeremy Scott's play with pop culture and iconography. This slime outfit with orange makeup screams Nickelodeon, which is pretty great. Emulate the look with pops of neon eye shadow that contrast you outfit. We love: DuWop Isla Sirena Sea Shell Compact Eye Dual, Tigi High Density Eyeshadow Single Shades (Green) |
Baja EastCollection Another fashion duo, John Targon and Scott Studenberg make up the New York based Baja East. Their Spring/Summer 2017 collection featured elements the brand in known for (animal and psychedelic prints) in the form of loose fitting lounge wear. The kind of sock/sandal pairing you'd expect an athlete to wear added a comfortable vibe to the collection, which ran the line of grunge meets athletic. Get the Beauty Look Hello Axel Rose. The Baja East styling really went for the grunge look with greased out eyes, wet slick hair, topped off with a variety of bandannas. We loved the matte black hombre nails this model's sporting, that add a great texture to her look. We love: Zoya Matte Velvet Collection Sampler |
Celebrity Spotlight: VMAs Edition
The VMAs were yesterday and man were they a ride. Rihanna killed it not once, not twice, not thrice, but with four performances throughout the show before receiving her Vanguard Award. We got some quality time with Kanye before he debuted his new, *ahem* interesting video featuring Teyana Taylor as a cat (we don't know what was happening either). But, if this evening was about anything, it was about team "B", and of course we are talking about the incomparable Beyoncé and Britney Spears. Check out everything we loved about these legendary ladies at the VMAs last night!
Beauty Bio: BeyoncéBirthday: September 4, 1981, born and raised in Houston, Texas (which she makes abundantly clear in her song "Daddy Lessons"). Relationship Status: Married to rapper and mogul Jay Z with their daughter Blue Ivy, can you believe she's already 4?! VMAs Highlight: Uh, everything about her Lemonade concert that took over the awards show. It was a showstopper and what performers should aspire to, and of course we loved the girl power ;) Style Staples: Sparkles, body hugging pieces, show-girl chic, which she recently has been pairing with more natural hairstyles and intricate braids. |
Get Her Look
Beyoncé look is an airy, angelic dream in a Francesco Scognamiglio dress. The dress features a lot of linear crystal work that seems to just rain down her body. A grand pouf of feathers evoke wings, but also looks distinctly like a royal collar. Quite fitting for Queen Bey. A high glam look that fits in with the angelic outfits mirrored by the all the women from the Lemonade visual album that walked the carpet with her.
Get her look with:
1. Body Drench Argan Oil Emulsifying Dry Body Oil $28, 2. Venique Tip to Toe Sprinkles 3 Piece Nail Art Kit $26, 3. Lola’s Backstage Beauty Highlighting Powder $26
Beauty Bio: Britney SpearsBirthday: December 2, 1981, born in McComb, Mississippi, but grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana. Relationship Status: Britney's doing Britney, and is the proud mom of her two kids Sean and Jayden. VMAs Highlight: Britney being at the VMAs to take the stage again, after a marring performance in 2007, took guts. She gave a redemptive show that brought back the pop Britney we know and love, that she undoubtedly has been cultivating at her residency in Las Vegas. You go Brit Brit. Style Staples: Go-go diva boots, and glimmering performance leos contrast her generally simple silhouettes for the red carpet. |
Get Her Look
Britney Spears went for a pretty understated look (as understated a dress that slashes across her chest can be, but hey it's the VMAs) with a sleek black number by Versace. The dress creates some interesting shapes, with a plunging diagonal neckline and an asymmetrical one shoulder cut. A good update to the little black dress, we'd say.
Get her look with: 1. Tigi Luxe Lipgloss (Foxy) $10, 2. ClayPac ClayOns Salon Treatment (Lemon) $22, 3. St. Tropez Gradual Tan for the Body, $28
Celebrity Spotlight Olympics Edition: The U.S. Gymnastics Team
Cue the John Williams fanfare. We are now on day 12 of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio and it has been an exiting one, especially where women's gymnastics is concerned. The self-dubbed "Final Five" have been dazzling at the games, winning gold in the team final, gold and silver in all-around (respectively to Simone Biles and Aly Raisman), and have had the one of the most dominating runs for an American team ever. We couldn't pick just one person to spotlight this time around, so enjoy our beauty tips inspired by the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team. Go USA!
Beauty Bio: Aly RaismanBirthday: May 25, 1994, born in Needham, Massachusetts Stats: One of the two returning members of the 2012 London “Fierce Five,” Aly is a two-time team captain of the Olympic Women’s Gymnastics team. She is the oldest member of the squad at 22, and finished Rio with 1 gold medal and 2 silvers. Best Events: Aly is a powerhouse on many events (say hello to her silver all-around medal), but her floor routine is truly something to watch. Her first tumbling pass in the routine seems to go on forever, but, in true Aly form, always manages to stay inbounds. |
Get Her Look:
Aly Raisman almost always has this great top knot when in competition that holds and holds. The key to a good top knot that stays is using the right products. We recommend a good smoothing product to keep fly-aways in check or a good gel so it doesn't budge.
We recommend: Tigi S Factor Smoothing Lusterizer, It's a 10 Miracle Firm Hold Gel
Beauty Bio: Simone BilesBirthday: March 14, 1997, born in Columbus, Ohio but her hometown is Spring, TX Stats: Simon is officially the most decorated American gymnast ever (she even has a move named after her, the”Biles”), with a crushing run in Rio earning her 4 gold medals and 1 bronze medal. Best Events: How about everything? Simone is definitely poised as the best gymnast in the game right now on nearly any event, but she especially shines in Vault and Floor Exercise (two of her 4 golds). |
Get Her Look:
Simone Bile always has great personality on the floor, but we've noticed something else has got her sparkling. Simone's glitter shadow and crystals around her eyes have become iconic to her Olympic look that you can emulate with a sparkly shadow or go crazy with eye crystals.
We recommend: DuWop Crush Eye Shadow Trios, Tigi High Density Eyeshadow Split Shades (Feisty)
Beauty Bio: Gabby DouglasBirthday: December 31, 1995, born in Virginia Beach, Virginia Stats: Gabby first appeared in the Olympic spotlight in 2012 as part of the “Fierce Five” and was the first African American ever to win the women’s individual all-around. She’s had an admirable run in Rio as well, earning a gold medal as part of the team final. Best Events: As a former individual all-around gold medalist Gabby is also pretty well-rounded, but she really soars in Uneven Bars (fun fact she got her nicknamed "Flying Squirrel" from this event).
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Get Her Look:
Gabby generally keeps her make-up pretty minimal, but we've been noticing some bold lip choices by her this time around. We especially liked the deep brown-mulberry shade she wore during the team final.
We recommend: Tigi Decadent Lipstick (Power), Duwop Cosmetics Private Lipstick
Beauty Bio: Laurie HernandezBirthday: June 9, 2000, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey but her hometown is Old Bridge Stats: Laurie is the youngest member of the “Final Five” at 16, and this is her first Olympic competition. She’s done well for being a newcomer to the Olympic scene, leaving the games with 1 gold medal and 1 silver. Best Events: She got a silver medal in this event, so it’s safe to say Laurie Hernandez is pretty great on the balance beam. Her floor routine is also a delight to watch because it reflects her fun-loving energy.
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Get Her Look:
Laurie Hernandez's beam routine isn't the only thing that's on point. Laurie is the queen of the cat eye, always seeming to have that perfect crisp black line while nailing back flips on a 4-inch beam. Keep on keeping on Laurie.
We recommend: Tigi Precision Black Eyeliner Pen, Tigi Perfect Eyeliner (Black)
Beauty Bio: Madison KocianBirthday: June 15, 1997, born in Dallas, Texas Stats: Madison has been a key member of the U.S. National Team for the past 2 years, and proved invaluable still at the Rio Olympics earning 1 gold medal and 1 silver. Best Events: “Effortless”, “elegant”, and “free-floating” are all words used to describe Madison’s beautiful work on the uneven bars that ultimately got her to the Olympics and it earned her a silver too. |
Get Her Look:
While Madison floats on uneven bars, her hair stays perfectly in place. While Madison may have perfectly straight hair for her pony, some of use might need a little styling help, with straightening shampoos, styling products, or both.
We recommend: Tigi Bed Head Styleshots Extreme Straight Conditioner, Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique Haute Iron Spray
Celebrity Spotlight: Rihanna
Ready to get bad? Welcome back to another installment of Celebrity Spotlight! Today we will focus on the edgy styling of the bad girl icon, Rihanna. As you might already know, here, BeautyofaSite will showcase the celebrity style of the moment and how you can replicate the top looks. Master the mold and you're on your way to beauty stardom!
Beauty Bio: RihannaBirthday: February 20, 1988, born in tropical Saint Michael, Barbados Relationship Status: The internet really wants her to be with rapper Drake Biggest Hits: "Pon De Replay" (2005), "Umbrella" (2007, ft. Jay Z), "Rude Boy" (2009), "We Found Love" (2011, ft. Calvin Harris), "Diamonds" (2012), "Work" (2016, ft. Drake) Style Staples: Bold Fur Jackets, Over-sized Graphic Tees, Sheer Layers, and Seriously Sick Kicks all play into RiRi's edgy style. |
Get the Look
Rihanna's got a lot of things going for her right now. This year she released her eighth studio album ANTI (featuring the smash track "Work"), is on a world tour for said album, and her song "Sledgehammer" is the feature single for the soundtrack of a little movie called Star Trek Beyond. No big deal. Rihanna's musical prowess isn't the only successes she's got going, she also has a really unique sense of fashion. While it maybe a bit difficult to replicate some of her best red carpet moments, we all can't be as cool and confident as Rihanna, there are style elements your can incorporate to get that Rihanna edge.
Hair:
Rihanna’s kind of a chameleon when it comes to hair, she’s had just about every cut and color you can imagine. Let’s just break it down by album era (yes we researched this). There’s her debut soft brown waves from Music of the Sun, the blunt black bob from Good Girl Gone Bad, her blonde-dipped pixie undercut from Rated R, of course her fire engine red hair during the Loud era, and the list goes on. Changing up your hair color can really reinvent your look, and which Rihanna knows well, the possibilities are endless. So to best channel the spirit of Rihanna, try a new hair color and go crazy.
We recommend: Combinal Cream Hair Dye, ClayPac Shampoos & Conditioner
Skin:
Want fabulous skin like Rihanna’s? Moisturizer is the answer. While it can be tempting to be lax on a skincare regime, your complexion will pay the price. So remember, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Also don’t forget about sun protection. Rihanna’s an island girl, she knows first-hand that you have to be aware of sun damage, so look for moisturize that has a good SPF.
We recommend: Refinee Daily Defense Cream SPF 30, Hempz Age Defying Moisturizer, Day Cream with SPF 30
Make-up:
Recently Rihanna has been showcasing some stripped back looks with selective make-up and more natural hair, sans the occasional bold lip for drama. What can make a minimalist look pop is a strong eyebrow (as seen above). Shaping and choosing an appropriate fill color are key for a great brow. A good rule of thumb is to not go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color.
We recommend: Blinc's Eyebrow Mousse, DuWop Browwow, Tweezerman Pointed-Slant
Celebrity Spotlight: Blake Lively
We love Instagram. Beauty bloggers and celebrities alike use it to share their best looks, and we are always up for some fashion inspiration! Here, BeautyofaSite will showcase the celebrity style of the moment and how you can replicate those looks! Master the mold and you're on your way to beauty stardom!
Beauty Bio: Blake LivelyBirthday: August 25th, 1987, born in sunny Los Angeles, California Relationship Status: Married to Ryan Reynolds in 2012 Where You’ve Seen Her: Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005), Gossip Girl (2007-2012), The Town (2010), and The Age of Adaline (2015) Style Staples: Classic, Glamour, Effortless, Bold Shapes |
Get the Look
Okay, okay so we know that the 2016 Cannes Film Festival was back in early May, which is like eons in Hollywood time, but bear with us. Blake Lively killed the game with some seriously flawless gowns (see above and below) and we are still in the afterglow. Her style is very much about pairing luxurious, glistening statement pieces with loose hair and soft, sultry make-up. Our favorite look of the festival was this stunning aqua-blue Atelier Versace moment. Check it out below with our tips so you can emulate Blake’s low-key, high glamour style!
Hair:
Blake's hair is in a soft, flowing, mid-pony that gives some ease to the dramatic Atelier Versace dress. Texturizing sprays are great for this sort of hairstyle because they give great volume for free-flowing pony. And of course, don't forget hairspray to keep it all in place!
We recommend: A Beautiful Life Pre-Game Texturizing Spray, Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist, Treat Salted Vanilla Beach Hair Spray
Skin:
Blake's got the California girl look down to the sun-kissed skin. Her warm skin tone adds to the brightness of the dress. Tanning is not the only option to get that California glow, self-tanners do just the trick and save your skin from damage!
We recommend: St. Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit, St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, DuWop Sun Drops
Make-up:
Blake’s gown and skin radiate warmth, so her make-up is surprisingly understated in comparison. Her lips feature a nice, dusty rose with a glossy finish, and pair with a barely there steel eye shadow. A muted make-up palette is a nice contrast against her otherwise saturated look.
We recommend: DuWop Lip Venom Gloss in Wisteria, Naked Princess Naked Shine Lip Gloss in Barely Rose, Tigi Longwearing Eyeshadow Imperial Grey, DuWop Cosmetics Fall Out Shadow in Sensuede
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