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How-tology: Baby You Can Style My Hair
September 19, 2016
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.
We Love:
Denman Brushes, $12-28 |
Q&A: Eye Liner on Point
September 16, 2016
I'm terrible at getting my liquid eyeliner to come out clean. Any tips for getting a good line?
You can draw a straight line with liquid eyeliner, by following these key tip: Prop the elbow of the hand you're drawing with on a table for extra stability. Gently stretching your skin with the other hand also keeps you on the straight and narrow. Pretty simple? We hope this helps! |
Celebrity Spotlight: New York Fashion Week
September 14, 2016
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 |
The Gloss-ary: I is for Iconic
September 12, 2016
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How-tology: 10 Eye-Popping Tips for Eye Makeup
September 07, 2016
Eyes are said to be the window to the soul, but more importantly, they are the first thing most people notice when the look at you. Make the most of your eyes with these helpful hints!
Begin by applying an eye base. This improves the adherence and appearance of eye makeup. It's key to maintain long-lasting shadow.
We Love: Duwop Day 2 Night Eyelid Primer Duo, $22
Know your products. Eye shadow comes in many formats: powder (pressed or loose), crayon, gloss or cream. The choice is up to you! Pressed shadows are a classic favorite.
We Love: Lola Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trio, $18
To obtain a more dramatic look place a dot of a darker shade in the middle of the eyelid and smooth out.
Highlight makeup by using a pastel color on the under-brow.
Lightly blend the colors with an applicator or fingertips. For ease of application, we suggest a crease brush or cream shadow brush with elongated bristles.
We Love: Antonym Cream Eye Shadow Brush, $13
Define the eye contour with a liner (either cake or pencil), by drawing a fine line close to the lashes to underline the eye. If you prefer, draw the fine line in the interior of the lids for a larger look, or draw a fine line on the upper eyelid. It's much easier to use a cake eyeliner. Just drag the brush across your lid and 'connect the dots'.
We Love: Blinc Eyeliner, $25
Brush lashes before applying mascara.
We Love: TIGI Brow and Lash Groomer, $14
Choose a shade of mascara to harmonize with your makeup. Apply two coats to thicken and lengthen lashes.
For a sophisticated touch, apply a more vivid color to the tips of the eyelashes. For example, coordinate Black with violet.
Choose a color that complements your eyes and enhances their color and form.
Q&A: Combination Skin Savior
September 02, 2016
I have combination skin and have been struggling to keep up with it. What can I do to keep my skin clear?If you think that you're the only one with a face that's partly oily and partly dry, think again. You've got combination skin and there are several ways to care for you skin without damaging other parts of it. Cleanse: Use a mild cleanser on your entire face up to twice a day. Moisturize: Use a good moisturizer on the dry areas only. Balance: Look for toning products that normalize your skin, such as those that contain alpha hydroxy acids or the vitamin A derivative retinols. Control: Use oil-absorbing makeup on oily areas to control shine. Protect: Use a sunscreen daily (mimimum SPF 15). Just remember these five tips and your skin should be glowing and gorgeous in no time! |
The Gloss-ary: H is for Highlight
August 31, 2016
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Celebrity Spotlight: VMAs Edition
August 29, 2016
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
How-tology: Rubber Duck Soap
August 26, 2016
That's just what they are good ol'fashion rubber ducks floating in a bar of soap! Young and young at heart love these designs. Be creative here, the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients:1 4oz. Bar Unscented, Uncolored Glycerin Soap 2 Drops Food Coloring 20 Drops Essential Oil Toy of choice (Rubber duck, diamond ring, toy soldiers, etc.) |
Steps:1. Melt the glycerin soap in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until liquefied. 2. Remove from heat and stir in food coloring and fragrance oil until will bended. Spoon a thin layer of soap mixture into the mold. 3. Add your toy object. 4. Pour the remaining soap mixture into the molds. Let set for 3 hours or until hard. 5. Remove the soaps from the molds and wrap individually in plastic wrap. |
photo credit: Rubber Ducks with Sunglasses (license) yellow filter, cropped & added text
Q&A: Hair Color on Lock Down
August 24, 2016
Should I try a color shampoo or conditioner?
Color shampoos and conditioners are great if used correctly. They are designed to intensify or maintain hair color, help neutralize undesirable tones and enhance overall color and shine. We Love: Claypac by Altobella for their awesome colors and amazing shine! |
The Gloss-ary: G is for Gorgeous
August 22, 2016
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How-tology: Keep to the Color Code
August 19, 2016
Find out which shades work best with your eye color. Stumped about which makeup colors will bring your eyes into sharp focus? Check our cheat sheet for the best shades for your peepers: