Jingle Bells Boys!



 So all the good chances for great deals have come and gone...black Friday, small business Saturday and of course we can forget cyber Monday.....you guys were glued to the game and elbow deep in hot sauce. I get it and I also know you guys are last minute. So let me save you from wandering the mall (gross) and making some really bad decisions. This Christmas list will light up her world. For your thoughtful gift she'll be lighting up your Christmas tree Santa baby ;)

How do you think she gets her hair to look that sexy for you? It's called half her paycheck. So why not give her the thoughtful gift of beauty? Find out where she gets her hair done and stop by the shop, the receptionist will be able to tell you what services she usually gets and how much that gift certificate is going to cost you.

Every girl needs top notch styling tools.  You can google search any of these to find the best prices and stores that carry them. Click these links for product page:

• Chi Turbo hair dryer
• Hot Tools professional curling iron 1"
• Sedu Revolution flat iron

 Yoga, it's the new trend. If your girl is into it already or has expressed a desire to try it, this can be a great gift! From buying her a block of classes at a great studio, to that mat she's been looking at buying for months, this is a gift that works for both of you. And don't stop there...let her know the view from behind is getting hotter by the week and she'll show you her improving forward bend. Try these links for mats and accessories:

• Manduka
• Gaiam

 Weekend Getaways are always the best surprise. Whether you're thinking cozy cabin or fun in the sun you'll be sure to find the perfect place here:

• VRBO
• Airbnb

 Stocking stuffers that have stood the test of time:
-walk into a Sephora and buy anything. Trust me.
-get her something luscious from LUSH If you like the way it smells, buy it and put it in her stocking. She will be impressed.
-mani/pedi gift certificate to her favorite place. Just do it.

 Trend alert: hair jewels CLICK HERE! and then use the store locator at the top of the page.....

If you can get through TSA...The Perfect Blowout Guide should be a breeze!

Violet is my cousin and future beauty consultant!

Salon styled hair is hard to beat, but with a these easy steps and some practice, you can look like you just paid a personal stylist to blow your hair out.

1. Product. Use a product that is made for what you want (lift, smoothing, etc...) Be careful with hair type. Really assess what you have and pick the product closest to your hair type. If you have fairly normal hair there's no reason to use products that are made for dry, damaged hair. It'll be too heavy. 
2. Unless your using a root lifter, there's no reason to put a styling product on the roots of your hair. It'll only make it look greasy. Start on mids to ends and work upward so that when you reach your scalp the product in your hands is almost gone.
3. With the guard attachment on your blow dryer turn your head upside down and start drying the roots for some lift. (The guard on the dryer protects your hair from the hot coils.)
4. After your roots are dry, flip your head back up and dry the rest using your hands or a paddle brush
5. If you have bangs or pieces around your face you can start to shape them to the side, middle, etc..
6. For a middle part brush the front section of your hair to one side and blow dry pointing nozzle in that direction, then to the opposite side. Do this motion back and forth a few times. It knocks out any kinks or cowlicks you may have. After a few passes grab that front section of hair and wrap in a round brush. Dry hair by pulling it up and forward away from your face with the nozzle of your blow dryer on top of the round brush facing down. This will create nice lift and then you can push both sides into a middle part. 
7. For a side part, dry in the opposite direction that you want the pieces to go. Then pick up the hair and wrap in a round brush in the direction you want the pieces to lay. Blow dry with nozzle pointing in the same direction sweeping your hair to the desired side.
8. After the front is done you are going to section your hair across the top (think mohawk) and clip in a small bun out of the way. Dry the rest of your hair in small sections around your head with a round brush. The direction is down and under keeping blow dryer nozzle facing down.
9. Last separate the mohawk into 3 sections. Dry each section by wrapping it around a round brush and twisting down to your scalp. Dry until hot, then hit it with the cool button until cool and slide brush out of hair in the direction you are working The back section and middle section you are going to blow dry back. The front section (think temples and back a few inches) blow dry forward.
10. If you need frizz control or shine use a very small amount of product and apply to ends and mids avoiding scalp. Part hair where you want it and use hair spray to shape and hold.

Top Tips:

• The cool shot button on your blow dryer is absolutely your friend! Use it to cool down the hair while still wrapped in your round brush. The heat of the dryer molds hair. The cool shot locks in the shape and adds shine.For smoother looking hair always point nozzle of the blow dryer downward. For example...If you wrap your hair in a round brush the blow dryer position should be on top of the brush pointing down. If it's under the brush and pointing up, you're drying the hair in the opposite direction that you want it to lay and your making a tangled mess in the process.

• Use the guard the dryer came with. If you don't the hot coils are laying on your hair and your burning it. It'll eventually break off.

• Don't get discouraged if you feel like you're not good at this. Doing your own hair is a ton harder than working on someone else. And don't feel like you have to be coordinated like a professional. If you have to put the blow dryer down for a section while you get your hair situated that's totally fine. Keep practicing it'll click!!

• I love the Chi Pro blow dryer (about $90). You don't need a turbo and anything too fancy. Those are made for salon use and drying hair all day everyday. It's too much for basic home use and they usually cost a ton more.

photo credit:

chi pro blow dryer: http://www.farouk.com

cousin V: Melissa Clark

2013 Hair Trends

In the hopes of getting inspiration for my own locks, I have done a ton of research on current hairstyle trends for the coming year. I was hoping for a few shorter style ideas, but that wasn't happening. It's seems like styles are either really long (which I have and I'm sooo bored of ) or super short (which is great for Miley Cyrus and maybe Anne Hathaway, but certainly not me) So my search for a great haircut failed but I did pick up on some trends along the way, here they are...

• low buns and slick low ponytails, easy breezy anyone can do it
• braids, harder to do yourself, but that's what friends are for
• deep side parts, they are back in full force
• headbands and jewels, an easy way to add color and fun to your style
• pastel, good placement and this is very pretty
• auburn and rich browns, red is calling me, it's been a while
• wait for it...ombre, it's been years but she's here to stay
• and ps girls...we'll be seeing orange lips and nails of all shades. Jessica Alba let the cat out of the bag!

ombre check

deep side part check

orange lips BOOM

photo credit:

forever21

Fischer: Glamcheck.com

Alba: Bossip.com
Fox: Makeupforlife.net
Cyrus: Mileycyrus.blogspot.com
fashion week: rizzierischools.com

  

Root Curls Not Bo Peep Curls

Ever curl your hair with all intentions of looking like a Kardashian and come out looking like Bo Peep? It happens to the best of us. Here's a step by step guide on how to get this famous (never going away) red carpet look.

*First let me start by saying your hair needs to be completely dry before you use any hot tool (curling iron, flat iron, etc..) because if it's even slightly damp the curl will go limp and most importantly you can really sizzle and burn your hair. It's always better if it's not freshly washed. It'll look better and also last longer. If you have to wash it make sure you are using the correct products. I can't say this enough! Pick out the appropriate shampoo,  conditioner and styling products for your particular hair type. If you have normal hair, use shampoo for normal hair, NOT for damaged or stressed hair. Treat your hair like you would your skin. If you have a dry face you're not buying moisturizer for oily skin...following? It's the same concept.

So your hair is totally dry and you are ready to curl. The number one thing to remember is curl your roots NOT your ends. Meaning break that high school habit of pulling the iron down to the ends of your hair and curling up toward your scalp. Here's the reason: when you do this the ends of your hair are getting the most heat and for the longest time so therefore the most curl. The result is flat on top and overly curly on the bottom. We need to reverse this.

• Use a good iron that heats evenly. I love the Hot Tools Professional brand. The barrel size I use is 3/4" or a 1" will work too. You can use larger for looser curls, but remember every hairstyle will fall a bit so go with a tighter curl to start.
• Sectioning with clips is good if you feel like it'll be easier. If not, just simply look in the mirror and grab a 1" section of dry, tangle free hair, place the barrel of the iron about 3 inches from scalp and twist up leaving the ends of your hair out.
• Hold for a few seconds and slowly release and twist until all of your hair is curled except the very ends. Making sure the iron is always close to your scalp.

This technique gives you body at the roots of your hair, and beautiful loose waves at the bottom. If you have stubborn hair that doesn't like to curl or stay curled, try spraying each section with a thermal styling product. It protects hair from the heat of the iron and holds the curl longer.

Yea I know, that ass works for anybody...but that hair only works for a child, and even that's a stretch

photo credits

Kardashians: tvguide.com

J Lo : stylebistro.com

Kate Hudson: styletips101.com  

Get Naked This Winter

photo: Allure

I'm seeing it everywhere! Everyone wants to be naked! Naked eyeshadow palettes, naked lip color and naked nails. I'm a fan of going nude this cold weather season (or anytime) so let's take a look!!

Starting with Nails: Christian Dior Vernis Nude Collection.

Four shades of amazing: Trench, Dune, Grege and Chamelle. *If neutral alone is too boring for you try pairing it with a maroon french tip* 
so chic and unexpected.

photo: zimbo.com

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked is a classic. New this season is Urban Decay Naked2 Both are amazing eyeshadow palettes for everyone.


Two Faced Shadow Bon Bon comes with a full sized mascara and an eye primer.











Lips: Bobby Brown the Queen of neutral pulls it all together with her Bellini Lip and Eye Palette. and Stila All Is Bright Lip Glaze Set has a color for any occasion.


(Click on any blue font and it will link you to that particular product.)

Stay beautiful in the flesh this winter and remember it's only makeup, it's not permanent so have a little fun!

the gorgeous Bettie Page wishing us all a happy, healthy and hot holiday season

travel tip(s) #3

3 fun travel tips:

• Room darkening window clips. Yes they are great...clips you can buy to throw in your bag to clip hotel curtains fully closed. However, the pant and skirt hangers in your hotel room closet work just a well. Plus they are double clipped so you can use 2 hangers for the length of the curtain!

• Re-usable canvas bags. Great for so many things, here are 3:

1. You know everything you are going to need while inflight so why wait until you board to dig through your bags and hold up the boarding process? Put your headphones, ipod, books, magazines, lip balm, hand cream, etc... in your canvas bag while you wait in the terminal for easy access once on the plane.
2. Beach bag! Tote your H2O, sunscreen, mags, wallet, etc.. to the pool and beach.
3. Dirty clothes. Perfect for keeping clean and dirty items separate. 

• Cell phone cameras aren't just for uploading pictures to Facebook. When parking in a long term lot at the airport take a picture of the marker heading for the row in which you parked....Don't want to look like a tourist with a gigantic map? Take a picture of the map with your phone. This also works for subway maps, bus route maps, etc.... Also, take a picture of the address and phone number of your hotel. This comes in handy when you are telling your cab driver your destination. (after a few drinks you might need this information) You can find this info posted on your hotel room landline phone, it's usually located right above the number keys for dialing.

BB Cream

BB huh? I know I didn't get it either. “BB” stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. The cream was originally designed and used by a German surgeon to speed healing after post-peel and laser treatments on his clients. He also designed it to hide redness and help with inflammation.  
The product was picked up by the Koreans, and their celebrities started to attribute their flawless skin to the product. It's also said that the average women's skin care routine in Asia is an astonishing 7 steps. Apparently Asia has been holding out on us girls because this cream is a moisturizer/sunscreen/foundation/concealer all in ONE fantastic tube, with soothing, healing and anti-aging benefits. It's no wonder the craze took off with feverish panic in the Asian community! 7 steps? Yeah, ok, not in our insanely fast paced world.


Now, how and where do you buy it? Looking into this further I found that different companies concentrate on different problems:

• hydration
• anti-aging
• redness
• acne control
• skin lightening (most Asian brands)

Decide what you are after and make sure you read the packaging. 


After reading many blogs, and articles a trend started to appear. Here are the top 5 brands for BB cream in the US as far as I can tell:

1. Garnier Skin Renew ~ You can get it for under 15 bucks at Target
2. Bobby Brown ~ comes in 3 different shades with SPF 35
3. MAC prep + prime bb ~ SPF 35 and sold out online! So go directly to a MAC store
4. Estee Lauder Day Wear BB ~ comes in 2 shades with SPF 35
5. Smashbox Camera Ready BB ~ comes in 5 different shades with SPF 35

Peonies Lips So Summer Sexy

Someone recently asked what's the new lip shade for the upcoming season. Palest coral and soft pinks make the prettiest pouts this spring and summer, just like a fresh bouquet of peonies brightens any room. Of course I have a few suggestions. Click the links for pictures.

• Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Cream in Creamsicle ~ easy lip gloss type applicator
• Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment ~ best part is it's SPF 15 
• Benefit Posietint ~ doubles as a cheek stain in a pretty poppy shade
• MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Fuchsia Fix ~ don't let the "fuchsia" scare you away. I wear this one all the time. It's perfectly sheer and SPF 15
• Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss in Lovechild ~ stain like effect with stay power

All 5 of the products listed above are light, sheer lip colors. Perfect for summer wearing when you don't want to cover too much of anything.

Hot tip: If you are someone that likes a more opaque look you might want to try applying a pale coral or pink lip liner followed by a gloss or translucent lip conditioner on top. This way your color has more punch and hold (lip liner has better wear time than lipstick) but you're keeping that spring/summer moisturized look. *See hot lips below ;)

Good Morning/Ready For Take Off! Taking your day time look to night.

This is a basic-for-everyone-technique. Steps 1-5 are your day time look. Steps 6-11 will let you turn your day look into night.

1. Start with a clean palate. Always use concealer under your eyes AND on top of your lids from lash line to brow. This gives you a clean slate.
2. Sweep a creamy neutral shadow from lash line to brow. This sets the concealer.
3. Take a neutral color like brown, bronze or whatever you like...sage, tan, gold etc... and start to build color on the outer corner of your eyes, keeping inner corners light. Work this color into your crease...remember this is daytime so use a light hand.
4. Highlight inner corner of eyes and under brow. You can use the same creamy neutral you started with.
5. Apply light coat of mascara.
6. After work function, happy hour, whatever you plan on doing here's a few more steps to freshen up for your fun night. Take a blender brush and smooth out any creases that might have formed in your eyeshadow during the day. Don't worry about blending out the color, we'll add more! Next define your brow. Nothing beats a strong brow!  Refer to my post  A Brow Raising Good Time for instructions on filling in and perfecting eyebrows.
7. Line your eyes with choice color as close to lash line as possible, and blend slightly with a brush. *We are trying to blend the liner so you don't have any harshness going on. Also this works great if you aren't the best eyeliner applier. It blends out mistakes or a shaky hand.
8. Pile on your best shimmery, smoky shadow. Remember to keep inner corners light. Work color into outer corners of your eyes. Blend shadow into crease. Imagine a ">" sideways triangle at the outer corner of your eyes. Layer and blend and take your time until you reach the saturation you want. Again highlight inner corners and brow with a light neutral...make it a shimmer.
9. This is totally "old school" but I've been lining my inner rims with black liner! This technique is often called "tightlining" I use regular old black pencil which usually smudges off but I just carry it with me. Or you can use a waterproof cake liner or similar product and apply with a liner brush. Try MAC fluidline if you hate the smudgy look. *You can also use a white eyeliner to open eyes up and brighten your look.
10. Pile on the mascara! If you put a light enough coat on in the morning you shouldn't have any problems adding another coat or two. Comb through wet lashes with a metal tooth comb if you are worried about clumps.
11. Add a little something extra by highlighting a half-moon shape from your temple to your cheekbone. Try a product like The Multiple by Nars. So fun!

Summer Festival Essentials

Hey summer jet setter, i know you have a festival or two on your list! Here's a few things you shouldn't leave behind...

1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Face, body, lips. Make sure you have it all! You should have a moisturizer with SPF made just for your face. On those crazy hot days when your sweating sitting down, the skin on your face can get extra sensitive from the heat and you could experience a burning feeling from regular sunscreens. These reactions are most commonly associated with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-based sunscreens and those containing benzophenones. Some sunscreens also contain alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives, and should be avoided if you have skin allergies. Be kind to your face and try Aveeno You can get anything from SPF 30 up to 100!
2. Refillable water bottle. You can never have too much H2O when you are in the hot sun. There will be refill areas at your venue so hydrate, it's great for your skin too.
3. A truly multi purpose Pashmina is always my life saver at a show. I use it to shield myself from the sun, lay down on it for an afternoon snooze, and it keeps me warm when the sun goes down.

Oh so there's a sold out Black Keys after-the-festival show and you just happen to know the right person holding a ticket with your name on it? No problem! (don't you love when that happens)The next few items on this list will be all you need to freshen up for the post festival show!

1. Face wipes. Wipe off that dirt and sweat with these little gifts from The Body Shop. Reapply that moisturizer with SPF and you are almost ready for Dan and Patrick!
2. Lip & cheek stain is a great 2 for 1 product. Check out Stila they have a good array of color choices.
3. Mascara! If you read my blog you know I love love love mascara! Put on a few extra coats, you never know who'll be at a show...
4. Headbands are a great way to fix unwashed hair. Wear them with a side ponytail...sexy! Or try a headscarf, they look great on both long and short hair.

I hope you have fun hitting the circuit. I'll be out there somewhere so say HI and save me that after show ticket ;)

Pull Up Your Beach Chair It's BEACH HAIR 101

Ombre, tousled, and waves oh my! Whatever your idea of summer locks may be, they all have one word in common...sexy!!! I just love me some carefree summer hair! Now, how to get the "I just got home from the beach" look isn't exactly wash and go. It takes a tiny bit of effort. This post covers 3 things: color, product and hot tools. Relax and have fun, it's just hair!

Color:

• Ombre is staying strong on the color front and it's going nowhere soon. This practically maintenance free technique is made to look like you are growing out old highlights. Sounds strange I know, but I actually think it's pretty bombshell....proving my point with a pic of my friend Alyssa right above! It will look like you spent the summer on the sand and in the sun! Go for it!

Products:

• There are so many products on the market today it'll make your head spin. I'll give you 3 of my favorites. First was a suggestion from my friend Katrina who lives in CA. Her stylist out there had her try  Unite 7 seconds . (click on the blue link for a short video) It has UV protectors and your hairs best friend...silicone. This is a great, lightweight spray for all hair types especially colored hair. The sun will strip your hair color so protect your investment. Throw this in your beach bag for all day UV protection and detangling your wind blown hair. The silicone will de-frizz. Katrina recommends spraying, then pinning some big loose curls all around your head and letting it air dry or blow dry with a diffuser. The result is perfect beachy waves!
• Second Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray literally has salt water as a ingredient. This product adds texture so it's great for fine hair and it will also give straight hair some of that texture too. Spray evenly and then try braiding maybe 5 or 6 different sections loosely. Air dry or blow dry with a diffuser then unravel for gorgeous waves. Use your fingers and massage your scalp for some lift.
• Third I'm loving Moroccan Oils Curl Cream. Put this in towel dried hair and go. Again in the summer anything with silicone is going to help de-frizz. This product also keeps your ends from drying out.

Hot Tools:

• Fat barrel curling irons are my favorite for creating loose waves! I like the brand "Hot Tools Professional" for my curling iron choice. Mine are gold platted and they hold heat evenly. Root curls are easy to learn and don't give you that Little Bo Peep look. Basically you want to curl the roots of your hair and leave the ends out until the last few seconds. This way the curls give you some body at the scalp.

• Diffusers are great if you already have wavy hair. Apply any of the products listed above and disuse your hair to sexy tousled waves. They are also great if you want to quickly dry braids or pinned up curls without knocking them out of place. The more air you have blowing around your hair the more the waves get knocked out and the straighter your hair becomes. When you attach a defuser to your blow dryer it blocks air flow pressure and just throws out the heat...which is what is actually drying your hair.  

Summer Nail Trends

Who doesn't love a good mani/pedi!!?? Below are this summer's hot colors. Pretty lilacs, classic nudes, yellows (YES! yellow) Have fun, get creative, it's sandal season!

LILAC

NUDE, YELLOW, ROSE

BABY BLUES

ROBINS EGG

GUN METAL GREY

Color list: top to bottom 

• Essie (my favorite brand for years) Pretty Edgy
• Nars Pokerface
• Chanel Beige Petale, Mimosa, and Morning Rose
• Essie Lapis of Luxury and Sweet Talker
• MAC Mischievous Mint
• China Glaze Recycle

I LOVE how Anna Lynn McCord pares a beautiful bright scarf with her yellow nails!

5 Things Every Girl Should Have In Their Makeup Kit For The Summer Season

 This topic is totally opinion based and I know other women out there have different must haves. These are mine for the up coming summer season...

1. Maybelline Mascara: I'm loving The Volume Express Collection right now. More specifically "Colossal" it's a yellow tube. As always though Maybelline puts out a great mascara, starting with the classic "Great Lash" the pink tube with green wand.

2. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner with SPF 15. Not only are you protecting and conditioning the colors are fantastic! This product stays on my lips for a really long time which is a great bonus. I love Fuchsia Fix it's a pretty pink and looks good on just about everyone.
3. Twilight Freshface Glow by Fresh. Use alone to accent or mix with your moisturizer for an all over glow. Perfect for summer skin.
4. Tinted moisturizer. I have yet to find my absolute favorite. Becca Luminous Skin Colour is super popular. If you can find one you like with an SPF, even better. Dermologica and Bobby Brown make popular tinted moisturizers with SPF.
5. Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo. I'm all about a strong brow all year long. When it's summertime casual and your not wearing much makeup to begin with, that's when I love a defined brow the most. It's just hot.period. I like the duo's because you can custom mix the color. Maybe you want a darker brow one night and a lighter look the next day...you can achieve that with this product.

Primp And Primer. A Girls Guide to Foundation Primers, Eyeshadow Primers & Lip Primers.

WHAT!?? We need yet another step in our daily regimen? What's with this primer movement! I'll break it down for you.

Foundation primers hit the scene many years ago. One of the first to introduce us to this world was Vincent Longo or VLNY. Does anyone remember or still use Water Canvas foundation? He really started a trend with that product. It was the first time I had used a primer under my makeup and I was in love. The Water Canvas Base Primer is the name of the product and it's still available. What it did for me was made my foundation application easier by filling in pores and fine lines (funny at the time I was probably 24 and didn't even need foundation never mind a fine line filler) Today I don't use a foundation primer because I don't wear makeup like I used to. I put some concealer under my eyes and on my lids and that's about it for a base. But if you like to use a full face of foundation then a primer might be nice. As I said earlier, it makes the process of applying foundation easier and it's supposed to make your makeup last longer. It doesn't have to be an everyday step, but try it for a special occasion and let me know what you think.

Eyeshadow primers are a hot new item these days too. They definitely make your eyeshadow stick all day and the best part...no more creasing! You know that mid-day grease line in the crease of your eye? Well say buh bye to that! I have the Urban Decay Primer Potion. I don't always remember to use it daily, but I do use it for a night out, or special occasion, date, ya know the usual.  When I'm scheduled to do a redeye turn and I'm going to be flying through the night, I try to remember to use my eyeshadow primer. When we land at 7:00am I feel better knowing my eyes don't look like how I'm feeling. Also, I really do think it makes your eyeshadow colors pop and look brighter.

Lip primers may not be necessary to use everyday either but they are most helpful when wearing dark or bright lip colors. The main thing it does is fill in those fine lines around the lips so that your lipstick doesn't run up and out onto your skin. You know that feathering look? YUK! It also keeps lipstick in place longer than normal. This product can come in a few different forms...pencil (to trace your lip line and fill in), lipstick form (yup apply just like your lipstick before the actual lip color) and gel or cream in a tube (looks like a gloss apply with brush or fingers). I have heard that Mary Kay Time Wise Lip Primer is a very good product.

Hot Tip: If you are wanting to try a certain primer or all of them, you can always ask for samples at makeup counters, skin care counters, and retailers like Sephora and Ulta. Don't be shy! Just ask.

I closing, I think primers are great. I don't always use them but I think they are functional to some degree. I mean lets face it, no one but yourself is going to know if you have primer on under your makeup. BUT, when we put in the effort and actually take the extra step to do these things, we feel that much better, sexier and fun, right? Kinda like knowing you have on matching underwear!

I tried to teach my baby cousin some tricks of the trade, but, I don't think she primed before applying!!!