|
While summer may bring the heat this July, you can bring the fire with style. Try finding breathable assorted colored fabrics, open toe shoes, and attention seeking shady head wear. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your sense of style can’t join.  Breathable Fabrics While shopping this month, try looking for cotton clothing in assorted colors that compliment your complexion. Cotton allows the body to breathe and keeps you looking cool while trying to stay cool. Product: ASOS 90's Skater Dress Price: $27.00 Where to Buy: ASOS  Open Toe Shoes Open toe shoes are a must this summer. The look can range from a comfortable strappy sandal to a fierce stacked peep-toe heel. It's best to keep your feet ventilated; this will allow the heat to escape your body while you strut on the boardwalks. Product: H&M Open Toe Platform Price: $20.00 Where to Buy: H&M  Sunglasses While checking out sexy suspects on the beach, sporting trendy eyewear is a must. Make sure to find frames that fit the shape of your face. Not only will it be flattering, but it will protect your eyes from the strong UV rays of the sun. Product: Forever 21 Browline Round Sunglasses Price: $7.90 Where to Buy: Forever 21  Floppy Hats
Lastly, a big floppy hat will become your portable source of shade. Whether it's cotton, straw, or polyester, a floppy hat will provide a more polished source of sun protection. The term “throwing shade” will take on a whole new meaning. Product: ASOS Floppy Straw Hat in Metallic Price: $29.00 Where to Buy: ASOS By: Tomorias Brown
0 Comments
 For as long as we can remember there’s been a beauty trend, cure, or ritual for pretty much everything. Beauty vacuum helmets to simulate low atmospheric pressure? Check. Massive wigs that weigh a ton and are saturated with white powder? You got it. These are just a couple of the trends and methods we have submitted ourselves to for generations. So, with the slew of sometimes questionable advice, here are some of the current beauty rituals you can STOP doing. 1. Foam, Foam, Foam Away
Dermatologists say face cleansers are the number one thing they need to change for their clients. Foaming face washes in particular may seem like a good idea but they can actually strip your face of its much needed moisture and unbalance the pH levels. Opt for the gentle and trusted formula of Cetaphil for that clean feel without the harshness. 2. Once a Day Keeps the Dirt Away Did you know that most people can actually get away with washing their faces only once a day? It’s true! An evening wash is when it’s most beneficial because when we sleep, our skin works hard to hydrate, balance, and restore for the upcoming day. As you get older, the oils in your face become even more precious to have and the double face cleansing a day can potentially be robbing you of those oils before you hit the age when they matter the most. In the morning, a simple light exfoliation with a warm, wet towel to relieve any excess product or residue is all you need. And hey, it’ll give you an extra 5 minutes of that precious sleep, so really, who can say no to that? 3. Consistency Is Key Your beauty products should NOT have a high turnover like your clothes, shoes, or relationships. Skin products are where you want some of the most stability; the outdated advice of changing up products to avoid “adapting” to them can backfire on your skin by causing serious irritation from the continuous changing. Simply stick with what you’ve found works for you. So put down the expensive cleanser that smells a little too much like grapefruit because, chances are, you already have the best choice for you already at home in your arsenal. 4. Say Cheese! Tooth stains and the buildup of plaque are inevitable, but don’t go reaching for that hard bristled toothbrush to scour it all away. Dentists caution highly against using the harder bristled brushes and for good reason--the vigorous scrubbing can erode your gums and tooth enamel so that you’re essentially polishing those babies right out of your mouth. It’s the soft bristles found on toothbrushes like Oral-B's Gentle Clean that do the best job by gently buffing your teeth and yes, the dreaded flossing, that will make the biggest difference in your smile and ultimately, your confidence. 5. Well, I Fried The internet has given us more than enough recipes for the “Help, I’ve ruined my hair and won’t leave the house looking like this” catastrophe that so many of us have found ourselves in. I totally understand that doing some things at home is a money saver, but hold off on the eggs, beer, mayonnaise, and every other food in your fridge--when you’re dealing with hardcore heat or bleach damage, you need more than the simple coating effects of household ingredients. A lot of people say the DIY aids can do the trick, but damage levels vary and many stylists have noted that for the serious damage, some of these products can actually make it worse. If so, that treatment could be costly and lengthy. If your damage is deep, your stylist is your best bet for the help you need; they will be able to take a deeper look and give you a better idea on how to treat the accident at hand without ruining a perfectly good avocado. Instead of putting those foods on you, the most benefits will come by putting them in you. The healthy fats that come from avocados, eggs, and coconut oil will help promote healthy hair much more effectively. So in this case, simply admitting to your crime can actually save you in the end. By: Gioia McGuire  Changing our bodies to have a perfect physique to look good in a bikini or to look good shirtless is ridiculous, but what is more ridiculous is that we actually feel insecure because of it! You should never have to think that your body now won’t amount to a piece of clothing. Guess what? There is no such thing as a “beach-ready” body because being confident with yourself inside and out is what makes you beach-ready and just plain READY!  Has getting that beach-ready body ever crossed your mind? The idea of chiseled abs and a perfectly perky butt seems essential for the summer. The idea is so prominent because you have been taught your entire life that looking good at the beach requires a model-esque, photoshopped, picture-perfect physique. Where does the idea of summer-ready beach body come from? What defines a summer-ready beach body? I remember being a young girl and looking at thin girls with pretty hair, flawless skin and thinking to myself how beautiful they were. I even saw my male childhood friends growing up and thinking that Superman--with all his glorious fierceness and popping muscles--was the bomb. From a young age, we have been bombarded by thin Barbie dolls and macho Superhero action figures that subconsciously tell us what is attractive. We soaked these images up being the innocent children that we were. Our naivety towards these images allowed us to subconsciously believe that being attractive means being thin or muscular. A summer-ready beach body has been defined as how thin you are in order to “pull off” a two-piece bikini. If not, you have to wear a “flattering” one-piece bikini that covers your “undesirables” to make you look beach-appropriate. A summer-ready beach body has been defined by how chiseled and Calvin Klein model-like your muscles are. They tell us that if we don’t have the muscles to flex for a #selfie on Instagram, we shouldn’t even pose for pictures because that isn’t “attractive.” The great news is that your body is already a “beach-ready body.” There is no such thing as a quintessential beach-ready body. What does exist is you, your confidence, and your spirit. You, as a person, are much more than someone who has to work themselves into an obsessive diet in order to fit into a swimsuit when, in fact, the swimsuit should be fitting into you! A beach-ready body doesn’t exist because your body is the best body there is to enjoy a tanning sesh at the beach with your friends or to play football on its warm sand. You don’t have to be thin to be able to wear the two-piece you’ve been eyeing at your favorite online clothing store. Pose away in pictures with your friends and show off your body on Instagram because it is yours. Take off that t-shirt and think “this is my body, and I love it!” Your body is always beach-ready. Don’t think that just because you don’t have a flat stomach, have pale skin, or arms that aren’t muscular that you can’t confidently show your body to the world. Prepare for the summer season simply by being you.  3 CONFIDENCE BOOSTING TIPS:
By Hannah Tan  These beauty hacks are meant to save you time, money and your products! There are also tips and tricks included that you’ll want to consider adding to your own beauty regimen or find useful when on the go!  Blotting Sheets:
Eyelashes:
Eyeliner:
Eyeshadows & Foundation:
Hair:
Lipstick:
 Mascara:
Nail Polish:
Perfume:
Shoes:
By: Alissa Khamphanh These borderline genius beauty supplies will make you question how you went on with your daily makeup and hair routines without having these items in your life. These clever products save time, are cost efficient and have simplified and enhanced the way we go about our beauty regimens!  French Tip Dip Manicure and Pedicure Kit: The French Tip Dip is a faster, easier and more convenient alternative to making a trip to the nail salon for a French manicure. It calls for a quick and simple application and instantly gives you professional looking nails. Price: $9.95 Where to buy: French Tip Dip  Precision Pore Cleansing Pad: Although this product looks awfully simple, this mini silicone pad gives your face a deep clean with its tiny bristles. It gently gets in between your pores and exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Price: $6.00 Where to buy: Sephora  Beauty Blender: This non-disposable makeup sponge is known for its streak free application and open cell structure that allows makeup to sit on top of the sponge when being applied as oppose to being absorbed within the sponge itself. What some people may not know is that the beauty blender expands and becomes softer when water is applied. Price: $19.95 Where to buy: Sephora  Goody’s QuikStyle Paddle Brush with Microfiber Bristles: What makes this brush stand out from the rest are its microfiber bristles that helps to dry wet hair faster while cutting down the time it takes to blow dry your hair. Price: $6.09 Where to buy: Target  Bellabe Facial Hair Remover: Although it may somewhat looks like a Q tip, this hair removal beauty tool is similar to the concept of eyebrow threading. The spring is able to effortlessly remove anything from sideburns and coarse hair to slightly thin vellus hair. Price: $16.99 Where to buy: Bellabe  Paw Palette: Do you ever find yourself using the back of your hand as a palette for foundation, primer and even eyelash glue when doing your makeup? This beauty tool is designed to help make our daily makeup routine as sanitary and hygienic as possible by keeping it off your hands! This product is also ideal for makeup artists or anyone who needs to test and blend makeup before applying! Price: $28.00 Where to buy: Beautylish  Sigma Spa’s Brush Cleaning Mat: This cleaning mat has 7 different textures to help give your makeup brushes a proper deep clean! The textures are all labeled to indicate which brushes to use on each, as well as what textures to use when washing, rinsing and refining your brushes. Price: $32.00 Where to buy: Sigma Beauty  The Ladybug Spill Proof Nail Polish Holder: Do you ever get frustrated when you accidently spill nail polish one, because its difficult to remove from surfaces and two, because now your nail polish is half empty? The holder was made to help you avoid those spills! It may rock back and forth but it never comes close to spilling. Price: $10.00 Where to buy: New Dimensions  Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Hairbrush: For those like myself who dread painfully brushing through their hair after a shower should seek to invest in this detangling brush. The Tangle Teezer is known to simply slide its way through wet hair without pulling your hair out. Price: $16.00 Where to buy: Urban Outfitters  Hot Iron Holster: This holster keeps your hot tool off the counter and confines it in it’s own area where you won’t have to worry about it accidentally burning you or leaving burn marks on your counter. Price: $19.99 Where to buy: Holster Brands  Sigma’s 3DHD Brushes: This Sigma Beauty brush definitely tops our typical makeup brushes! Its 3D shape gives it its ability to evenly apply product through the contours of the face. Each side of the brush serves a different purpose and targets a particular part of the face. Price: $19.00 - $28.00 Where to buy: Sigma Beauty By: Alissa Khamphanh
 Image Courtesy of Madeline Clark Foundation is the ultimate makeup staple to getting a flawless look. The right foundation can brighten your skin, reduce shine, and bring porcelain-smooth skin with one stroke with one stroke. Are you on the hunt for the right foundation for your skin type? You may be looking for a light coverage, or even a full coverage, foundation. Are you looking for one that works for everyday use and doesn’t break your bank account? Don’t deny yourself from makeup that makes you look like you just stepped out of a photoshoot; these products will do the job:  NARS Sheer Glow Make way for your personal best friend in a bottle--NARS’ Sheer Glow Foundation. The color range for this foundation provides a perfect match for every skin tone. Not only this, but this foundation is easily applicable and mimics the look of your actual skin --an enhanced version of it, at least. The coverage is best for those looking for medium coverage, but just a few more swipes of Sheer Glow will be enough for full coverage. Sheer Glow is also perfect for normal to combination skin. This product will easily be your new, favorite foundation for daily wear or even for a night out with your best friends.
 MAC Face and Body A dewy finish to your makeup not only makes it look natural, but it also makes you look glowing as well. MAC’s Face and Body foundation does wonders for those with dry skin as it moisturizes all while leaving a perfectly finished makeup look. The product’s smooth texture makes it easily applicable. Along with its water resistant feature, Face and Body is sure to squeeze its way into your makeup bag upon first impression. The light to buildable coverage also makes this product flexible for your varying makeup mood.
 Revlon Colorstay Your new holy grail foundation has arrived: Revlon Colorstay Foundation. Revlon makes a statement by providing a version of this foundation for those with normal to dry skin and for those with oily to combination skin. The foundation stays true to its “Colorstay” name; you’ll find yourself noticing throughout the day that the foundation truly does stay intact. This foundation provides full coverage as well, so Colorstay is definitely suitable to a long night out with friends or anytime when you need a reliable foundation for your makeup to stay in place.
 Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Maybelline’s release of the Dream Liquid Mousse foundation will have you loving it the minute you try it. The texture itself is smooth and easily applicable, all while leaving a satin finish--making it suitable for those with oily or combination skin. Easily worn to a simple makeup look or for a makeup look for a more grand event, the mousse texture definitely leaves a finish to battle any shine that’s ready to come throughout the day. The coverage is medium to full coverage, while being lightweight and easily blendable.
By Hannah Tan  Feeling like your skin needs a thorough pampering session? We often put our skin through many stresses. From living in polluted cities and dehydrating due to lack of water (tsk!), these face masks can rejuvenate your skin and get that healthy glow back! So sit back, sip some tea and read a book while your skin undergoes a refreshing rework. Hydrate your skin, reduce oiliness, and prevent breakouts with these awesome face masks.  LUSH Cupcake Fresh Face Mask Fair warning: do NOT eat this face mask! Despite its name and deliciously chocolatey smell, it is not meant to be eaten. The Cupcake Fresh Face Mask is a true version of its name as it is freshly made by the LUSH employees for those who need to control oily skin. Its subtle mint ingredient cools the skin and leaves it with a refreshing feeling right after using it. A well-deserved, refreshing face mask sesh is sure to happen when using the Cupcake Fresh Face Mask.  Fresh Rose Face Mask Ah roses! Don’t they remind you of a romantic, candle-lit dinner? If not, they will soon remind you of the glory that is the Fresh Rose Face Mask. Extremely hydrating and amorous with a scent of rose petals, the Rose Face Mask leaves the skin feeling supple and extremely moisturized after usage. Pamper yourself to this rose-scented, hydrating face mask. You deserve it.  The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask The ultimate deep-cleansing face mask to completely redo your skin and rid of any impurities is The Body Shop’s Seaweed Clay Ionic Mask. The fragrance leaves the skin feeling very light, yet hydrating, to prevent any sort of uncontrollable shine. Rejuvenate your skin and prevent any open pores prone to breakouts with fairly frequent usage. What are your favorite store-bought or homemade face masks? Share with us in a comment below! By Hannah Tan
 Image Courtesy of Jessica Huey Nail polish is the ultimate accessory. It adds character to any outfit and who doesn't love it?! This spring and summer, the hues to use are pastel and light. Is your favorite color blue? Go for a baby blue. Or maybe you're more of a black polish person. Instead of the normal dark black, go for a shade of gray. Wear these pastel colors with open-toed sandals and colorful bracelets to complete your summer look.
Tips for Rocking Your Trendy Nails:
by Hannah Tan   It’s spring and you know what that means, Spring Cleaning! I can hear the moans and groans from here, but once you clear out all of your broken eye shadow and worn out brushes you will feel like you’re ready to conquer the year. So grab a pen and paper and take a moment to think of what you need to accomplish. Fashion: Go through your clothes and organize everything. Old clothes, never-been-worn clothes and items that don’t fit do not belong in your wardrobe. Pack them up and drop them off at your local CrossRoads where you can exchange nicer items for cash or give them to your local GoodWill. Then, organize the remaining pieces hanging in your closet and folded items in your drawers. Beauty: Your makeup only lasts for so long and it’s important to follow the guidelines. Get rid of all that old lipstick in the bottom of your makeup bag and create space for newer items! Here are the most popular items and their expiration dates:
Brushes: The key to long lasting makeup is taking care of it and cleaning your brushes regularly. For brush cleaning I put a few drops of baby shampoo in the palm of my hand and swirl the brush around until the makeup is cleaned off. Run it underneath some warm water, squeeze out the excess and reshape the brush. Reshaping allows it to retain its shape and the maintains the purpose of the brush. Lastly, lay it down flat on a towel to dry. Hair Care: Spring cleaning also involves getting rid of everything you don’t use anymore. Hair care products are no exception. Any gels, hair sprays or deep conditioner that you don’t use anymore can be tossed. Self: It’s time to let go of your unhealthy habits that are only holding you back from your best self. Grab your pen and paper again and jot down what you ate and drank throughout the day. If you’re not writing down water, veggies or fruit that there may be an issue. Don’t think of this as a new diet to just pretend to do while summer is approaching, think of this as a lifestyle. Healthy eating habits only lead to a healthier lifestyle in general. Getting started can be tricky, but once you get it down it will become easier!  Image courtesy of By Sasha Azoqa
TRICKS TO GETTING SALON QUALITY HAIR AT HOME We often go to our hairstylists because they are able to do the impossible with our hair, but who knew that the majority of the techniques and things that they do with our hair can be mastered at home!  Massage Your Scalp In The Shower: Massaging your scalp while shampooing your hair for at least one minute in the shower not only increases blood circulation but help you achieve healthier hair since scalp massaging support hair growth and strengthens yours roots! Maintaining Blonde Hair Color: In order to maintain that blonde hair from looking brassy, try mixing in purple shampoo in with color care shampoo. For Platinum blonde hair use a violet tinted shampoo such as Paul Mitchell's Platinum Blonde Shampoo. Why purple and violet? Purple shampoo tones down and contrasts that yellow brassy color that blonde colored hair often turns into over time. Before making your way to the hair salon, there are a few things you should be aware of so you aren't completely surprised if your hairstylist doesn't agree with a style you've been dreaming about. 1. Bring Lots of Visuals: Sometimes it’s hard for hairstylists to figure out what exactly it is that you want done with your hair when you describe it from memory. Be sure to bring your hairstylist plenty of pictures to give them a better understanding of how you want your hair to look in the end. It's super easy to save the photos to your phone gallery. 2. Bringing Out Your Best Features: There are several things to consider when changing your hair color such as, will it compliment your skin tone and complexion? How about with the features of your face and eye color? Also, be honest with your stylist when they ask whether or not you have dyed your hair in the past, it helps them decide what to add onto your colored hair in order to achieve your new look. 3. Think Of The Consequences: According to Cosmopolitan, when bleaching your hair, your head is being entirely stripped of its moisture causing the strands of your hair to become rougher, dryer and brittle. And when you add color to your bleached hair, dying your hair won’t ever be the same. Since the bleach has opened the pores in your strands, it makes it harder for new hair colors to stick causing gradual fading after every wash. 4. Consider Hair Extensions: Paying a little extra for real hair as opposed to synthetic hair could make all the difference since it can be colored and styled just as you would with your hair. Aside from choosing either real or synthetic hair, consider whether you would prefer single or double drawn extensions. Single drawn extensions contain various lengths of hair strands and are priced lower than double drawn extensions which are the same length all around from top to bottom, guaranteeing thick tips. Keep in mind, hair extensions need to be customized to your liking in order to look more natural so make sure you have the perfect hair stylist that knows how to cut and color extensions! 5. Listen To Professionals: Sure, the moment you walk into a hair salon you already have a set look in mind but sometimes we need a professional’s opinion to help us figure out whether or not that specific look will work. Stylists are there to give you recommendations and suggestions as to what hair color and styles may best accompany the shape of your face and your skin tone so hear them out! 6. Know Your Limits: Generally people don’t think about the process they are putting their hair through when they decide to dye it. Be prepared to compromise with your hairstylist if you are planning to do the impossible in one sitting. Be realistic, going from jet black to platinum blonde will take several sittings in order to protect your hair from damage and breakage.  Before You Start Styling: Try leaving in your hair products for about ten minutes before you start either blow drying or styling your hair with hot tools, this will help guarantee that you are getting the full effect out of your hair products and gives the products enough time to fully soak into your hair. Quick Alternative To A Time Consuming Blowout: Using a spornette brush, blow dry your hair in sections pointing upward toward the ceiling and aim the heat toward your roots. After you are done blow drying your hair switch the settings to cool air to set your volumized hair. Make sure to curl the ends of your hair to give your blowout its finishing touches!  Maintain Those Baby Hairs And Flyaways: Spray some hairspray on to your hands to slick back any baby hairs that are in your way, this technique prevents you from overspraying your hair with hairspray while trying to hold down every single strand of stray hair. Another way to maintain those stray hairs is to spray bobby pins with hairspray before applying it to the hair for extra hold. Hiding Your Visible Roots: Stay away from straight parts down the middle (that’s where your roots are most noticeable) and part your hair to one side. You could also use dry shampoo (baby powder is an alternative) to help style your hair in a messy part to take the attention off of your roots.  The Right Way To Use A Flat Iron: To add volume to your hair while straightening it, instead of pulling your hair downward toward the floor as you straighten, try pulling the flat iron upward, this creates volume at the roots. Make Your Curls Last Longer: Start curling your hair from the middle as oppose to curling your hair from the ends in order for your curls to stay in longer. |
RSS Feed