Fashion & Beauty Ethos: My Side Swept Fishtail Pony

The rain outside is relentless which means I will have to find other ways of wearing my hair until it lets up. One thing on my to-do list was learning how to do a "fishtail braid", so I logged on Youtube and checked out a few tutorials. It wasn't very difficult at all, after a couple of tries, I had the fishtail braid pictured!

 

This is a great alternative to rocking regular ponytails, or on those days when you want a chic, effortless look. I love hair styles that are ultra femme without looking like you're trying too hard. If you try this out, leave some hair out around the front for a messier look. The good thing about this style is that it doesn't have to be perfect. - I'm going to experiment with this style using some clip-in extensions. If it works I will have a video tutorial for the chica's with shorter hair that want to wear this look. 

 You can also take notes on different ways to wear this look from a few celebs:

For those with shorter hair in the front like Rihanna, curl the loose hair with a 1" curling iron for feminine face framing tendrils. - If you have longer hair in the front like Leona, loosely pin pieces back with a bobby pin for a wispy look. 

Whether you're wearing it messy like Angela, or pinned back and neat like Cassie, it's definitely a refreshing change of pace from regular braids!

{photo source: style}

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New Years Make Up Idea: Dark Smoldering Eyes, Shimmery Cheeks & Pink Lips

I'm really looking forward to getting dressed up and celebrating the many blessings 2010 has brought. I have been keeping an eye out for red carpet-worthy looks that translate well off the carpet. My favorite look right now is this sultry, yet playful look I spotted on several celebs and editorials. - What I love about it is how easy it is to pull off. The only trick is keeping a steady hand while rimming the upper and lower lashline. Everything else is a cakewalk.

I played around with this look until I found the best combination of products to pull it off! The key is keeping the face simple while really playing up the eyes and lips. I also have to give all the glory to Bobbi Browns Gel liner {in Black Ink}. This liner pops really well on us gals with darker skin tones. I am a fan of MAC's fluidline eyeliner in Blacktrack, however Bobbi Brown's formula is much darker, making it the perfect liner for an intense smokey eye. 

Another winner was using my ULTA Electro pencil in Khaki. I used it to rim my entire eye with a pop of green color. This makes the eyeliner less harsh, and more playful, sultry, and edgy. Play with different colors like shades of purple, blue, silver and even gold. -

For the pink lippy, I used Lip Tar's "Demure". A perfect fuchsia for almost every skin tone. I topped off the look with rosey-colored cheeks. Loverush and Style were my blush's of choice by MAC. 

Total Sidebar: You may notice the straight hair in these pictures! I straightened and trimmed my hair for a shoot I did, and didn't have time to film the process. I will however update in the next few days with a length update and subsequent posts about how to maintain it, as well as various styling options...and of course, a Caruso Roller-Setting Video Tutorial :-)

To get this look, you will need:
Bobby Brown Gel Eyeliner in "Black Ink"
Ulta Electro Pencil in "Khaki"
Select MAC Coverup Concealer
Lip Tar in "Demure"

Nail your smokey eyes in 6 easy steps:

1. Apply concealer on your eyelid and lower lashline. Try to pick a concealer that brightens like Select Coverup by MAC.
2. Line your upper and lower lashline with your gel eyeliner 
3. Line your waterline with any black eyeliner pencil
4. With your colored eyeshadow pencil, gently draw a line underneath the black liner near the lower lashline. 
5. Using the same colored pencil, lightly sweep pops of color on your eyelid and smudge the color over your entire lid using your finger or smudging brush
6. Add two coats of mascara to upper and lower lashes and that's it! 

Nail shimmery cheeks in 2 easy steps:

1. Apply your rose colored blush to the apples of your cheeks
2. Apply a frosty or shimmery colored blush slightly above the apple of your cheeks. This acts as a highlighter and accentuates the contouring done by the blush.

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Model Behavior: Simple Touch Up Tips To Keep Your Makeup Flawless All Day Long!

 {source} 

Headed to a few soiree's this Holiday Season? Keeping your makeup fresh all day long can be a pain for those of us that are always on the go. Here is a list of short yet useful tips that will keep your face fresh, dewy, and flawless all day long. Refresh your makeup after work, or in between parties with these simple tips and tools. 

Your touch-up bag should include:

Clean applicator sponges

Pressed powder

Q-tips

Moisturizer

Lip color

Lip liner

Lip gloss

Pearlescent eyeshadow  

Blotting tissues 

Bronzer/Highlighter

Control shine: Before applying additional powder to your face, make sure to blot excess oil on your face with the use of blotting papers. Areas to pay special attention to are the eyelids, T-zone, and chin. Out of blotting papers? Take a trip to the ladies room and use the toilet seat covers. They work quite well :-)  

Buff it out: After removing the excess oil from your skin, use a clean sponge to gently smooth your makeup using a buffing motion. This smooths out the harsh lines, creases, and other imperfections caused by sweat and oil. 

Reapply: Reapply pressed powder as needed to mattify oil prone areas of your skin. I recommend using a small fluffy brush to apply your pressed powder. Using a sponge, or puff is great for a first time application, however for a touch up, you want something that offers a lighter application. 

Eyeshadow check: Is your eyeshadow blotchy? Reapplying the color may add to your dilemma by causing additional creases and streaking. Instead, blot eyes, smooth eyeshadow with a clean sponge, then apply a tiny amount of sheer, creamy shadow [preferably a pearlescent color] all over your lid.

Under-eye check: Check under the eye for smeared eyeliner or eyeshadow. If you notice any imperfections near this area, dip a cotton swab in a dollop of moisturizer and gently remove the imperfections with your swab. Using the moisturizer helps remove the product efficiently without breaking down the foundation/concealer underneath it.

Revive lip-color: You can revive faded lip color by adding a bit of gloss. For a complete overhaul, remove lip color and liner completely and moisturize your lips for about 1-2 minutes with your favorite moisturizer. This keeps your lips supple, soft, and smooth for the next lip color application.

Highlight: To add warmth and dimension to your face [which gives a more natural look], add a bit of bronzer, shimmery blush, or your favorite highlighting product. Using a soft dusting motion, lightly sweep color on the following areas: the tops of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, and your chin.

 

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: Fur Vests; Love It Or Leave It?

 [source]

After having heinous faux fur vest experience at one of my favorite stores, I was against the whole fur vest movement. Looking back on it, I think I over-styled the outfit. My hair was too big [I really felt like a lion with the hair and the vest], and the outfit too busy for a piece that commands that much attention. 

However after seeing it on a few people, worn different ways, I think I am better equipped to revisit the trend. What I love about fur vests is that it really can up the ante on skinny jeans and a tee, flowy bohemian maxi dreses, and even slouchy boyfriend jeans and a plain white hubby beater. 

For more of a funky look you can wear one open with a flirty skirt and a long sleeve shirt. Or you can belt it, throw on some leggings, boots, and a plain long sleeve shirt for a chic, yet effortless look. I definitely recommend taking cues from Kelly by keeping the pieces simple, and the patterns to a minimum because you really want the vest to take center stage. 

Again I love how Ciara kept the silhouette clean by belting the vest and opting for a monochromatic color palette. For more of stylized, edgy look, you can leave the vest open and throw on some leather driving gloves, or 5-finger half gloves like these at Patricia Fields:

$48 - Patricia Fields

Arlenis wears her fur vest with military inspired pants, and buckle boots which gives this look a chic, utilitarian feel.

Fur Coats at Piperlime
Fur Coats by Kensie

The good thing about this trend is that it is accessible on every budget. The vests pictured above are all under $89, however you can find them even cheaper at the stores mentioned below! - Remember if you pick up one of these to keep the silhouette clean, accessories & hair simple, and the color play to a minimum to help you nail the look!
$18-$35
Forever 21 
H&M 

$65-85
Zara 
Bebe
Anthropologie 

Are you feeling the Fur Vest trend?

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: DIY Chic Tribal Mani

Everywhere I turn, I find design speckled with tribal undertones. So I decided to do my nails in a tribal inspired mani this past weekend, and it was extremely easy! In keeping with the theme the past few weeks, I decided to use a toothpick for the line details and it was a breeze. 

You Will Need:

Two Shades of Nail Lacquer; O.P.I - "The It Color" [yellow] & O.P.I "Over The Taupe" [taupe color]

Black Nail Polish: I used Rimmel in "Black Satin"

Toothpicks for nail design 

Top Coat: I tried out Seche Vite, so far so good ladies!

Base Coat: I used Essie Protein Base Coat 

Apply a base coat

Paint a little more than half your nail bed with two coats of your main color

Paint the remainder of your nail with two coats of your secondary color 

Draw a line down the middle of your nails with your toothpick dipped in black nail polish [be careful not to drag the toothpick as it may scrape the polish; instead lightly dot it creating a solid line]

Draw several lines near the top portion of your nail bed

 Draw more lines as illustrated in the photo above

Now draw dots down the nail bed using a new toothpick and black nail polish

Repeat the steps above on each nail, then seal with a top coat

Enjoy your new nails!

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: DIY Black Tie Mani

Something about this mani reminds me of a woman's tuxedo. The black adds a bit of masculinity, while the lace pattern gives it a dainty feel. This took little-to-no time to complete [20 minutes to paint and design], and the design is very forgiving in case you happen to mess up a little bit. - I used a toothpick for the design because it is much easier to control versus those long, thin, nail art brushes. 

Tip: When making the diagonal stripe, start from the cuticle area, and drag the brush down in one stroke. Don't lift the brush off the nail until you reach the end. This helps you make a straight line.  

You Will Need:

Base Coat: I used Essie Base Coat

Mauve Base Color: I used O.P.I "Barefoot in Barcelona"

Black Accent Color: I used Rimmel "Black Satin"

Black Striping Color

White Striping Color

Top Coat

Toothpick

Apply base-coat; this is important when using black, as it helps prevent staining. 

Paint your nails with your base color, then draw a diagonal line with your black nail art polish

Fill in the lines with the black polish 

With a toothpick, make a half-circle near the base of the black polish

Make the tiny half circles all the way down the base of the black polish

This is what the finished lace pattern should look like

Using your toothpick and white nail art polish, add white dots near the base of each arc

Seep each nail with top coat and you're good to go!

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Beauty Quicktip: 8 Secrets For Longer, Stronger, Healthier Nails + DIY Cuticle Oil

I am loving the eye makeup and nude lip combo.  [source]

You don't need weekly spa visits to keep your nails looking their best! Try out some of these easy, affordable tips and get your nails in shape just in time for the Holiday parties!

Invest in non acetone nail polish remover: All polish removers contain solvents that can be extremely drying to your nails. Reach for acetone-free nail polish remover to remove everyday polish, and save the acetone polish remover for nail art, glitter polish and other hard to remove nail lacquer.  - Those that already have brittle, weak dry nails should steer clear of acetone remover until your nails are strong enough to sustain it as needed.  

Use nail polish remover no more than once weekly: This helps keep your nails hydrated and less prone to chips, cracks, and thirsty cuticles.

Don't nip those cuticles: Cuticles help protect the nail from bacteria. Cuticles also help protect new Keratin cells from damage as they age. Remember the Keratin is what gives your nails the strength they need to resist breaking, chipping and cracking. Instead of cutting the cuticles, use an Alpha Hydroxy cuticle remover like OPI Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment. I find that cuticle removers that contain AHA are more effective versus those formulated without it. - You may notice a big difference in the overall health of your nails, I definitely have.

Use a clear coat when going "bare": Nail polish can help protect the nails allowing them to grow longer as protected nails are less likely to chip, break or tear.

Use cuticle oil about once weekly: Healthy, hydrated cuticles are essential to nail growth as healthy hydrated cuticles are essential to healthy hair growth. Don't neglect your cuticles, keep them hydrated, nourished and smooth with cuticle oil. Cuticle oil can also help repair cracked, cuticles and nail beds.

Grab some biotin: Biotin can be a life saver when it comes to growing longer, stronger, healthier nails because Vitamin B is known to strengthen Keratin [Your nails are made up of Keratin]. For best results, take 300 micrograms twice daily. It can also help strengthen your hair too [as hair is 90% Keratin]

File your nails like the pros: Avoid the "back and forth" motion when filing your nails. Instead, file your nails in one direction; it keeps them strong, as well as prevents damage and worn spots on the nail bed. - Also make sure to file your nails once they are completely dry. You never want to file your nails right after a shower or soaking them in water. Filing nails while wet can also cause rips, tears and worn spots.

Give yourself a nail massage once weekly: Nail massages stimulate circulation in the nail bed which in turn fosters growth! You can either do a 5 minute nail/hand massage, or you can buff your nails which also stimulates the nails as well.

DIY Nourishing Cuticle Oil

2 Tablespoons of Jojoba Oil

2 Tablespoons of Hemp Oil

1 Teaspoon of Tea Tree Oil 

1/2 Teaspoon of Vitamin E Oil

*All of these ingredients can be found in most health food stores; or online here {From Nature With Love}

About This Formulation:

Vitamin E: Acts as an anti-oxidant helping to minimize the damage from daily "wear and tear" on your nails. Vitamin E also protects nails from the elements during the harsh cool winter months. Vitamin E oil also helps stabilize the other oils which will help keep them from going rancid.

Hemp Seed Oil:  The omega fatty acids and proteins found in Hemp oil helps stimulate nail growth, and provide nourishment to your nails and cuticles.

Jojoba Oil: Is a non-greasy oil that hydrates and delivers nutrients to your cuticles and nails.

Tea Tree Oil: Is a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additive, it keeps nails clear and bacteria free.

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Fashion & Beauty Ethos: DIY Betsey Johnson Mani

This manicure reminds me of Betsey Johnson's iconic floral print. It was extremely easy, in fact I did all of the nail art with a toothpick. I find toothpicks or bobby pins much easier to control versus those long nail art brushes. The entire mani took me about 30 minutes from start to finish [not including drying time] which isn't pretty bad considering the payoff. 

Betsey Johnson Mani

You Will Need: 

Base Coat

Black Nail Polish <- I used Rimmel "Black Satin"

Pink Nail Polish <-- I used Sally Hansen's "Bubblegum Pink" in the Extreme Wear series

Green Nail Polish <-- I used Sally Hansen's "Going Green" in the Extreme Wear series

White Nail Art Polish 

Toothpick 

Topcoat

Apply basecoat

Paint nails with two coats of black polish

Using your toothpick, randomly place medium sized dots of pink nail polish

Using a new toothpick, outline your nails with the white polish. Don't make the outline perfect, follow the method that is illustrated above [two half circles]

The finished outline should look similar to this

Place green dots near each "flower" 

After designing each nail, apply a top-coat and allow your nails to dry thoroughly for about 20-30 minutes! 

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