New Years Eve

Hi everyone,

If you are planning on going to a New Years Eve party, more than likely you want to dress up.  And if you are dressing up you (more than likely) have your outfit all planned. Well... here are some hair and makeup ideas to inspire you.

Planning on getting fancy for the New Year?

Daring Darling

Hi everyone,

I saw this dress and I wanted to I had to make an outfit post.  I love the color and the lace!  If only the  top was a little less sheer (in the bust area).  Due to the dress, the makeup must be classy and closer to the understated side.  I think the look that the model is wearing would be great for it, because it doesn't look to overdone.  It is just the right amount of makeup for the look and the updo is just perfect.

Let's Chat #22: Hair Talk and a Bit of Rambling

Hi everyone,

I named this post "hair talk" because there is a high probability that I will start rambling (I don't know where I will end up) :P.  Let me start by saying the cliche "embrace what you've got".  I know saying that is so corny, but there has to be a reason why it is said all of the time.  It is so easy to look over the fence and be wowed by what other people have (which is ok) and change it up to try new things (which is also ok) then end up hating where you started (which is NOT ok).  "Embrace what you've got"; easier said than done.  I am not going to sit here and tell you how extremely self confident I am and how I have always loved my features.  I am not going to say that there wasn't a time where I prayed that my curls would magically loosen, because "everyone loves girls with wavy/straight hair".  I'm not going to tell you that I don't have anything I need to work on.  Why? Because that would be a lie.  

I think when you are a teenager it is so easy to wish something about you was different.  Wishing that something about you was different can lead to you trying things that just don't work for you.  Just think back at your teen years and you'll probably remember an awkward phase you went through, where you decided to try out a hairstyle or makeup trend that didn't suit you.  That is ok because not everything suits everybody.  For example, I do not look good with super straight hair, because of my face shape, I think it makes me look sad (lol).   It is completely fine to experiment with looks.  I am not saying to stay the same way forever, that would be boring.  What I am saying is that even if you change things up you still have to go back to and face the way you really are (eventually), and most of all you have to be fine with it.  Also, facing the way you really are doesn't mean jus giving up and not trying, it means "working with what you got"  (more cliches, yes I know).  For example, if your hair is curly, like me, find out the right products and routine to get your curls the best they can be.  Finding out what works for you may not be easy but it is worth it! If you can work with what you got, not only will you get props from me, you will feel liberated!

Be the best YOU can be!

So here is a collection of hairstyles to inspire you...

Well I did ramble a bit but I don't think I went too off topic.

Also this doesn't only apply to hair it, can apply to any of your features.  I just mentioned hair because it was my example.

If you have ever disliked one of your features and came to love it I would LOVE to hear about it!

Thanks for reading. :)

Beach Beauty

Hi everyone,

If you didn't know, I love the beach!  Do you?  I can't understand why people don't like the beach... but to each their own I guess.  Everyone knows what to bring to the beach but here is a little list of beauty products you might want to toss into your beach bag.  Don't forget these essentials.

1. Hair ties.  Don't forget them!  Bring more than one because one usually is lost at sea.
2. lip balm.  Nothing dries out your lips like sea water except maybe sucking on a lemon.
3. Pressed powder.  I never bring this to the beach but if you aren't planning on setting foot in the water, you can bring this.  If you want to take some pictures and don't want to look shiny, bring this little guy with you.  To be completely honest, you really shouldn't worry about shine at the beach...everyone is shiny.
4. Reapply sun screen.  (Duh)
5. Hair products.  Although I don't bother with any sort of makeup I may bring along some type of hair product.  Sea salt can be so drying and a moisturizing conditioner may be just what you need.  If you are going to go rinse your hair out immediately this may not be necessary but if you are planning a long day you might want to bring this.   Bonus: you can put some conditioner (more than you would usually put) in your hair before going out into the sun to give yourself a deep conditioning treatment.

Where is your favorite beach?

Summer Hair Tips: Frizz

Hi everyone,

For many Summer means a new hair cut an possibly a change in hair color.   Summer also can mean humidity.  Humidity doesn't only make your skin skin sticky but it can frizz out your hair.  Personally in hot weather I can't bear to have my hair down (because really curly hair can be like an instant sweater).  I do wear my hair down in the Summer but I am far less particular and worried about frizz. If you have thick or textured hair humidity may not be your friend and there is no use fighting it much-- I'm not saying don't care about you hair; I am saying fight frizz but don't freak out if your hair is a little frizzy, relax. :).     

But if you are going to be an absolute perfectionist about your hair, even in the summer *sigh*, now is the perfect time for you to showcase some of your favorite updos or even a simple side braid (one of my personal favorites).

Although I mentioned not to worry to much about frizz, here are some tips to keep your hair somewhat intact during this humidity:

• Before I get down to the tips I'd like to say this:  Healthy hair consists of strands where the hair cuticle lays flat.  I know you have probably seen on the back of some hair product or even on a commercial hair under a microscope.  They usually show you a strand or two that looks kind of like a Christmas tree; that strand is screaming "MOISTURE!" Next to it they show you the after pic where the cuticles lay flat.  Back to that Christmas tree strand, this strand is reaching out and looking for moisture so if it reaches out to moisture in the air (humidity) it will rise up and create frizz.  I hope that makes sense.
• When washing your hair give your hair one last rinse of cold water.  I'm not saying to take a freezing cold shower but at the end of the shower quickly rinse your hair in cold water.  Doing this seals the cuticle of your hair.
• Use moisturizing products.  Remember if your hair can't find enough moisture anywhere it will grab some from that humid air!
• Use an oil.  If your hair is oily usually you might want to use a teeny amount but if your hair is dry or curly you can be a bit more generous.  Of course you know oil repels water, in this case it repels humidity.
• Embrace the messy look.  Summer was made for messy hair (well not really); think of all of the styles that can work with a little more texture to it (e.g. messy bun, beachy waves).

I hope you are having fun with your hair.

Still Looking for a New Look: Hair

Hi everyone,

I hope you enjoyed the previous post in this series about makeup.  This post is going to be all about hair.  This time I'll let these pictures do the talking!

Changing up your hair this spring?

Why I Love Leave in Conditioners

Hi everyone,

I am always one for simplifying my beauty and hair routine.  Although my hair is what I consider high maintenance (very curly), I long to make my life easier and minimize styling time.  That being said I never really saw the use for leave in conditioners.  I thought to myself can't I just "leave in" some of my conditioner?  Well I did try that out for a while and it was all good.  However a couple of weeks ago I started using a leave in and I have noticed the following differences:

• My hair has stayed moisturized longer (more days).
• My curls are much softer
• My curls last longer (more days) before they frizz.

 Well I have to admit that those results are great and I can't really argue with success.  So my hair routine is about 1 minute longer than it used to be, no big deal.  Also although my hair is curly leave in conditioners are not only for curly hair!
Here are some great leave in conditioners:

 Do you use a leave in conditioner? What is your favorite?

Sulfate Talk and Shampoo Review

Hi guys,

I just realized I haven't done a review in a while; my last review was in October.  Today I'm reviewing a shampoo I have been using for a while.  Some of you who are reading this post and remember the post I made on coconut oil a while back may be thinking, "this girl is obsessed with coconuts", you may be right. :)

 I bought this product a while back when I was looking for a sulfate-free shampoo.  I chose sulfate-free shampoos over sulfate shampoos because my hair is on the dry side of the spectrum.  Sulfate shampoos leave your hair super-duper clean.  Although this sounds like a good thing, for me it means stripping away of the natural oils that my scalp took a while to produce, leaving it  dry frizzy and hard to tame.  My hair is very curly by the way, so frizz is my ultimate enemy.  When I discovered the effects of sulfates on hair, I switched over to sulfate free.  I knew that sulfates were not helping me with my war on frizz. If your hair is oily and sulfate shampoos (most or "regular" shampoos) work for you, more power to you; my hair can't handle it. 

Review:

I picked up my bottle of Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo at my local beauty store.  One thing I love about New York is the abundance of small beauty boutiques and shops.

First reaction: When I first used this product I was hit by the smell...yum!  The consistency of the shampoo, was similar to other shampoos I have used and the color was a bit shimmery and opaque.  I had to use a bit more product than I was used to, to completely sud up my whole head.  When I rinsed the smell lasted but was much more subtle.  My hair was left feeling fresh. 

Pros:

Smell

Price 

Sulfate free :)

Great for dry or curly hair (or both)

Cons:

Amount of product needed for one use

Overall:  This is a good product for people who tend to have dry hair.  This product is not drying but not very moisturizing either, making it okay.  I was not wowed or dissappointed with this product, I got what I expected.  This is a nice relatively inexpensive product, and a good choice for those who don't want to spend a ton on a sulfate-free shampoo.

 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ ♡ (3.5 out of 5)    

Coconut Oil

Hi guys,

I have been hearing buzz about coconut oil for a while now.  I have used products that contained coconut milk and oil, but about two months ago I purchased my first jar of virgin unrefined coconut oil.  I absolutely love this stuff.  Unlike other oils, coconut oil has a low melting point which means it also has a low freezing point.  This is great because when coconut oil is at room temperature it is a solid, making it easy to apply (just by scooping it out), unlike other oils.  The low melting point allows it to be melted in without leaving clumps!  It is perfect, and it smells great!

• If your skin is dry you may want to apply coconut oil to your skin and lips.  This is especially important with the colder weather months coming.  

• If you wish to use this on your face use it sparingly because you don't want your face to appear too oily.  

• You may want to apply this around your eyes if the skin is dry.  This can be also used to condition your eyelashes (that's right I said condition and eyelashes in the same sentence).  If your eyelashes fall out it may be because they are dry. 

• This can be used as an oil-based makeup remover.

• To apply to hair you do not need much.  Coconut oil will add softness and shine to your hair.  Remember it will melt in quickly so don't worry about the clumps.  

• You can also use coconut oil to shine leather.

• You can use this to clean paint brushes (instead of using mineral spirits).

The great thing about coconut oil is that considering all of the uses it is relatively cheap!

Do you know any other uses or recipes with coconut oil?

Fall Hair Inspiration

Hi guys,

I know many of you like to change up your hair style or cut as the seasons change here is some inspiration.

 

Will you be changing it up this season?

Curly Hair Tips Part II

Hey guys,
In curly hair tips part I we discussed hair care; well that is only half the battle.  If you haven't read that post scroll down to see what you missed.  In my opinion styling is much more complicated because there are so many ways one can style curly hair, from hair products to hair drying, it is all about experimentation.  Here are the tips.

• Choose a styling product.  Those of you with curly hair know that this can be like finding a needle in a hay stack (maybe I'm exaggerating).  Let's break it down!  If you have wavy hair you may want to choose something with a softer hold, such as a mouse or a curl cream.   If you have tighter curls you may want to choose something with a stronger hold, like a gel.  These are not rules set in stone, consider them as more of a guideline.  In fact you may want to try all types of styling products to see how your curls will turn out with each of them.  You'll be surprised how many ways your hair can be styled.
• Use an oil.  Now this is completely optional.  Adding an oil to your hair will give your hair extra moisture and it will counteract any crunchy hold styling product may have on your hair.  If you decide to use an oil try to use it in moderation (as not to get rid of any hold altogether).
• Dry.  Now drying can be accomplished in one of two ways: air drying and diffusing.  I usually go for air drying especially in warmer months.  If you are in a rush to get out of the house and aren't really feeling the idea of leaving the house with wet hair, you should try diffusing.  A diffuser is an attachment to a hair dryer that stops your hair from being in the direct blast of air from the hair dryer but also allows it to dry properly.
• Now you are ready to go!

Beach Beauty

Hi guys,
I'm really in the spirit of summer right now and for me my favorite part of summer is visiting the beach.  I love the beach.  For those of you who plan on heading out to the beach or just want to sport a beach-y look here are some sunny tips (corny I know). :) 

Just look at that beach isn't it just beckoning you?!  It looks amazing!

1. •  Protect your hair.  This is a must especially if you plan on going in the water.  You can opt for an updo, which is perfect because it is uncomfortable to have hair sticking to your back in the hot sun.  and if you really want to protect your hair use a heat spray.  A heat spray that you use when straightening your hair would be sufficient.  Also if you tend to have dry hair it is a good idea to precondition your hair before heading out.  By the way this is a great time to use headbands to keep back any unruly frizz or baby hairs or even frizzy baby hairs! Here are some cool headbands:
   
   
   

     
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Wear a minimal amount of makeup.  I know for some of you the thought of going without foundation is mortifying; (but it really shouldn't be :)) no one will really care about your skin at the beach.  The beach is a place to relax so don't worry so much about what you look like.  But if you insist...opt for a tinted moisturizer that will offer light coverage and contains spf.  If you have acne believe it or not the salt in the ocean is great for your skin.  In fact ocean salt scrubs are sold for a pretty penny; so consider this a free spa day!   

   • Suntan lotion! (Duh!)   You may want to use an oil free non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) suntan lotion for your face.  Don't forget to protect under your eyes the last thing you want is tanned on eye bags (I'm speaking from experience here).
   • Paint your toe nails.  I can't even think of going to the beach without painted to nails, but then again that's just me.  Time to whip out the bright colors.  The colors that are very much on trend for this season are bright corals and mint.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Throw on you bathing suit and some shades and go have fun! 
     

     

     ~Vee

Curly Hair Tips Part I

There is so much information about curly hair out there these days its like a curly hair revolution.  I mean seriously where was all of this information when I was in curly hair denial (but that's a story for another post).  So if you are still in the dark ages with your curly hair its time for you to walk into the light... of the curly renaissance that is.  

So here are some tips

1) Use a sulfate free shampoo.  Sulfates can cause curly hair to dry out further.  Sulfates are also found in hand soaps, doesn't that sound a bit harsh to put on your hair.  Opt for something gentle for your curls.

2)Finger de-tangle or use a wide-tooth comb on WET hair.  Do not attempt to de-tangle curly hair dry.  Not only is it such a strenuous and painful task but it causes your hair to break and split ends.  Rather de-tangle in the shower the weight of the water will help you and you can use your trusty wide-tooth comb. Wide-tooth combs tug on the hair less than regular combs.    

3)Moisturize.  Conditioner is your friend!!!!!  This is probably the most important tip!  You should gravitate towards any conditioner that is targeted towards dry or frizzy hair they should offer tons of moisture.

~Vee