Category Archives: STYLE

fashion, style, beauty, interior design, and all things glam and chic

Our Favorite Cozy Fall Sweaters

There’s nothing that beats the feeling of having a super snuggly sweater wrapped around you when it’s impossibly chilly outside. And since we aren’t able to completely hibernate, these cozy sweaters are practically the next best thing from actually being curled up on the couch with your favorite mug in hand and blanket in lap. These are the sweaters you’re going to want to live in this holiday season. Sweater weather, meet your match!

 

Chunky Cowl Neck + Cashmere Turtleneck

These relaxed cowl neck sweaters with the dipped neck are ridiculously comfy and their slouchy fit goes great with fitted bottoms. While the cashmere turtleneck is a slim-fit, it keeps the warmth in and is ultra soft. It’s perfect paired underneath a leather jacket, heavy blazer, or peacoat.

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Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

 

 

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Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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cashmere turtleneck
Image courtesy of Joie Noel (@joienoel)

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Knitted Pullover

These cable knit pullover sweaters with draped dolman sleeves have an eye-catching stitched pattern that can be worn alone but also layer beautifully. Knitted pullovers are easy, they keep the cold away and the cozy in.  

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Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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Image courtesy of Joie Noel (@joienoel)

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Fringed Hem

The flowy silhouette on this oversized wool-blend sweater go perfectly with the boho-inspired fringed hem and plunging neckline. This mega cozy and casual sweater with undeniable flare goes perfectly with skinny denim jeans and chunky-heeled booties.

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Image courtesy of D’s Moments Blog (@dsmomentsblog)

 

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Laced Up 

One of trendiest sweaters of the bunch, this is the sweater that strikes the balance between looking good and keeping cozy best. With the deep V neckline, long stretched-out sleeves, and playful knit bodice, this sweater is the perfect pair to your favorite jeans.

 

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Image courtesy of Bourks and Bees (@bourksandbees)

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Image courtesy of A Double Dose (@samanthabelbel)

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Cold Shoulder

This cold shoulder sweater will give onlookers anything but that. While the cut-out sections in this fashion forward piece leave arms not fully covered, it lays very comfortably. The ribbed material hugs your body, keeping it warm, while still making for a relaxed fit.

 

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Image courtesy of Emma’s Edition (@emmasedition)

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 Bell Sleeve

The statement sleeves on this sweater will get any outfit noticed this season without sacrificing any of the cozy. In fact, the bell hem on the extra-long sleeves make this sweater feel even more cozy on top of looking chic and classy.

 

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Image courtesy of My View in Heels (@myviewinheels)

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The Best Moisturizers This Season

Moisturizer is a staple in our everyday beauty routine, but an absolute necessity in these cooler months. With those harsh, frigid days just around the corner, we’re rounding up the best new moisturizers (all for under $100!) that will keep your skin feeling smooth all holiday season long. Consider these a drink of water for your face.

 

Combat Dryness

AHAVA Time to Hydrate Active Moisture Gel Cream

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Ahava Time to Hydrate ($42)

This gentle gel helps maintain skin’s natural moisture. The source of its magic is dead sea water, minerals, and beauty oils such as sweet almond, avocado, and jojoba seed oil. Cell metabolism is enhanced and the skin is strengthened to better combat environmental attackers with its use.

 

Correct Tone

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright SPF 30

dr andrew weil moisturizer
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright SPF 30 ($53)

This oil-free moisturizer has been clinically proven to improve and brighten uneven skin tone. With Rosa Roxburghii and White Peony, both power flowers that are chock-full of Vitamin C, along with melanin-binding Palmaria, dark spots and discolorations are visibly diminished. The SPF 30 helps prevent new sun damage from forming.

 

Highlight

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Illuminating Moisturizer

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First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Illuminating Moisturizer ($34)

Your weapon against those dull skin days, this effective moisturizer brings the pretty. Enriched with sodium hyaluronate and light-reflecting particles, this works to hydrate and illuminate the appearance of the skin, giving you that highly praised dewy glow.

 

Brighten

Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter

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Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter ($15)

This affordable brightening formula makes the skin more radiant and smooth with an antioxidant complex of vitamins C & E, pine bark essence, and the gentle exfoliator lip-hydroxyl acid (LHA). This moisturizer is great for the winter months with its light, non-greasy formula and floral fresh scent. Users report that it’s good for sensitive, acne-prone skin as it doesn’t cause breakouts.

 

Afternoon Pick-me-up

 H2O+ Beauty OASIS Quench the Day Hydrating Mist

h2o+ moisturizer
H2O+ Beauty OASIS Quench the Day Hydrating Mist ($18)

 

This is hydrating mist is a mineral rich spray made of thermal water, vitamin e, aloe vera, and sea grass and water lily extracts. It’s a refreshing “to-go” moisturizer that also doubles as a makeup setter. Good for those who need their moisturizer to wear light, this formula is also free of parabens, mineral oils, and phthalates. Spritz this conditioning mist throughout the day to keep skin hydrated.

 

Anti-aging

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

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IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream ($48)

 

This best-selling rejuvenating cream took over seven years in the making in collaboration with top plastic surgeons to perfect its highly effective anti-aging properties. By combining collagen and hyaluronic acid, fine lines and wrinkles are filled, while the look of pores and discoloration are reduced. It joins niacin, peptides, and a super ceramide complex to completely drench your skin in a moisture-fest.

 

Soothe

Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer

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Mario Badescu Honey Moisturizer ($25)

With the smallest ingredient list in the pack, this vitamin moisturizer keeps skin supple, nourished, and exfoliated by including ingredients like honey extract, orange, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s). This light moisturizer is geared toward sensitive, problematic skin because antibacterial and super-soothing honey is behind it.

 

Ultra-hydrating

Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask

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Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask ($26)

A best seller in the Origins skincare line, “Put dry skin to bed” is the slogan of this ultra-rich and hydrating mask. It repairs dryness while preventing further face drought. Star ingredient Japanese seaweed helps repair skin’s barrier to deter future dehydration. Made with avocado and apricot kernel oils, this fruity-scented mask is going to be your best friend this fall.

10 Thanksgiving Outfits for a Comfortable (and Stylish) Get-Together

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year to show off your brilliant sense of style, but certain occasions require more of a comfort-first approach. (Anyone who’s ever shown up to Thanksgiving dinner in skinny jeans knows this all too well.) This year, treat yourself to some guilt-free gluttony instead with Thanksgiving outfits that are big on comfort and style.

Let’s Give Thanks: 10 Thanksgiving Outfits Made for Stuffing Our Faces

Healthy eating is obviously ideal, but counting your calories on Thanksgiving Day is just all kinds of wrong. The following wardrobe essentials allow you to eat and be merry without feeling like a stuffed turkey… and that’s something we can all appreciate. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving outfits.

1. A Sweater Dress

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Is there anything more comfortable and forgiving than a classic sweater dress? This effortless style is a must for your fall and winter rotation, and it’s a breeze to style with tights and ankle boots. Dress yourself up for the big meal in a slouchy, oversized design in favor of skin-tight bodycons (unless you’re into self-torture).

2. A Cold-Shoulder Top

Off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder styles are especially on trend and reveal a hint of skin in the most modest of ways. Wear it with jeans for a casual combination, or dress it up with a skirt and heels for fancier get-togethers.

3. A Peplum Blouse

The peplum top is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys second helpings. This popular cut offers a little flare at the midsection for maximum comfort – just balance the proportions with slim-fitting trousers for the most flattering silhouette.

4. Oversized Knits

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A cozy sweater in an oversized fit is always a great option for heavy dining. Wrap yourself up in a longline cardigan or a tunic-length style for extra warmth and coverage.

5. A Puffer Vest

This go-to fall style is on everyone’s layering radar, and its puffy structure is ideal for concealing the stomach area. Wear it with a white t-shirt and jeans, or throw it over your favorite LBD. It’s that versatile. Definitely a must-have for Thanksgiving outfits.

6. A Blanket Scarf

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There are countless ways to style this popular accessory, so feel free to get creative. Its generous size allows for figure coverage, and your fashion sense looks totally on point.

 7. Dark Layers

Harness the power of an all-black ensemble. Versatile and effortlessly flattering, dark hues minimize any tummy bulges while maximizing your level of holiday chic.

8. A Festive Palette

Comfort starts with easy fashion decisions… and nothing is simpler than earthy hues. Thanksgiving is known for its rich autumn shades, so mix and match them accordingly. Black and brown make a sleek pair, while an orange-and-navy combo looks especially festive.

9. A Full Skirt

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This feminine style conceals the entire midsection, and you won’t feel constricted when you start on your second helping of mashed potatoes.

10. Elasticized Pants

Some people may argue that elasticized pants are a dangerous choice for such a decadent meal, but a stretchy waistband gives you just enough extra wiggle room for that much-anticipated slice of pumpkin pie. Enough said.

What’s your go-to Thanksgiving outfit? Do you have any style preferences when it comes to this all-you-can-eat holiday? Keep the conversation going in the comments section below!

Stretch your Summer Wardrobe into Fall

Fall has officially graced us, but while most of the population is happily toting their boots and snuggly sweaters, a few of us are still hanging onto what we have left of summer and aren’t quite ready to part ways with the dainty, patterned dresses and short-shorts just yet. Here are a few fail proof ways to transition your summer wardrobe into this season that are weather appropriate and will give your outfits a breezy fall flair!

Layer up dresses

Long live flirty, mini dresses. By extending their length by pairing them with a long-sleeve button-up, sweater, cardigan, or trench coat, you can instantly make one of your favorite summer dresses autumn approved. Try wearing a button-up or light sweater underneath v-neck dresses or dresses with a plunging neckline, or wear a sweater over princess style dresses that flare out at the bottom. Pair knitted cardigans or neutral trench coats over dresses or rompers. 

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Mix feminine prints with bold textures

Floral flourished this year, and the chicest way to host it this fall is to contrast this feminine pattern with a bold, leather jacket. This outfit is the true lovechild of the two seasons, where edgy meets dainty. Finish this outfit off with a pair of ankle or over-the-knee boots.

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Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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Image via Pexels under license CC0

Shorts, skirts, and stockings

The simplest way to keep shorts or skirts in your outfit roster this season is to wear a pair of black stockings underneath them or to throw on a pair of knee high socks. Add the warmth by putting on a sweater, scarf and beanie, and some booties.

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Image via Pexels under license CC0

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Keep your toes out

The weather isn’t chilly enough that our toes can’t still get some exposure, so rock those stylish sandals until our feet have to go into hibernation for the winter. Pair sandals or open-toed heels with ripped jeans and chunky sweaters or sweater dresses. Sandals will keep your fall outfits elegant yet laid-back.

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sandals and jeans

Fall is without a doubt one of the most magical times of the year. While a change in weather invites a change in spirit, that doesn’t necessary mean that a complete overhaul of our closets is necessary too. Autumn is the perfect time to meld these two seasons together, just don’t forget to walk around without a pumpkin spiced latte, your most important accessory this season.

The Best Chemical Exfoliating Products Under $30

Sun damage, dullness, wrinkles…oh my! We all have our fair share of skin hiccups, with some of us now experiencing the effects of time, gravity, and space on our faces. But while there are those who are able to shell out big bucks to get professional exfoliating treatments like microdermabrasion and acid facial peels, the rest of us are yearning for those same spa quality results at a fraction of the price. 

Although it’s easy to mistake abrasive scrubs with the colorful microbeads as being king when it comes to exfoliation, it is the smooth, chemical acids that slough off the most rough. The heavy hitters in the acid world are alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. With these highly effective chemical exfoliating products, you will achieve complexion envy without putting a big wrinkle in your wallet.

 

AHAs

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are natural acids that are derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids in skincare are glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane) and lactic acid (derived from milk sugars). AHAs act as chemical exfoliants by loosening clogged pores and dissolving dead skin cells on our skin’s surface. They do this by eating away at the “glue” (sebum and other substances) that bind our cells together on the top layer of skin. By dissolving those dead, clogged skin cells, smoother, brighter, and younger looking skin is revealed. AHAs are best suited for those with tough, sun-damaged skin.

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Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum 14% glycolic AHA ($19)

Incorporate this holy grail serum into your nightly routine. Not only will it help resurface the skin from deep-rooted scarring and hyper-pigmentation, but it will also keep your face level by keeping acne at bay. This line offers glycolic acids in various strength levels and textures. Be sure to work your way up to see which amount of this wonder acid suits your face needs best.

 

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Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser ($18)

This natural cleanser is reminiscent of traditional scrubs with its jojoba beads, but it does no superficial job. It works to get deep under the surface by packing 2.5% glycolic acid in it, pushing dead skin, dirt, and oil into the deep end.

 

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Dr. Song 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel ($19)

This powerful peel offers up to 15-20 facials in one mega-affordable bottle. Load the sunscreen on after use and prepare to get your silky smooth skin back.

 

BHAs

Similar to alpha hydroxy acids in their surface dissolving abilities, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) differ in what else they work to rid our precious mugs of. While AHA’s are water soluble, BHA’s are oil soluble. What this means is that these acids are able to penetrate into the sebum of our pores, dissolving dead skin cells and oil that has built up inside of the actual pore. Due to their ability to penetrate pores, they work wonders at minimizing them, providing an all-around smoother and more even texture. BHA’s are best-suited for those who are prone to blackheads and have oily or sensitive skin.

 

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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($29)

Consider this an airbrush for your face. This miracle worker shrinks and unclogs large, unsightly pores, dramatically improving and refining the skin’s texture.

 

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Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid ($17)

Forget the days of painful nose-strips and irritating blackhead scrubs. This BHA liquid is a gentle blackhead killer that does some serious damage. We bid you adieu, blackheads!

 

These acids have compound effects, meaning that the more you use them, the better your skin will look. Snag any of these highly capable and budget-friendly products and you’ll be well on your way to having skin of days past. Before that, a word of caution must be imparted: it is absolutely vital to wear sunscreen anytime you head out with these acids sitting and working their magic on your face. They will make your skin all the more susceptible to sun damage, the very thing we’re working to counteract. As long as you have that covered, be prepared to go out and rock your best face ever.

Hair Trends of 2016: The Most Creative Cuts and Colors of the Year

Have you been curious about the different ways that people are wearing their hair lately? It seems like this year, we’ve seen a shift from some safe, classical haircuts and styles to more creative alternatives, including unique coloring. Pushing the limits (even slightly) has become trendy, and we’ve noticed it from everyone between A-list celebs to our next door neighbors, leading to more new takes on old favorites as well as looks that are completely out of the box. Here are a few hair trends of 2016 that have taken over the beauty salons and our communities.

Alternatives to the Classic Bob

Self, Profile
Few styles scream female empowerment more than cutting off long locks, and the bob has been making waves in the sea of beauty since it became a trend in the 1920s. Lately, however, we are seeing fewer cuts that frame the front of the face and taper in the back, and a greater number of longer styles, known as the lob.

Sticking between the chin and shoulders adds a little flexibility for those not quite dedicated to taking the full plunge, like recently seen on Game Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke. Actress Julianne Hough’s slightly wavy bob with light layers is also a great style for anyone wishing shorter hair but looking to test the waters first.

Do you need some extra inspiration? Just look at any recent photo of Taylor Swift. The singer/songwriter has fully embraced the bob, whether shaggy or slicked back.

Bold Bangs

hair trends 2016

Speaking of Taylor Swift, her bold, blunt bangs have received a lot of attention this year. While curly hair is a bit more difficult to work with, this is a hot look for people with straight strands on the medium to thick side. It also fits well with oval and square faces, and may be a desirable look for anyone who is okay with taking a bit more time in the morning to get just the right coif.

Long Layers

This look is adaptable, simple, and beautiful. Layers add volume and style all by themselves, minimizing the need for products and blow drying. They also keep long hair from appearing weighed down. And the best part is that anyone can rock them, especially since they are easily manageable. Over the last few years, we have seen more waves and bounce, especially a focus on curling hair at the ends. It is also popular to brighten layers with highlights and add extra dimension with lowlights.

Are you looking for photos to show your stylist at your next hair appointment? Look for any of Jennifer Aniston, who has made wearing long layers an art form, and some of the Dutchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.

Ombre

Have you started wondering if your friends are growing out their roots on purpose? Some may appear to wait longer between highlighting appointments; but if the graduation from dark roots to light tips seems too perfect, perhaps they’re really opting for an ombre color. Hair that starts dark and gradually lightens, or visa-verse, has been popular for a few years, especially in the blonde and brown hue ranges.

We are also seeing more extreme dark to bright transitions (or the other way around), especially those incorporating white blonde, reds, and blues.

Unnatural Colors

Priscila Diniz daily fashion inspiration
Easily the most attention-grabbing trend of the year has been unnatural colors, like various metallics and denim blue. Singer Katie Perry has been one of the more adventurous celebrities to experiment with her hair and is a fan of “rainbow color,” including ranges of purple, like lilac.

While there is nothing subtle about unnatural colors, stylists have begun developing ways to make them look more organic, especially playing with softer hues and faint ombres. Then again, you may want to make your splash of color stand out. Dip dye hair (which literally looks like it’s been dipped in color) is a bold look for daring divas.

Tender Loving Summer Hair Care

Oh, summer…despite your easygoing and fun-loving ways, you tend to do a real number on our manes. Don’t get us wrong, we’re willing to forgo beauty for some excitement, but that doesn’t mean we’ll go down without a fight.

hair summer

During a season where you not only have to worry about split ends coming from your heat tools but the blazing sun, dryness by way of chlorine-filled pools and those irresistible sea-salted beaches, to newly lightened do’s of bright blonde and warm honey hues changing into not-so-flattering shades of green, to the humidity woes that are weighing us all down, we have but no choice than to seek refuge.

Learn how to win this battle against the sun with these 10 natural summer hair care tips!

 

Protect your head

blond hair hat

Heat protectant spray isn’t used solely when the hot tools are out.  Spritz your hair with it before stepping outside for added protection. Rock a hat or or a stylish scarf to keep your head covered while you’re out and about. This will help maintain moisture in your scalp, fight off UV rays, and help color-treated hair remain intact.

Products: Argan Oil Thermal Shield Heat Protection by ArtNaturals

 

Be gentle

hair on pillow sleep mask

It’s been said that we should treat our hair like silk, and with the added wear and tear from the sun, the time to be ever-so-gentle is now. Skip the towel. Grab an old cotton t-shirt to throw your hair in after your shower. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling and resist messing with your hair until it’s nearly dry. Wear protective hairstyles to bed, like wrapping your hair in a scarf, to prevent further tangling and frizz and the need to style more. You can switch to silk pillowcases, too.

 

 

Reduce the heat

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Celebrate your natural hair this summer. The season’s breezes are nature’s perfect blowdryer. If you’re headed out, your hair is likely to dry just as fast anyway and without the added damage. No matter what type of texture you have, dry hair always means more frizz and breakage. To combat this, keep added heat at an absolute minimum. Experiment with the many different heatless styles out there, just promise you’ll try to put the flatiron down.

 

Maintain moisture

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From chemicals in the water to triple digit temperatures, our hair is in need of some tender loving care now more than ever. First things first, work with what you already have. Invest in a boar bristle brush. These brushes are best for evenly distributing the natural oils in our hair from root to tip, leaving hair shiny and our scalps happy. Deep condition your hair at least once a week, and invest in a quality leave-in conditioner for severely dry hair. Keep those ends sealed with a quality argan oil.

Products: Boar Bristle Brush by Beauty by Earth; Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioner by ArtNaturals; 100% Pure, Organic Argan Oil by Pura D’or; Unrefined Shea Butter by Better Shea Butter

 

Say goodbye to swimmer’s hair

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For color-treated hair that goes awry after dipping in the pool, rinse hair with 1:8 parts apple cider vinegar to water for a squeaky clean that will wash away discoloration and revitalize your locks. Coating hair lightly with oil before you step in the water will also prevent deeper penetration of your strands.

Products: Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar by Bragg

 

Skip washes

While it’s tempting to want to wash your hair everyday in the summer, daily washing throws our scalps’ oil production way out of balance, causing it to overproduce oil to compensate for the lack thereof, creating a vicious cycle of needing to wash it more frequently. Aim for wash-day every 2-3 days. Use talc-free powder or a natural dry shampoo to make hair last in between. Trust us with this one; the awkward adjustment period will pay off.

Products: Dry Shampoo by ACURE Organics

 

Make your own beach waves

summer wave hair

Whether you’re actually sitting oceanside but won’t step foot in the water or are miles away in a corporate office somewhere dreaming up your next island vacation, one thing’s for certain: there’s nothing more crave-worthy than those gorgeous, effortless, ocean-kissed waves this summer. Pull out the sea salt, coconut oil, and conditioner to get this look started. For a fraction of the cost, you can make this homemade sea salt spray.

 

Embrace humidity

silhouette curly hair

I know how this sounds, but it’s crucial in trying to keep your hair right in the summer and goes hand in hand with our last tip. The trick to humidity control is having the right products and smart styling. Dry shampoo works wonders in combating that just-got-out-of-the-shower look and plumps hair back up with volume. Fight nature with nature. Use aloe vera gel in place of traditional hair gel for styling – it’s packed with amino acids, proteins, and vitamins like calcium and potassium. It helps neutralize the scalp, no matter how oily it feels, keeping locks smooth, nourished, and flowy.

Products: Pure Aloe Vera Gel by Aubrey Organics

 

Wear loose, comfortable styles

hair in a braid summer

Use this time to play around with cute, loose up-do hairstyles and braids that require more grit and hold than freshly-washed, perfectly dried hair. Summer is the time to let go of those perfectly sculpted and polished looks, anyway. The more pressure we take off of our scalp, the less we have to deal with annoying side-effects like thinning edges and dandruff.

 

Stay hydrated

water drinking hair

While products are a big help, true beauty radiates from the inside out. Keep a water bottle handy with you whenever you’re on-the-go and be sure to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. If it’s hard for you to guzzle down that much plain H2O in a day, try infusing your water with fruit, mint, or cucumber for a refreshing treat!

3 Easy Hairstyles to Wear Out the Door

Are there ever really enough hours in a day? If you’re anything like me, you hit snooze on your alarm clock not once, not twice, but an impressive three times each and every morning just to enjoy a few more minutes in that glorious, loving bed of yours. With these full plates that we’re juggling, I think it is safe to say that we’ve grown accustomed to “hitting the ground running” as soon as day breaks. So when push comes to shove, why not find a way to cut some time guzzlers in half by changing a few things in our everyday routines — like mastering a few easy hairstyles?

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I’ve got your fix. Enter my three favorite heatless, easy hairstyles that you can wear fresh out of your morning shower to out your front door. Are you a part of the nighttime shower group instead? Don’t worry, you can wear each of these styles to bed with a damp head to get the same results, and wake up ready to go. The criteria for these easy hairstyles are simple: They must be complete in under five minutes, they must cause zero damage to your locks, and they must be versatile enough to wear out in public without getting you a single wide-eyed stare. When you’re ready to let your hair down and get to where you need to be, loose, effortless waves await you!

 

THE 4-STRAND BRAID

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This 4-strand braid pumps up the volume and is a nice change to the classic 3-strand or French braid. Trust me, this is easier than it looks! Here’s a helpful video tutorial on how to do it.


1. Create a deep part in your hair and move all of your hair to one side.

2. Separate your hair into four equal sections, holding onto to each strand carefully.

3. Starting from the innermost strand, mentally number each strand from one to four (the innermost strand being number one, and the outermost strand being number four).

4. Take the innermost strand (strand number one) and put it over strand number two, under strand number three, and over strand number four.

5. With the outermost strand in hand (strand number four), repeat the same weaving pattern accordingly back to strand number one.

6. Continue weaving through the strands until all of the hair is braided. Secure with an elastic band.

7. Pull on the hair in the finished braid to create a thicker, larger braid.

 

TWISTED TOP-KNOT

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Bonus: This is a trusted nighttime hairstyling method for keeping the frizz and bedtime kinks away, while leaving your hair full of volume in the morning.

Double-bonus: This is a more polished top-knot bun (no bobby pins used here) that still looks cute and messy AND gives you clean, thick waves.

1. Brush hair thoroughly and smooth all of your hair up to the very top of your head, holding the hair securely with your hand.

2. Holding all of your hair up, go to the very top of it to your ends, and begin tightly twisting the hair.

3. Twist hair down into the shape of a cinnamon roll on the top of your head to create a bun. Secure with a hairband. Tip: The looser the hairband you use, the less noticeable the line in your hair will be once you let it down.

4. Pull gently on your bun for desired texture and shape.

 

HEADBAND WAVES

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This hairstyle is effortlessly glamorous and reminiscent of something you would see out of the 1920’s. As if that wasn’t enough, this is by far the easiest method of achieving heatless curls sans the irons, flexirods, and rollers. Here’s a video tutorial on how to do it.

1. Place a headband loosely over your head to make the shape of a halo, making sure not to tuck it under your hair as you would with a normal headband.

2. Start by working on one half of your hair first. Grab around a one-inch section of hair (grab more for thicker curls), lift the headband gently off of your head, and tuck the piece of hair into the headband, letting it fall loosely with the rest of the hair.

3. Continue grabbing one-inch sections of hair and tucking it into the headband until that side of your hair is completely tucked into the headband.

4. Repeat this process on the other half of your hair.

5. Securely tuck any left over pieces of hair in the back of your head into the headband.

Once the hair fully dries, the finished product should look something like this:

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Here’s to getting some time back on our side and major wave-envy from the crowd. Happy styling!

Happy Healing: the Company Creating Tattoo Art on Casts

In April of 2006, Jessica Smith broke her left arm, nose, and toe in a cycling accident—just two weeks away from her college graduation. Not trusting any of her friends to sign her cast, the fine arts major picked up waterproof, puffy paints and began decorating her black cast in spurts. “It all started with a [huge] sunflower in the middle,” she said. “There was a dove [spreading its wings] on the underside of it. I had gotten a puppy [with a]…big white blaze on her chest that looked like a dove.”  Over the course of six weeks, she added shooting stars, yellow and blue beads, and a cloud-covered sun.  While the paint dried at a snail’s pace and required “every little piece of it [to be blasted on high] with a hair dryer, it became a conversation starter, a silver lining to this whole broken bone thing.”  Smith’s original “Castoo” ultimately became the springboard for what’s since become the Happy Healing Company.

pink zebra cast

A global phenomenon, Smith has sold hundreds of thousands of orthopedic cast tattoos to consumers and care providers, who can up their marketing game by branding the product with their clinical logos.  The Happy Healing Company offers 40 different designs in four sizes.  Application is a cinch: peel, press, and dry for 10-15 seconds with a hairdryer on medium or high heat. “The flames, fairies…, and those little, traditional candies are really popular” Smith said. Drawing design inspiration from “everywhere”, this globe trotter and nature lover can turn “whatever you can think of…into a Castoo”, even your authentic x-rays.

The Happy Healing Company is run by just two staff members and three, part-time interns.  “When I was living in Boulder, [Colorado,] I started up an internship that utilized art students from the art department every semester,” Smith said. “I’m firing up that program again at Oregon State University.” The paid internship is fairly competitive and extremely rigorous. “It takes them [an art, computer science, and business intern] through every step,” she said. “The art student, for example, goes through the business of being an artist and what that means:” marketing yourself, protecting yourself, and selling your art.

cast tattoo

However, Castoo is about to “turn everything upside down, shake it up, and put it back out there.”  With 40 brand-spanking-new designs, customers will be able to order metallic and glow-in-the-dark Castoos.

“Now we are starting to get into some licensing,” she said. “Disney is coming.  It’s only a matter of time, [and] luckily, I’ve had universities and professional teams start coming to me, wanting [to directly sell] the product for their fans or for their players.”

The Happy Healing Company, though, is definitely firing up a line of Castoos for prosthetic limbs, which on average cost $5,000 to $50,000 and only lasts three to five years. “Base models are very plain, and you’re looking at someone who suffered a tremendous loss,” she said.  With a semi-permanent adhesive, amputees can jazz up limbs without their Castoos rubbing off.  However, if they outgrow or get tired of the design, they can remove it without damaging their limbs.

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Castoo is changing the face of healing, spinning that depressing downtime into a positive experience by chipping away the embarrassment of being the “clumsy kid”.

“Now, mind you, most people don’t want to use the product again,” Smith laughs.  “They don’t want to have to, but you’d be amazed at how many repeat customers I have. Parents that said, ‘I ordered this for my son, and his best friend just broke his arm, and we want to send him this [Castoo] for joy.'”  Happiness: ultimately, that’s what these “beauty for breaks” are for. Proving, in Smith’s case, that “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents.”

5 Items You Need In Your Minimalist Makeup Bag

These days, Instagram feeds and YouTube videos are ripe with gloriously flawless faces demonstrating how to contour the cheekbones or create the perfect cat eye. Pair red lips with natural eyes and bold smoky looks with nude lips. The techniques and trends seem to change and evolve with each passing day, and it can be overwhelming. So what’s a girl to do when all she wants is a little glow and minimal work?

This isn’t the guide for the woman with 18 brushes, six palettes and a drawer full of lipstick. This is for the woman who doesn’t know where to begin, but wants something a little more than the mundane daily routine.

A simple, easy makeup routine starts with quality products. Though more expensive than their drugstore counterparts, these brands offer products that will last longer and easily give you the look you want. Here’s your minimalist makeup guide.

Start with a Good Moisturizer

Moisturizer works for your skin now and 10 years from now. It keeps the skin balanced, fresh and helps prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. For a simple, all-purpose moisturizer, go with the bareMinerals Smart Combination Smoothing Lightweight Emulsion. It sounds complicated, but it’s as simple as one pump of lotion.

smart combination bare minerals

 

Choose an All-Day Wear, Light Foundation

One of the easiest ways to look great without much effort is applying a foundation or powder to the face. An all-day wear liquid foundation is a great option. Why? Because you’ll use less over time, which saves you money and hassle. Try Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation. This foundation lasts all day long, regardless of humidity levels or how oily your skin might be. Once it’s on, you won’t have to worry about it again. No touch-ups. No carrying it with you. This foundation stays in place and looks beautiful all day.

tarte makeup

 

Pick Your Perfect Mascara

Accentuating the eyes is a staple in any makeup look, and good mascara will do the trick. You’ll want to choose one that defines, elongates and thickens the lashes. Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara does all of the above. Its innovative brush elongates lashes while defining them without clumps. This mascara is natural-looking and comes in multiple colors, so you can choose which shade will work best for you.

benefit mascara makeup

 

Go With a Light Shade of Lip Gloss

The world of lipsticks and glosses can be overwhelming. Your best bet is to go with a neutral toned lipgloss for an everyday look. You want something that will add a tiny bit of color and shine to accentuate your lips. Urban Decay’s Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Naked is a great option. This natural, pink tone not only looks good with every skin tone, but it adds just enough color without feeling overdone.

urban decay lipgloss

 

A Little Shimmer on the Cheeks

Blush is another one of those makeup products that will have a makeup minimalist cringing. The wrong color blush can make you look overdone, which is the opposite of the desired look; but you can add a little shimmer to the cheeks without adding a ton of clown-like color. Stila offers an All Over Shimmer Duo  perfect for adding just enough shimmer to the cheekbones. The duo includes a natural, light pink and a light beige option so you can choose between adding a little color or swiping on a little bronzed glow — perfect for multiple occasions without all the hassle and confusion of too many options.

stila all over shimmer makeup

 

The perfect everyday look doesn’t have to include 45 minutes in the mirror and a YouTube video tutorial. These five simple items will add the right amount of glow to your skin and pep to your daily routine.