A braided crown

I'm excited to share another hair tutorial! Heidi braids, which go across the top of your head, are beautiful, but my friend Caroline wears hers in a different way: like a crown circling around her head. What a breezy summer style! She looks like a Danish princess. So I invited her over to explain how to do them, and the wonderful Jamie Beck took photographs.

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out...
1. First, part your hair into two sections. To make the look softer, I like to make a diagonal part in the front (starting sort of near the arch of my left eyebrow, going towards the middle of the crown) and then bring the part straight down the back.

2. Braid the two ponytails, and secure each with a small rubber band.

3. Make sure the tops of the braids are pretty loose (you don't want that part pulled too tight or you'll be able to see the part line going down the back).

4. Take the braid on the right and wrap it around the front. Wrap it low and loose near your front hairline (versus on the top of your head).

5. Pin the braid in place with bobby pins. I like to use mini ones, but if you have thick or unruly hair, bigger pins will work better.

6. Take the second braid and wrap it around the back. Again, I like to keep it low and loose so it sort of flows into the front braid.

7. Pin in place. If your hair is long enough, tuck the end of each braids behind the other braid (right where they meet) and pin to hold. Voila!
What do you think, my darlings? These pretty braids are perfect for summer bike rides and taking photos around town. (Your hair stays out of your face, but you still look adorable.) Thank you so much, Caroline and Jamie. xoxo

P.S. Three past hair tutorials, including the perfect ponytail!

(Photos by the fabulous Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. Caroline's jewelry is from her own line Brvtvs, and her lip color is NARS lipstick in Niagara. She also used this hairspray to make her hair shiny.)

Perfect nails

My friend Leigh always has pretty nail polish, but my jaw dropped when I saw her glittery gold manicure. They're actually Sally Hansen nail strips, which you apply like stickers! So they never smudge and don't need drying time. Aren't they amazing?

(Photo by Marvelous Kiddo)

Heidi braids with fabric

How pretty are these heidi braids from the Rachel Roy fall 2011 show? Refinery 29 just did a great tutorial. (And it would be cute with the new heart scarf from ban.do.)

P.S. More pretty hair!

(Photos by Dan McMahon for Refinery29)

What perfume do you wear?

My friend Alison came over yesterday and smelled like a field of wild roses and pink peonies. Her secret? Chloe Chloe perfume. The scent was light, romantic and just perfect. I'm going to head over to Sephora and pick up this little rollerball version today.

Which kind of perfume do you wear, my lovelies?

P.S. My favorite quirky perfumes.

How cool is this?

I've been selected out of hundreds...maybe thousands:p to review a product called the "Personal Microderm". This product really is one of the best beauty tools around. What the Personal Microderm does for your skin is miraculous. It revitalizes and cleanses the skin. I'm OH so very excited. Apparently I'll receive my Microderm in a week or two. Gotta love Apothica & The Fringe Network!

Braided top bun

Whenever I'm walking around downtown New York, I see tons of cute girls wearing buns on the tops of their heads. Well, what could be even better than a top bun? A braided top bun! My friend Caroline, a hair genius, came over to explain exactly how to get this easy spring look, and the fabulous Jamie Beck took photos.

Here are Caroline's easy steps...
1. This simple hairstyle is perfect for a warm spring day, when you want to keep your hair cool and off your neck. First, part your hair in a deep side part (instead of combing it back smoothly). This makes it look a little less fancy, perfect for bike rides or Sunday picnics. Then gather your hair into a ponytail on top of your head. The higher, the better.

2. Make a loose braid all the way down the tail. Don't braid it too tightly; a little messy is perfect and it will help it look less "ballerina." Secure the end with a rubber band; I recommend these clear elastic bands, since they'll blend into your hair color and won't be as visible.

3. Creating a circle on top of your head with the braid. You don't want to wrap it tightly like a bun; instead you want it loose and open in the center, kind of like a braided pillbox hat! (If your hair is really long, you may have to double up the braid, one in front of the other.) When you reach the end, tuck the bottom of the braid under the circle you've created to hide it.

4. Pin the braid in place with mini bobby pins, since they're easier to hide and won't be as noticeable.

5. A few suggestions: I like to make the look a little messier by pulling little strands of hair out at the back and sides, but if you prefer it cleaner, you don't have to do that. And if you'd like, you can pin your bangs out of the way with bobby pins.
Voila! Here's the look, beautiful and timeless. What do you think, my darlings? Thank you so much, Caroline and Jamie! xoxo

P.S. Past hair tutorials, including three twisted buns, the perfect side ponytail, a messy French bun.

(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. Caroline's shirt is from Cardigan, her jewelry is from her own line Brvtvs, and her blush is Tarte cheek stain in Tickled.)

Three twisted buns

I'm excited to share another hair tutorial! You know those days when you want your hair to look pretty but you only have a minute? Well, my friend Caroline swears by this gorgeous set of three twisted buns ("like cinnamon rolls!" she says). So she came over to explain exactly how to do them, and the wonderful Jamie Beck took a few photographs. And guess what? They really were quick and easy.

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try them out...

1. This style is so easy, it's laughable. Day-old hair is best (which is true for most hairstyles, since it's easier to work with hair that has a little dirt in it).

2. Divide your hair into three equal parts and quickly spray each section with a little hairspray to help give it hold. Let the hairspray set for a couple seconds, and then lightly comb it out.

3. Take the section on your right side, and twist your hair all the way down to the end. You want to twist counter-clockwise, toward your face. Wrap the right section in on itself, just like you're making a little bun. Let some of the hair stick out, it's ok (you don't want them to look like Princess Leia buns).

4. Pin the right bun in place. I like to use these mini bobby pins, since they're easier to hide and they're coated in rubber so they hold your hair better.

5. Next, twist the middle section clockwise and pin. Then twist the left section clockwise and pin.

6. Spray the three buns with a little more hairspray, and you're done!

See? Super simple!
Here's the look, feminine and easy breezy. What do you think, my darlings? Thank you so much, Caroline and Jamie! xoxoxo

P.S. Past hair tutorials, including the perfect side ponytail and braided top bun.

(Photos by the fabulous Jamie Beck. Caroline's shirt is from Cardigan, and her lipstick is Covergirl Outlast Lipstain in Wild Berry)

Expiration dates for YOUR beauty essentials

*Anti-aging and acne treatments: Three months to a year. Antioxidants are easily oxidized, so be on the lookout for any changes in color.
*Body lotion: Two to three years, particularly if it’s in a pump container.
* Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: About three years.
* Bath oil: One year.
* Sunscreen: Check the package for an expiration date.
* Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Three to four months. Make sure you’re diligent about replacing these items to prevent contamination and infections.
*Eyeshadow: Up to three years.
*Concealer:Up to 12 months
*Make-up brushes: Wash every 2-3 months in a mild detergent.
* Eye and lip pencils: Three to five years. Sharpen them before each use as a way to preserve them and keep them clean.
* Lipstick and lip gloss: Two to three years.
* Foundation: About two years. Most bottles are designed to last that long. And if you don’t use it, chances are you didn’t love it to begin with.
* Perfume: About two years. To get more mileage out of a perfume, resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity. Instead, stash it away in a cool, dark place.
* Nail polish: One year.
* Hairstyling products: Three to five years. Most are alcohol-based, which helps preserve the formula.
* Bar soap: Up to three years.
* Shaving cream: About two years.
* Deodorant: Up to two years.

Real eye opening info...You should totally bookmark this post!!!

DIY headband

Loving Jenny's heart headband. So pretty!

Do you want makeup that looks good and is GOOD for your skin too?

Well...DuWop cosmetics was made with you in mind! I know that us gals have our own makeup dilemmas but mine is...RED LIPSTICK. I love red lipstick but I'm absolutely terrified of how it'll look on me. As a woman of color,I'm very concerned about drawing negative attention to my lips. Such effect will be called:CLOWN MOUTH,just tragic.

But DuWop is here to the rescue with their revolutionary lipstick "Private Red"!

Private Red is different from other lipsticks because it has "mood lipstick technology".Which always it to change color and complement YOUR skin tone.Thanks for solving my 3 year dilemma,DuWop:-) Not only that but Private Red contains nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E for conditioning and Henna for a non-fading pigment.It not only protects&conditions,smooth-ens but never fades! This isn't your mother's lipstick!

This is the lipstick of the new generation. It's a great buy that every trendsetter needs in her makeup bag. No more dry lips! No more weird smells! No more fading color! I'm a huge fan! I do not advocate anything I don't believe in so don't waste another dime on products that don't work.

XOXO

Messy side ponytail

My lovelies, you know the messy side ponytail from J. Crew's spring lookbook? Well, I really wanted to learn how to do it myself, so I invited over my friend Caroline (who is a hair genius) to explain how to get the look, and the fabulous Jamie Beck took a few photographs. (What I love love love about this style is how the top looks like a beehive!)

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out....
1. Start with day-old hair...meaning it's been a day since you've washed it. (If you must wash your hair, then use a volumizing spray to add oomf; and if your hair is oily, use a French dry shampoo to build body and texture.) Now make a deep side part on one side of your hair. You can use a rat-tail comb to get an extra straight part.

2. Backcomb the top quarter of your hair. Basically, brush the hair downwards toward your scalp so it's sort of frizzy and can stand on its own.

3. Gently brush the very top layer of your hair to make it smooth on the top. That way, all the backcombing will be hidden under the layer that you brushed. Still, don't brush too much, you want it a little messy.

4. Take the entire backcombed section and pin it behind your head. To make it secure, place the bobby pins in an "X."

5. Now take all your hair and put it in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Tighten the rubber band as tight as you can. This will help "push" your hair up, creating more volume at the top.

5. You can either leave the rubber band exposed, or hide it by taking a small half-inch section of hair from the ponytail and wrapping it around the rubber band. Take a small bobby pin and pin the hair to the rubber band.

6. Rough up the ponytail with your fingers to match the texture at the top of your hair. Use the same motion as you did to back comb, but use your fingers instead, since this will create a messy texture but will be softer and gentler than using a comb. Remember, this look isn't about perfection; it looks best slightly messy.

Let's do it! Thank you so much, Jamie and Caroline! xoxo

(Photos by the wonderful Jamie Beck)

MAC Wonderwoman collection for Spring 2011

YES,The Makeup Gods have a great present in store for all of us beauty/MAC junkies.MAC will be offering a limited edition Wonder-woman collection that will be available in the U.S & Canada ON February 11th,2011.It will go worldwide in March!

Here's a little sneak peek:








Vanish any thought of being a Plain Jane: M∙A∙C and Wonder Woman have joined forces!

Press Release:
"For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling, the iconic super heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Kaboom! Mission Accomplished!

Wonder Woman has always known the importance of astounding accessories. For her collaboration with M∙A∙C, we’ve infused her sense and fantasy and wonder into a vivid collection of awe-inspiring accessories as fierce and feminine as the heroine herself. Bright, bold, superhuman designs in Makeup Bags – from radiant Red to Bulletproof Blue, Utility Belt Brush Sets, and exclusively online, the WW T-Shirt and Invincible Mirror. Shazam!"


**I've been hearing hoopla over the "cheap"packaging. MAC just followed the comic book look that is Wonder Woman. I think it looks great..like expensive toys. Have some FUN!!! I can't wait to get this:-)

Trend Report

For Spring 2011


Textured Tights

This was a huge trend last year and it's back again! I love this look it can transform a rather boring outfit& make it young,edgy and fun. I know some of my gals are frightful about adding attention to their thighs but I promise you textured tights actually lengthen and disguise flaws. You'll feel a lot sexier too;] Celebrities like Leighton Meester and Ke$ha loves textured tights.


Leather bracelets
This leather bracelet is from $99.95
This is a very hot accessory for Spring. It's different and unique jewelry is very trendy now.I love leather bracelets with a white T-shirt,Jeans,a blazer and flats. This adds a more polished and cool look to outfits.


Nars Lip Gloss [Harlow] $24
It's a tad pricey but it is definitely worth it. Try and get a nude/matte color especially for spring. Spring is about understated and light colors. This lip gloss is not sticky and it lasts forever! Great buy!


Lace-up Wedge Booties [Chloe]
This was the main show for the Spring 2011 runway shows. It's east to see why,it's very funky,super comfy and FASHION FORWARD.Wedge shoes are raved for their comfort.The platform on this particular style of shoes has great support and balance. Gotta get me a pair:-)!!!



Cool Scarves
[Echo Design]
The trick with scarves is to HAVE FUN WITH THEM. There are tons of different ways to wear them. It's best to just throw on a scarf and go rather than trying to place it so perfectly. Also this year it's all about cool patterns!
Check out this helpful video from the lovely,Michelle Phan:


Lace
Words cannot explain how much I love lace...yet I don't own a single piece of clothing with lace detail. Well, his was be a major hit on the runway and it's made its way to the real world. Very romantic and adds an instant air of elegance! Little = More in this case. Too much of a good thing= BAD.

[Akris-Spring 2011]
Bold Prints
Designers went crazy this year looking for fresh ideas to create wild and crazy prints. You only live once right?

XOXO

Messy hair

Ha, what a cute print. It would be good to put next to the bathroom mirror.

(Via Katie)

Apothica Review

I can't believe I never did this. My poor lil 19 year old brain. In Early December,I received my lovely Apothica makeup via USPS.


(Not the best photos but these are the actual products.Cute,huh?)

I ordered the following:
JAPONESQUE Brush Set Touch Up Tube - Blue *****
Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner *****
Borghese Linea Precisa Liquid Eyeliner No. 01 Black **
Pur Minerals Under Control****

Japonesque Brush Set is a travel tube that comes with five well crafted brushes. I was in desperate need of great brushes. My old brushes which I got from CVS were falling apart..literally. The bristles were falling out,just a mess. But these brushes have a smooth easy to hold handle and strong bristles.It includes two eyeshadow brushes,a powder/blush brush,concealer brush and a lip brush.Of course,the beautiful blue color is so MAGNETIC. Had to get it...

Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner is a formula to strengthen,lengthen and add volume to eyelashes. The white and gold tube is very pretty,cute packaging. The formula is absolutely scentless.I have very sensitive eyes and this product DOES NOT irritate my eyelashes or eyes whatsoever. I've seen a difference in just the four weeks that I've been using it. My eyelashes are definitely fuller.You can wear the conditioner by itself or apply before mascara. It goes on white but blends into your eyelashes in seconds.

Borghese Liquid Eyeliner is a beautiful liquid liner from Italy.The packaging was very nice but it does not have any staying power. I've never seen a liquid liner disappear off my eyelid faster than Borghese. Maybe I just have oily eyelids? 0.o I got black,it's a shame because it goes on very smoothly. The tip is specialized to create a straight& smooth line.Maybe I should use eye primer than use this? I will report back!

Pur Minerals Under Control is a primer for oily skin. My secret is out! I have the oiliest T-zone of all time. The T-zone is the forehead,nose and chin. Pur Minerals DEFINITELY reduces the amount of oil especially on my worst part-my nose. You have to use a dime-quarter size amount for maximum protection. It's scentless and I'll definitely buy it again! Pur Mineral is a non sticky cream that allows your skin to breathe.It feels like you've put nothing on. Most primers feel like sticky film ;( Best primer out there!

I also got two free samples: a herbal bath gel and an acne cleanser.
In summary,I LOVE APOTHICA:)

Congratulations to...

Thifa! Yes, Thifa with the email address(thifasblog@gmail.com) Beautiful,you won a $25 gift certificate from Apothica!!! I will send your info over to Apothica by Monday. You'll be shopping in no time:-) Thanks everyone! Merry Christmas xoxo
-Sharifa

Wedding hair

Isn't this bride's twisted bun beautiful? She looks right out of a Jane Austen novel.

(Photos by Steep Street)