Braid Addiction

When I think of fall I think of nature, textures, colors, leaves, sweaters and of course boots. Personally, I think those outfits are much more fun to put together during the fall because you can layer and really create some beautiful looks. Incorporating different styles of braids into your fall look is really the finishing touch. You could go as simple as a single loose messy braid of to the side or as exotic as a waterfall braid cascading down your hair. Adding braids create texture and complexity to your look. I put together a series of pictures and the best tutorial videos that I could find for creating these great hairstyles.

Remember: Even when you get frustrated, keep practicing and eventually you'll get it down :)

1. Fishtail Braid

2. French Side Braid

3. Rope Braid

3. Descending Rope Braid

4. Braided Headband

5. Waterfall Braid

Happy Braiding XOXO

Rough Night? Perfect Morning Addiction

We've all been there girls. As much fun as going out the night before is, dancing your heart out and endless cocktails always leads to that dreaded morning. You've probably slept in your makeup and your hair has decided to try something "new" and "different" without your approval. With the school year already in full throttle I felt the need to share my tips and tricks.  I've created a list of my favorite pick-me-up products that will get you looking like you've gotten hours of beauty sleep! Of course the ideal situation would be hitting the shower, grabbing a cup of coffee and lounging around until your ready to go at it again, but that is not always the case!

First on my list is dry shampoo. It is such a life saver for second-day hair. If you don't have time to take a shower, just spray some dry shampoo to your roots, wait about 30 seconds and gently rub with clean fingertips to start the process. I also find that gently brushing back and forth over the area with dry shampoo can help create volume and keep oily fingers from making the situation worse. I would never substitute a shower for this because your hair will feel some what weird, like there is product in it, but it will look clean to everyone else. My favorite dry shampoo is Treseme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. Its affordable and can be found just about anywhere.

We all know staying out late means lack of sleep and those dreaded under eye bags and circles. Two ideas came to my mind when I was brainstorming about this topic. The first is for people with a little more time on their hands. The morning you wake up take a spoon and pop it in the fever for about 5 minutes or until cold. Hold it rounded side against your under eye for about 4 minutes. The cold will help redness and puffiness. If you don't have time for this trick I recommend Mark. Light and Bright Eye Gel. This lightening and de-puffing eye gel is made in a hookup so you can throw it in your purse for the morning after in case you don't make home. Rub a pea size amount under each eye and wait for it to soak in. Your dark circles will be lightened up and puffiness reduced.
(Remember everyone, I am a mark. rep so you can order this through my eboutique :) )

This next one is my most prized possession for under eye circles especially in mornings. Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse Foundation is light weight, doesn't tug, and blends easily! I don't like heavy concealers under my eyes because i feel like it looks cakey and weighs my skin down. This part of your eye needs to look fresh and bright. This works perfect when following the Mark Light and Bright Eye Gel. All that's needed after is to be set with a little bit of powder to ensure that it stays on all day.

I know your going to be thinking, "Another eye product?!" Bare with me because out of everything, your eyes show the most that your tired and had a crazy night. Applying white eyeliner on the bottom water line opens up your eyes and makes the whites stand out creating a bright, rested look. Of course you could use any white eye pencil but my favorite is Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil. It's cheap, and goes on smoothly.

Lastly, your insides need to be treated just as well as your outsides. Protein, vitamins, and healthy foods are ideal for hangovers or sleep deprived nights. On-the-go girls don't have time for extravagant breakfasts so my turn-to drink is a protein shake. My roommate and I just discovered Bolthouse farms Protein Plus Protein Shakes. They are so delicious and have 30 grams of protein and 21 vitamins and minerals!! I found them at Walmart and their definitely worth a try!