Pretty lil' Ponies

With warm, muggy weather finally here (I'm not complaining, simply stating facts) I've found that there is nothing more refreshing than a polished looking ponytail.  Ponies are a hair trend I tend to overlook - probably because it's just something I automatically do at some point during the day (it's a running joke that at noon in my office, my hair will have gone from down to up.)  But with a little styling, I think ponytails can be one of the prettiest ways to wear hair.  Below are some trends that are perfect for summertime.

Low side pony, with side part and soft waves...

Preppy, high pony made extra sweet with a bow...

Extra messy & sexy, with a hidden hair tie...

Loose and simple pony, with chunky braids for contrast...

A Brigitte Bardot-esqe pony with lots of volume....

Beauty Crush Monday: Batiste Dry Shampoo

I’m a big fan of “fresh” hair.  Having skin and hair that is anything but dry, I’m a wash my hair at LEAST once a day kinda gal – much to the dismay of pretty much every hairdresser I’ve ever talked to.  Tips I’ve heard in the past?  Use baby powder (umm my hair looks grey now?) Just don’t wash it as much, it will get less greasy over time (I’ve tried it, did nothing).  

So of course I’ve experimented with dry shampoos.  But they always left a residue, or perhaps they worked for an hour, then my hair would look dirtier than when it started.   Being an avid beauty blog reader, rumblings across the Internet pointed me in the direction of Batiste’s Dry Shampoo.  And it really does wonders.  This product comes in a variety of smells (some say they can be a bit strong, but I have found them to be quite pleasant – I’ve tried Original Scent as well as the Rich & Elegant.)  The best part is how much volume this product adds to my hair – it really is the key to getting that big hair look.  I highly recommend Batiste to anyone look for a mid day hair refresher, as well as those looking for extra volume. I've saved e a ton of time by not having to wash my hair as often and at $7.99 a can, it’s a product that’s definitely worth trying 

Link Love on a Sunday

One of my favorite blogs The Beauty File has made me remember how much I love when bloggers share their favorite links.  So I thought I'd give it a whirl.  Here are some lusts and distractions that have been keeping me entertained while the weather is cold and rainy.

1)  Dreary weather screams for comfort food - this recipe for Spanish chicken  is one I've been dying to try for a while now.

2) You all know -  I'm obsessed with Downton Abbey, I'm fairly certain I need the cookbook.

3)  Need some giftspiration for the men in your life? Try Wharf Clothing and Wares.  Amazing customer service, unique leather goods, and clothing you don't find every day.

4) I'm ready for spring!  This makeup from Lancome is the perfect way to welcome warmer weather with apricot cheeks, candy colored pouts, and shimmery shadows.

5) For all you crazy cat people out there.  Even if you're not, it's pretty funny.

6)  Wanderlust has set in - it's the end of January - I'm sure most of us have it.  I'd be okay with a getaway here.  Definitely okay with that.

Awapuhi!

If Awapuhi were a place, it'd be similar to this...

Here's a lil' beauty tip for your Friday.   I use Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi shampoo as a body wash.  Awapuhi is a form of ginger that originated in India, but now is mainly grown in Hawaii.  And it truly is a heavenly thing.  Sure, it's a little pricier than your run of the mill body wash, but it's *so* worth it.  The smell reminds me of my childhood.  Specifically summertime baths post pool.  It's tropical in the most unusual way, and I really wish there was a perfume that could duplicate it's freshness.   It also is a wonderful shampoo, but the lather is so rich and fragrant I prefer it as a body wash.  I love finding out what it is us ladies do to stay beautiful - the secrets we've learned from our mothers and grandmothers - the stuff you don't read on on every other beauty blog.  So what are your beauty secrets?

A Natural Beauty

I'm infatuated with pretty skin.  The kind that's poreless, blemish free and completely even.  Several of my roommates in college had skin like that and I was unabashedly envious.  Last month I received an amazing facial from Kelly at Urban Effects Med Spa.  My skin was left looking so pretty, and I've been determined to keep it that way.  I am hydrating lots, using a toner and moisturizer designed to promote "radiant" skin and probably most importantly I've ditched the foundation in exchange for BB cream.  The light coverage gives the more natural look I have been wanting and leaves my pores clear.

BB cream (which stands for beauty balm) has been all the rage for the past year or so, and it was one of those beauty trends I felt I could never embrace. I'm the kind of girl that needs coverage.  I was completely blown away when I tried it and it really did leave my skin looking flawless but still natural. My beauty routine has officially changed and I don't think I'll ever be without a BB cream again.

Below are some tips for making BB cream work for you.

1) Use Backup -  If I'm going out for the night, I will still apply some of my old foundation around my eyes, just to have a bit more coverage.  If I have a blemish, I'll use some concealer as well.

2) Apply with a Brush -  The best thing about BB cream is how natural it makes skin appear.  Not much blending is required, but applying it with a foundation brush ensures a flawless look.

3) Know Your Shade - When BB creams first came out there were several brands that boasted the shades "adjust to your skin tone."   Countless beauty reviews state that these "one shade work for all" aren't that great - get as close to your shade as possible.

4) Still Moisturize! - Although BB creams are an excellent way to keep skin hydrated, still use a moisturizer beforehand.  The more hydrated you are, the easier the cream blends.

5) Need more coverage? - If you feel like your BB cream  just doesn't give enough coverage, try mixing it with your regular foundation.  Or perhaps apply a powder afterwards to give a more finished look.  Don't be afraid to experiment - this is versatile stuff!

Lana and her Manicure

I've been faithful to the slightly square/slightly rounded shape of nails for years now.  And I'm over it.   I'm loving the pointed manicure trend - a look that is slightly retro, very edgy and ultimately sexy.   Lana Del Rey rocks it best with funky tips, and extra length.   It might not be the most practical of styles, but I'm working on growing out my nails to try it.

Oh So Good

I really love discovering new makeup.  When working with Saks I got to play with lots of beauty products and ended up buying my fair share of goodies.  My favorite being Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat.  It's this wondrous little pen that has the ability to make faces look so much brighter and fresh.  When used around the eyes it erases dark circles and makes eyes look wider.  And when applied  to the hollow of the chin and around the contour of lips it makes lips look 100 times fuller.  I highly recommend this product to anyone who likes to play around with high-lighting one's features.