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 

Messy

It's funny how the slightest change in a beauty routine can totally shake things up.  A few weeks ago I was at my family's lake house and found that there was no conditioner.  "Roughing" it, I only used shampoo.  The result?  An au natural look that was slightly reminiscent of Kate Moss's famously mussed up coif.  I found that my hair had more volume, and was much easier to manipulate.  This is something I will be doing lots of in the future.  Coincidentally I came across an article on the lovely Christine Centenera in which she explains she "never uses conditioner".  I get it and I love it.

Cute Buns

I've always struggled to pull off a messy bun.   You know the ones I'm talking about, the buns that look effortless, like, "Oh, I just didn't have time to do my hair today, so I just put it up."  Which we all know is a lie.  Those little tendrils, that fall around the face just so, the slight volume at the crown, so hair doesn't look slicked back - it's really an art form.  I've always been incredibly envious of those who can make a simple knot look impossibly chic and fresh for years now.  But while reading Us Weekly, Whitney Port gave a hair tutorial letting us know how she pulls off her topknot bun.  She explains:

- Apply volumizer to create a lift at the hairline.  

- Wrap the front section of hair around a curling iron.  

- Pull up hair into a genie pony tail.

- Split the pony into 4 sections, looping each towards the center of the bun.

- Place pins to hold the bun.

I was a bit confused by the directions, but once I played around with it, I found it really did create a wonderful little bun!   It's been perfect on hot days when I want to look put together but don't want to deal with my hair.  

Coming Up Rosie

Rosie Huntington Whitely looks so breathtaking in this months issue of Elle UK, I couldn't not post these photos.  Although her beauty is overwhelming on all levels, I think my favorite thing has to be her golden, beautiful, voluminous hair.  This is a hair look that needs to be mastered.

Braided Beauties

One of my favorite looks during the summer has to be braids.  Whether they're halo-like crowns encircling the head, or a simply fishtail off to the side, I can't think of a simpler way to get hair off your face without sacrificing style.  Unfortunately braids are not my forte, and I'm still trying to master the french braid and the fishtail.   Below are some looks that I'll be trying to duplicate.