Summer Trends: Bronze & Glow

This is not a new trend for summer per se. I thought I would add it onto my list of summer trends as a friendly reminder. Summer is about the sun-kissed bronzy skin. But assuming everyone is wearing a good amount of SPF, it's harder to achieve that tan. Thankfully we have bronzers and they'll give you that natural tan look. In addition to the bronze, there is the glow. Highlighters waken up the face and give you just enough dewy, with just enough radiance. 

Summer Trends: Orange Lips

Orange lips are my favorite thing in the whole entire world, but really. Orange is a universally flattering color that puts together an outfit without being overwhelming or too overly done-like a red lip can be at times. Its a fun and carefree color that grabs everyones attention. 

If a creamy orange lipstick is a bit scary there are tons of different formulas out there from lip balms to stains that might be in your comfort zone. If you already have a rather strong orange lipstick you can tone it down with applying it with your ring finger in a tapping motion or applying the lipstick after applying a clear lip balm. 

Summer Trends: Sorbet Nails

Nail polish is an easy and cheap way to change it up a bit. I usually go for dark colors all through out the year but I've quickly become a fan of this color trend. It adds a nice and fun touch to any look and they easily compliment your summer sun-kissed skin.

Julep Alexandra On sale now for $10.00- A creamy pastel yellow-the riskiest of these colors. This nail polish has Julep's oxygen technology that makes it fast-drying and long lasting. It is supposed to allow 30% more oxygen to the nail, helping nails strengthen over time. This is a 5-free nail polish. 

Zoya Wendy $9.00- A creamy cool-toned melon color that becomes opaque with two coats. This is a 5-free nail polish.

Deborah Lippman We Are Young $18.00- A rich creme fuchsia. This is a fun alternative if you're used to wearing dark colors. It's also a flattering color for all ages and professions. This is a 5-free nail polish. 

ELF Mint Cream $2.00- Creme mint colored nail polishes have been quite popular since a few summers ago-even a classic. This is a great budget buy, ELF has 47 other colors with the same price tag if you aren't a big spender. This has a quick dry formula and is a 3-free nail polish. 

*Trends are a great way to experiment and get out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, trends should be taken with a grain of salt and are great to keep in mind if you ever get bored. But if you're confident with your style, you do you boo.

Summer Trends: Beach Waves

It's no surprise that beach waves are back again for the summer. Hair tends to become more frizzy, dry and damaged during warmer weather. This is mostly due to high humanity and long exposer to the sun, which is why hot-tools like curling wands and straighteners should be used to a bare minimum. Hair mists are a great way to create an easy, put together hairstyle without the damage. 

Sachajuan Ocean Mist $28.00- Sachajuan has quickly gotten onto the radar of every beauty outlet. This Ocean Mist is their most popular product and for good reason. This helps anyone get a flawless tousled, beachy texture. 

Sevi Vegan Blue Yarrow Texture Spray $4.00 to $14.00- Not only is this a great budget buy but it also has a beautiful fragrance. You get light body and curls without the stiffness a lot of beach sprays cause. 

LUSH Sea Spray $12.95- Out of the three, this is probably my favorite. It's reasonably priced, has the best citrus scent and is a great product that does what it promises-gives texture, volume and shine. In fact, I like to use this for a beachy look, after I curl my hair to hold the style and on braids and buns for a fuller look. 

*Trends are a great way to experiment and get out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, trends should be taken with a grain of salt and are great to keep in mind if you ever get bored. But if you're confident with your style, you do you boo.

Fall Trends: Clean Crisp Lines

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It is the most simple and classic of looks but yet so difficult. The idea of liner is not brain science, take your desired weapon (pencil, gel, marker, or liquid) and draw a line across your lash line and a wing if desired. But once you put it into practice and it's a different story. I’ve worn eyeliner practically everyday for almost 5 years and it’s still a nerve racking task. However, at the end of the day if I don’t have my liner on I feel incredibly naked and less like myself. 

I’ve come to realize that the shape and thickness of my lines shift with the season. The spring and summer bring thinner, wispy lines. But my oh my, once the leaves touch the ground I go to 0 to 180. My lines become so dramatic and winged, my own personal weapon. So considered me thrilled that there is a need for dark thick liner this Fall, which is a nice mix from the usual bare face or day time smokey eye that's been on demand. To achieve this crispy clean line you’re going to need your selected liner formula, a lot of patience, and a ton of cotton swab. My suggestion would be to practice, practice, practice and to start with a thin line and work your way up from there. 

If you’re still new to the idea of eyeliner that’s totally fine. It is definitely scary at first but you’ll get the hang of it with not only practice but also with the range of formulas. From gel liner, pencil, liquid liner, and the quick emerging marker liner. When I first started with liner countless guru’s promised the gel liner would be the best and “easiest” for beginners. After numerous attempts I beg to differ, gels and pencils just don't do it for me. Of course I’m not saying you should never use them but it’s just my personal evolution with liner. It is all about experimenting until you find what works for you.

Fall Trends: Nails

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It is common knowledge that I have a problem when it comes to cosmetics, but nail polish is a whole different ball game. I am what you would call a hoarder when it comes to nail lacquers. I hit rock bottom when I successfully collected enough nail polish for two years if I changed colors once a week. After going cruelty-free I’ve used up my favorite colors and given most of them again so now I am starting from scratch and it couldn’t come at a better time. I personally prefer a nude beige based color or dark purples and reds. Anything else just doesn't feel like me. However, I definitely will be giving the fall colors a try in order to get out of my comfort zone because at the end of the day what’s life if you don't mix it up a bit?

Over the years you begin to see a pattern within trends and beauty is no exception. There are definitely trends that have become more like staples then anything else. I introduced the idea in my post about berry lips and I’m bringing it up again for this one. Oxblood, olive, and cobalt are making a come back and it’s not surprising but it’s also not disappointing. Again, these are all colors that flatter every skin tone when using the right shade of color. Though these colors aren’t shocking or revolutionary don’t settle for just a plain double coat of color on your nails this season, make it your own. Add gems to it, do a fresh french tip, do an ombre. Don’t be afraid of trying new things.

Fall Trends: Berry Lips

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The chiller weather means a cooler, darker palette. Lip colors are probably the easiest to play with and change according to the season. Berry lips come back every year so its no surprise you’re seeing it again, it's a classic. So my darlings, put down those pinks and oranges and put on a rich berry color. It can seem very intimidating at first but please don’t be afraid to give it a try. It’s universally flattering on all skin tones and with so many different formulas you are bound to find your match.

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of wearing such a deep shade or if you’re minimalist, a stain would be a great option for you. Stains are great way to test out colors and are easier to applier then a lipstick. You can either buy a sheer berry color stain or DIY. Apply a clear balm on to the lips, then gently tap a berry colored lipstick until you reached the desired shade. To matte it out use your ring finger and press onto lips.

If you’re ready to go head first and rock this trend then a opaque berry lipstick is what you need. Make sure that when wearing this look you keep the rest of your make-up simple. You don't want your make-up competing with one another or it will begin to look very animated. Applying such a dramatic color straight from the tube can be very tricky and get messy very quickly. I suggest starting with a clear lip liner to insure your color won’t bleed or disappear. Next, use a synthetic brush to apply the color while bloating in between coats. When you’re happy with the color use a cotton swab to clean around the mouth. Remember, you wear the color the color doesn't wear you. 

Good luck!

Fall Trends: Coconut Oil

Fall is among us and I can’t be more excited for the crisp city air, cardigans, scarfs, and chai lattes! However, I am sure the incoming September issues (which I must add are more like weights then actual magazines- InStyle has 716 pages, while Vogue weighs 4 pounds) have given that away.

So what’s in store for this Fall in the world of beauty? Plenty. But it’s more the ingredients then the actually looks this season. The last few years olive oil and argan oil have dominated and rocked the beauty industry. Gradually, Coconut oil has been gaining more attention not only in beauty but health as well, making it fantastic to add into any part of your lifestyle. 

Coconut oil is the most nutrient dense part of the coconut. The oil is over 90% saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Using coconut oil on the skin leaves it moisturized because the skin absorbs it slowly. It also has antioxidant properties that help in the absorption of other minerals and building cells making them ideal for younger looking skin. Pretty cool, right?

It’s definitely overwhelming seeking coconut oil specific products (or any ingredient specific product.) So I have selected a few of my favorite true and tried LUSH products that are jam-packed with this beneficial oil.