5 Tips for Perfect Family Pics with Kids!

Thank you for all of your kind words and support on my 5 Tips for Styling Family Photos! It was perfect timing since so many of you are taking pics for Christmas cards, I can’t wait to see your photos! Family pictures can be so stressful, once you’ve found your photographer, your outfits, and your location, you never know how it’s all going to come together. Will it rain? Will my hair cooperate? Will my children smile? Will they take a nap that day? Will they wake up happy from said nap?

5 Easy Tips for Styling Your Family Photos

When I shared our family pictures from this year, I told you guys how I plan on taking pictures every year as a family until I’m cold and dead. It’s so important to me to have pictures taken and I know I will always treasure them. Planning for pictures can be daunting, you want to coordinate but not be matchy-matchy so I put together an easy how-to to get you started! Finding pieces that match the look and feel you’re looking for can be tough, but I really enjoy the entire process!

Product Review: Sapphire 8-in-1 Curling Wand

My signature look has to be curls, I wear them every single day and would die if I didn't have a curling iron. Yep, die. I rarely wear my hair in any other fashion and can curl my hair in just a few minutes. When Irresistible Me reached out to me for a collaboration, I had to try the Sapphire 8-in-1 Curling Wand. So many people swear by wands, but I've never really tried one and to be honest I didn't know if it would really make a difference in my curls. I felt like my hair would curl the same as using a curling iron and jumped at the chance to give it a whirl.

The curling iron comes with 8 different ceramic, tourmaline infused, interchangeable barrels: 13mm, 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, 18/9mm, 25/13mm, 13/25mm and pearl. Each curler features cool tips, heats up quickly (within 20 seconds), and they're all packed in a nice travel bag. I've had a lot of fun playing around with the different wands and have found the 25mm to be my favorites.



A few things I was skeptical of in trading my curling iron for a wand was thinking that without using a clip, my curls wouldn't last as long. Wrong. My curls lasted just as long and the waves looked even beachier the next day. On day three, I curled just a few pieces around my crown and was on my way. I also didn't think there would be much difference between a wand and a regular curling iron, but a wand is longer and without the clip, it gives you more space for maneuvering.

A few tricks I've learned to help make beachy waves and curls, thanks to many of you on my Instagram post, is to:

- Curl hair away from your face (it's flattering on all face shapes)
- For beach waves, leave the last 1-3 inches out from wrapping around the wand, focusing only on the middle section of your hair
- When you're first using the wand, use the glove! It took me a few tries to get the hang of it and didn't want burn myself and now I prefer to not use it.
- Vary the amount of hair you curl at a time (1-3 inch sections)
- Point the tip of the wand down while wrapping sections of hair
- Take the time to curl your hair well the first day and enjoy loose waves the next day

Overall, I LOVE using the curling wand! I haven't traded in my curling iron for it exclusively, but I've been using the wand about 60% of the time now. With a little practice it takes me only a few minutes longer than using a curling iron now. I've really enjoyed the beachy and relaxed waves and my favorite is day 2 of curls. It's just perfect!

What type of curling iron do you use? What tips do you have for perfect curls or waves?

Curls for Daysssss

So as many of you know, I’m lazy about my hair- side note- I’m not lazy about having it done, I hate roots and get my hair done on the dot every 8-10 weeks. What I mean is that I wash it every 4-5 days (I’ll wash it sooner if I need to) and I'm lazy about curling it all the time. For work I wake up between 430-5am so I want to be able to get ready in the shortest amount of time as possible and staying at home with Ellie, my hair is the last of my concerns, but it's nice to have it somewhat cute when people stop by or I get out of the house. Luckily, my curls last and I can scoot by with simply brushing my hair, teasing for some volume, and maybe curling a few pieces around my face. I get asked a lot about my low-maintenance hair and wanted to share with you my “secrets” of how to get your hair to last longer.

As far as washing goes, my hair is not oily or greasy so I lucked out in the gene pool for that. I do believe you can “train” your hair and Veronika has a great post about her washing routine (which is pretty identical to my own) and tips on getting extra days from each wash. Using dry shampoo can definitely give your hair some life and give you an extra day or two whether you’re still training your hair or if you’re like me and don’t have the need to wash it more often.

TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray // Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam // Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray // Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play // TRESemme Smooth Salon Silk No Frizz Serum // Aqua Net Professional Hair Spray // Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In Split End Protector // Conair Curling Iron (I use 1.25 in) //
HANA Air Premiere (see my review here) // Conair Mega Self Holding Rollers

To get the most of your hair and curls, it really starts with the blow dry and your products. If I let my hair air-dry, I only get about 3-4 days without washing it because it falls too flat to get a good look from day 3 on. When I get out of the shower, I put my hair up in my towel for a few minutes to soak up excess water, after taking out my hair- before brushing it- I use these products in my hair before I start blow-drying it; Tressemme Serum, Herbal Essence Leave-in Conditioner, and Redken Guts 10. Then I brush through my hair and use my fingers to rub in the Guts 10. Then I part my hair and blow dry my bang area to get my cowlick under control, I pin down my bangs (that’s part of training my cowlick) and flip my hair upside down to finish drying. I try and brush my hair up and focus on the roots to get the most volume, then I flip back up right and smooth my hair while still brushing the lion’s mane.

Once I’m done with that, I section off my crown to use Velcro rollers to set my hair. I blast the section with heat, put the roller in, and clip it in place. Velcro rollers makes a huge impact on having bouncy, voluminous hair. The products make it last! Right now I’m using 4 rollers, one on each side and 2 at the crown, then I’ll do my makeup while I wait for my hair to set in the rollers.

Once my makeup is done, I use my Spray & Play hairspray to put a light mist on the hair outside of the rollers (the bottom half that's not in a roller at all) and curl that hair section. Then I take out one roller at a time and mist the hair as well before curling it. Be sure to use a "mist" of spray and not a "raincloud" of it, you also want to be sure the spray isn't wet when you use the curling iron- if you use a mist it won't be wet whatsoever. When all of my hair is curled, I let it set for a minute and then run my fingers through it to loosen up the curls. I’ll finish with styling and teasing my hair and another mist of hairspray using my trusted Aqua Net.

This is day 3 of curls, without any touch-up
I do smooth out my bang area with a curling iron, but do not touch the back

Using the Spray & Play makes such a huge difference in how well the curls stay in my hair. I’ve found that when I use it, I can go 2-3 days without touching up my curls at all, they just loosen each day. On day 4-5 I’ll have to either re-curl all of my hair or just a few pieces around my face and on the top of my crown in the back.

On days 2-5 I’ll use my Tressemme Serum to tame down any frizziness and will use Suave Dry Shampoo to add texture on non-washing days when I’ve let my hair air dry. I'll also use it on day 5 and wear my hair up in a pony or half up/down.

So that's my hair secrets folks. I really think it's a combination of my hair texture and products, but the products- mainly the Redken Guts 10 and the Big Sex Hair Spray & Play- make the most difference. Using everything together for me has made a world of difference in how long my curls last. My hair is great without all the products for so many days, but my curls aren't as springy and my volume isn't as much without the whole shebang. Taking the time to really have a good blow out/curl makes the rest of the week a breeze.

Want to see how I curl my hair? Check out these posts here for a video, here for text/pictures, and here for loose curls. 

What are your hair secrets? What helps your hair look its best?

Spice Up Your Pony

Remember this Summer Hairstyles post where I wanted to try new styles this summer? Well I finally did. Just one, but at least I'm branching! I've been wanting to try something new to wear to work that was quick, wouldn't look flat by the time I was off work, and was different than my sock bun. Now, you may have already seen the pictures if you follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (Kristen_Lawler). 

It was so super easy! I thought it would take me a while, but took less than 10 minutes. I kept my usual side part and split up the smaller side into two horizontal sections. Then, I started with the top section, separated that section and put the rest of my hair into a ponytail. Then I just french-braided it back to my crown and then finished out the braid to the ends and put a bobbypin to keep it set. Then did the same with the bottom section. When my two braids were done, I pulled back my un-braided hair into a ponytail and styled the front to my liking (I just swooped my bang area down and back) and when I was ready to put my elastic in, I added the two braids and removed the bobbypins. 

Walaa! Done!

**Don't forget to enter my PrintRunner giveaway for 250 business cards!** 

I Tried It: Flat Iron Curls

***Be Prepared, this week is going to be all about hair!***

So some of you longtime readers may remember way back when I posted about how I wanted to learn how to curl my hair using a flat iron. Well, I've finally learned how thanks to Steph from Hair and Make-up. She's the bomb. She has a TON of tutorials that are super easy to follow and tips on each post to make sure you're doing it right or how to do it easier.

Now, I'm sharing pics with you from my first time doing it, and I'm not a pro by any means. Oh, and I'm also in my bathrobe.

I curl my hair nearly every single day (you can see how here, here and here), but lately I've been sick of my hair looking the same all the time. Granted, there's not a huge difference from my loose curls, but enough of one to keep me happy. Plus, it's a new skill I learned.

The curls lasted all day long and looked good even when I was going to bed. It takes me a little bit longer to curl it this way versus using a regular curling iron. Now, I would share with you how-to or tips, but I'd pretty much just be copy and pasting Steph's entire post. I have nothing new to share with you that she didn't cover so head over to her if you're interested in learning how.

How do you curl your hair? What way to you prefer?

Vlog: How-to Tease Your Hair

Ok ladies, here's all the tips you need for teasing your hair! I put it in this video and I hope you can all walk away from it with giant, voluminous hair.

First things first, you want to use a comb or brush that you're comfortable with. Like I said in the video, I use a hair pick, but you may find a comb, or brush easier to use.

Then, you want to start mid shaft and comb down towards your roots.

For more volume (for say an up-do) focus your teasing on your roots with a small tooth comb, then switch to a pick to focus body on the middle section of your hair.

Most importantly, remember to smooth out the top of your hair! You NEVER want to have an obvious nest.

Also, you don't want any gaps in your hair, so be sure to do a full 360 to check for evenness.

So there you have, it's seriously so easy. Practice makes perfect!

To see how I curl my hair, see this vlog. Oh, and for loose curls check out this one.

Now ladies, go off and pouf! Let me know if you have any questions and I'd love to hear about your new big hair experiments!

New Beauty Advice

I did a Beauty Tips post waaaaay back when on some of my beauty tips, but I wanted to do an updated post with new things I've learned.Nothing special, and you may even already know some of these, but what's the point of having a blog if you don't share the good stuff? Isn't that what sisters and friends do?

1. Dry Shampoo: apply it at night before bed to let it really soak up the oils and you'll have great texture and be ready bright and early in the morning

2. Baby Oil: great for moisturizing and shining up your cuticles and polish, especially inbetween mani/pedis.

3. Blush: apply just above your cheeks bones through to your temple for a more flushed look

4. Extensions: fake hair will look fake if you treat it that way. Be sure to love your locks faux and real with conditioning treatments and brush starts at the ends and move up.

5. Soft Lips: Use a toothbrush dipped in warm water to scrub off dead skin on your lips for a softer, smoother pucker.

6. Self-Tanner: You can mix 50/50 self-tanner and lotion together for an easier application without decreasing the effectiveness of the tanner.

There you have it ladies! Nothing crazy or life changing, but some new tricks I've picked up recently or just haven't shared yet on the blog.

What are some beauty tips you'd like to share? I'd love to update this post with them!

Also, would you guys be interested in a vlog about what's in my make-up bag? The quick run through about the products I carry everyday and which items are my Holy Grail?

Holiday Makeup Tutorial and Interview via Lollysheep

One of my girlfriends Lauren Feist is an amazing make-up artist and I've been asking her for-evah to do some tutorials and she's finally started a YouTube channel! Hip hip hooray! Below is her Holiday Makeup Tutorial, but she's already posted natural looks, and false lashes how-to so be sure to check those gems out too.  I asked if she'd like to also do an interview and give us some inside scoop on how the pros do it and what their favorites are!

Holiday Makeup Tutorial

Follow her YouTube channel, lollysheep  and check out her FB Makeup Portfolio.

1. How did you get started in make-up?

I was interested in makeup at an early age, but looked at it mostly as a hobby. My mom was the biggest influence in my makeup choices, and she is the one who got me hooked first on MAC Cosmetics. Interestingly enough, through high school I would go to the MAC counter and instead of having them do my makeup for dances, I would tell them the color of my dress and have them suggest products for me to use. I worked in Brass Plum at Nordstrom for a couple of years and would spend quite a bit of time down at the MAC counter (of course) and when they had a position open up, they asked me if I would like to interview. The interview process was fun! I had to bring in a model and do a day look, then transform it into a night look. Fortunately, I was hired, and began refining my makeup skills from there. MAC had monthly trainings that all artists would go to, so I was privy to tons of different artists and styles, with some of the most talented working side by side with me at Nordstrom.

2. What is your go-to look?

My go-to look is what I think flatters my face most: Coral cheeks, neutral eyes, lashes. I think most women should find colors that they feel most beautiful in and stick to that palette, but branch out and try different variations within that palette. For example, I have a million different blushes and shadows that fall into the palette I prefer, and I can change it up daily, but still feel beautiful in all of them. It's fun to do your makeup completely different at times, with different colors, etc, but as all of us know, we tend to always go back to what makes us feel most comfortable and beautiful.

3. What is your favorite make-up trend of the moment/season?

I'm loving the vintage meets modern look right now, with light eyes/winged liner and pops of color on the lip that was seen a lot on the runway for Spring 2012. While I don't wear the winged liner on a regular basis, I've found I've really been loving wearing a bright lip. It makes you feel beautiful and powerful! Changing your lip can transform your whole look, too!

4. What is your biggest make-up pet peeve? 

Some might say I'm blush-obsessed, but it really peeves me when women don't wear blush. Our natural face isn't just one color overall, and even adding just a hint gives youthfulness and warmth to the face. So, wear your blush, ladies!

5. What are you holy grail products?

Having a great foundation + concealer and an eye shadow base/primer. Great looking skin will make or break your look, and an eye shadow primer holds your shadow on all day without creasing or fading. My favorites of these are Studio Fix Fluid Foundation by MAC Cosmetics, for an incredibly flawless look. Skin Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown for an everyday look that makes your skin glow. Creamy Concealer by Bobbi Brown. I've yet to find an eye shadow primer that works as well as the ones from MAC, and and my favorite are their paint pots when used sparingly. My eye shadow literally will not budge when I use it!

6. If you could only have 5 products to use for the rest of your life, what would be your choices?

Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer by Bobbi Brown. Keeping your skin hydrated is so key to keep it healthy and helping your makeup looking its best.

Studio Fix Fluid Foundation by MAC Cosmetics, as I mentioned above.

Super Orgasm Blush by NARS. It's the most gorgeous coral pink color with a hint of shimmer, and it looks good on EVERYONE.

Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara by Loreal Paris. Everyone wants thicker, fuller lashes, and this does it incredibly well for around $6 bucks at the drug store.

Lip Crayons by Bobbi Brown. These are amazing. They're super convenient, creamy and colorful.

7. What types of brushes should be in every girls bag?

It's possible to have a brush for every step of your makeup application, but I think there are a few that are worth spending a bit more on to help achieve a flawless look.

Foundation Brush. Whether you wear liquid or powder, it's going to look better and last longer if you apply it with a brush. My favorites: #190 by MAC for liquid or a #150 by MAC for powder foundation.

Blending Eye Shadow Brush. Blending is key to a flawless eye shadow application and an absolute must. My favorites: #217 by MAC or #224 by MAC.

Angled Eye Shadow Brush. This can give you the most precise eyebrow or eyeliner application. My favorite: #266 by MAC. Your brows frame the face, so it's so important to make sure they look defined.

**The thing to remember about brushes is because they are an investment, you have to take care of them like you take care of your own hair. I've had brushes from MAC for well over 5 years, and they are still in great condition, but they have to be properly maintained to achieve their longevity.

8. What are your favorite drug store products? 

There are so many great finds at the drug store! Who doesn't love paying less? I've tried a million different mascaras, but am SO happy with Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara by Loreal Paris. I also get all of my false lashes at the drug store as well. My favorite pair are the #110's from Ardell and they're less than $5 bucks. They can be worn at least a dozen times and still look great! To accompany your false lashes, DUO lash glue is the go-to, and this can also be found at the drug store. A great moisturizer from the drug store is Neutrogena's Oil Free SPF 15 Moisturizer. It works great on all skin types and I love that the SPF is included. Eye makeup remover is a great drug store purchase, and my favorite is Expert Eyes by Maybelline. Also, an incredible liquid eyeliner I am in love with is Carbon Black Lineur Intense by Loreal Paris. Loreal Paris also makes some great lipsticks called Colour Riche and one of my favorites is in Pink Lady.

Thank you so much Lauren!!  I can't say enough how perfect her make-up always is, her work is flawless. I'm so, so, so excited about this interview and her YouTube channel. I've learned so much and now I have a pretty long shopping list and a new look for NYE!

Vlog: How- To Loose Curls

Loose waves are everywhere and so easy to create and wear. One of the best features of this look is that it only gets better as your day goes on because, loose and messy is in and only adds to the glamour. I was inspired by the VS Fashion Show, and wanted to show you my best attempt at re-creating the look.

It's really simple, I curl it the same way as I did in this curling video, but focus on the middle section of my strands, leaving out differing ends from the curling iron. Also, the smaller curling iron you use, the larger section of hair you'll want to curl, and vice versa for a bigger curling iron (use a smaller section of hair).

What did you think? Are you going to try it out? 

Vlog: How-To Donut Bun

Many of you emailed me after my hair donut review on how to use it, so I thought I'd post a video for you ladies. It's seriously so easy!

Wow. I love how Vimeo chooses the most flattering screen shots as the opening.

Like I said in the video, this bun is half-assed so it's not the best outcome. Plus, I didn't even notice the gigantic loose side I have going on until later. Oops.

One thing to note, is that I did this with fresh washed hair that had been straightened and I think it's easier with hair that's at least a day old and curled because your hair is easier to manipulate.

But, as you can see, the bun takes just a few minutes to create and there's a variety of looks and ways to wear it. I hope this video helps!

Any suggestions for future videos?

Vlog: How- To Bronzed Eyes

I've seen bronzed eyes all over in magazines for fall trends. It's a look that is gorgeous on everyone, every skin tone, hair and eye color.  In the video, I used the UD Naked Palette, but also recommend the Maybelline 05 Gold for Me palette as well. If you want a more bronzed look, use the goldest color for your entire lid (I used it in the inner corner out to the middle). The look I created is a softer bronze color, which I think is easier to wear and can go from day to night.

Here's a close-up of the look:

Here's the look with some MAC Glitter layered on top:

Here's a rundown of the shadows used:

The Maybelline Palette 05 Give Me Gold will give you a look similar to the pic below. Also, this is how it would look to use a light gold on your entire lid instead of the inner corner to middle:

There you have it gals! I hope this is useful, and as always, if you have any questions, leave me a comment or send me an email!

Changing Your Name: Miss to Mrs

So I've been married a for a while now, and last month I finally changed my name! I had seriously been dreading this, but it was fairly easy. Here's a quick overview on what you need to do, but still check with your state laws for any differences or further actions you may be required to do.

First stop: Make sure you have your certified marriage liense, whether it's mailed to you or you have to pick it up from your county records department. This shows as proof that you're married and what your new name will be.

Next is changing your Social Security Administration and the DMV. It's best if you can make an appointment, the earlier the better! I was in an out of both Social Security and the DMV each after only 20 minutes. I couldn't believe my luck, I thought I'd be there for half my day at least.

The Social Security Administration's website is fairly user-friendly and your new card will be free! Yay!

The DMV will require you to take a new photo, so come prepared with good hair and some lipgloss. There also is a fee for your ID (in CA it's $25) and they will punch a hole in your current ID and give you paperwork as a temporary ID. Because of this, some restaurants, bars, travel places, etc can be sticklers about temporary IDs, so if you have something special planned in the next week, wait to do this step.

Now you're legally set! You'll have a new name on state records. Oh, but you're not done yet! You can't forget to update a few more items:

-bank information (this took me 45 minutes): all of your accounts and any credit cards will need to be changed
-passport: if your passport was issued within a year of your name change it will be updated free of charge, otherwise you need to pay for it again
-work: your paychecks, business cards, and work email will need to be changed
-Post Office
-bills
-voter registration
-insurance policies
-magazine subscriptions

There's still a few items I need to update (all of my magazine subscriptions), but I'm all set. Both SSA and the DMV said it would be a few weeks before I received my new cards/IDs, but I received them the next week. My biggest tips in changing your information would be to try and get it all done in one day, make your appointments or go to the establishments as early as possible, and bring some water and something to read in the likely chance you have to wait.

That's it ladies! Have you guys changed your name, what was your experience? Do you plan on changing your name after marriage? See my feelings about that here.

New Vlog! How I Curl My Hair

I think the top two things I get asked the most is how I curl my hair and how I do my smoky eyes (see that vlog here). I did a step-by-step before with pictures here, but seeing it live is so much better. It's so easy and I can seriously do it blind because I curl my hair every.single.day. and have used the same technique since junior high. Veronika just posted a video as well on how to curl her hair, and she has really long pretty hair so be sure to check it out as well!

Goodness, can't the pause the video at a better angle for me???? Hell.Wow, didn't realize it was 20 minutes long! I swear it doesn't take me that long, I think it's just because I'm talking at the same time.

Things to note, I said these in the video, but in case you miss them:

-I switch off on different sized curling irons depending on how I feel. I either use a smaller 1 inch or a 1 1/4 inch size. Long hair looks great with a mix of both sizes.

-Your hair "sets" by how it cools and not just how it heats up, so if your hair doesn't hold a curl well, consider pinning each curl to set. You can also do that for a big night out when you want to look extra special.

-When I wear extensions, I find it easiest to curl the extensions before clipping them in (I clip them in as I go) and then combing out both the extensions and my own hair together with my fingers. That helps the extensions to blend in better and all the curls to have a similar look.

-Always curl away from your face! It's the most flattering for all face shapes. You can also do a mix of forward and backward curls throughout the rest of your hair (this is best for thicker hair), but your front curls should always be curled back!

-For looser beachy waves, leave the last 1-2 inches out and start curling a little bit away from your roots focusing more on the middle section of your strands.

Here's pictures of my hair with different sizes irons and lengths:

This is with all of my own hair, using a 1 1/4 in iron, curling all the way to the ends.

Here I am with my extensions, using a 1 inch iron, curling all the way to the ends.

Here with my extensions, using a 1 1/4 iron, curling to the ends.

Here with all my own hair, using a 1 1/4 iron, leaving the ends out.

Here with my extensions, usinging a 1 1/4 iron, leaving the ends out.

Wow. Looking back on some of these pictures, I really miss my longer hair :( Just a few weeks months and it will be back.

Oh, and I've been emailed a lot about my extensions, so here's the deal: I used to buy the hair, cut and sew them myself, but now I just buy them with the clips in place. It's a little bit more expensive, but worth the cost and the no work! I buy my hair only if it's human hair and from a store called Bobo's Beauty Supply (similar to a Sally's). I don't buy any particular brand, just as long as it matches my natural color I snatch it right up!

When you're trying on the hair, I find it best to bring someone with a critical eye (I bring my mom) and to see if you can compare the extensions to your real hair in the sunlight. It really makes a difference, I've wasted $$ before on a mismatch and wasn't able to exchange or return it.

I hope this video helps you ladies and if you have any questions, feel free to email or comment me and I'll be sure to answer!

My First Vlog! How To Do A Smoky Shadow

Wowowowow guys! I'm so so excited to post this, lots of you have asked for it before and I did do a picture tutorial here, but a vlog is so much better. I love watching other vlogs and seeing how they applied their makeup and brushes used.

So, I did do my face makeup first because like I say in the video, I didn't want to be a zombie and scare you folks! Usually, I always do my shadow first so if I have to clean up under my eyes from fall out it's easy to do.

Here's the look I'm re-creating, it's the one I wore for the Vegas Bachelorette Party in the UD Naked Palette Review. 

Sorry for some of the mumbling, at those parts I'm just saying how awkward/weird it is to do your makeup into your computer because your image is mirrored.

Ok, so here it is! Awesome opening pic right?

1st Smoky Shadow from Kristen LLP on Vimeo.

For the shadows I used UD Palete Sidecar, Smog, Hustle.You could also use MAC Romp and Woodwinked. MAC Typographic- for a darker look use MAC Carbon. Victoria Secret All-Over Powder in Star, this also looks great on your cheeks over your blush. Victoria Secret Beauty Rush in Gold Rush is also great.

Again, this look is great for any eye shape. You want the darkest color at your lash line and go lighter as you get into your crease. If you have small eye lids, I would probably just use 2-3 colors, the middle all over your lid, the medium on your lash line to mid-lid and the darkest on your lash line. 

Here's a guide for the shadows and the placement as well.

So what do you think? Are you going to try it? Any suggestions for my next vlog or tips in making a better one?

Gorgeous and Easy Hair

So this gorgeous hair style is from a beautiful wedding, but I thought it would be perfect for everyday too, since it's just a simple twist on a half-up style.

To re-create:

Curl hair with 1 1/4in barrel

Tease your crown

Take a section on each side from your ears up

Twist each side individually

Then twst both sides around each other and pin

It should be relatively easy, but the twisting may take a few tries to get right.

I think I'll have to copy this look asap! I love how soft it looks!

Hair How-To

One of the top questions/comments/emails I get most is for my hair when I wear it curled. Thank you everyone for all of your compliments and inquiries, I appreciate each one of them, they really make my day!
I'm pretty lucky in the hair department (God gave me good hair I guess instead of a naturally flat stomach- I'll take what I can get!) in that my hair is easy to manage and holds a curl really well. I have "normal" thick hair, but it's very fine so I can get great volume on my hair because it's not weighed down, but sometimes I have a difficulty with getting a thicker braid or more fullness so I sometimes wear 2-3 tracks of extensions to help me out. I also wash and blow-dry my hair every 3-4 days depending on how it looks. My hair isn't oily so on the days I have to go an extra day I use Tresemme Freshstart Dry Shampoo (see a review here). I also use a deep conditioner every other week.

Here are some products I use everytime I wash my hair; Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer, Tresemme 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray, Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship Split End Protector, and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

First I blow-dry my hair completely and sometimes use 2-4 velcro rollers at my crown:


Then I part my hair in layers going from the bottom up- I roughly separate it at my ears and below, then the end of my eyebrows, temple, then the remaining hair- and use a totally 80s scrunchie to separate because I've found that the scrunchie leaves less of a "dent" on my hair then a claw clip, but whatever works for you. I then use a 1 1/4 inch curling iron and curl from the TOP DOWN (vs bottom up), this is very important because it gives you body at the root and middle part of your hair instead of just the ends. It also curls your hair completely instead of just the tips. Curling your hair this way makes a significant difference in how long your curls will last. A few people I've done their hair for have started curling their hair this way instead of the bottom up and have told me what a difference it's made for them.


Ok, so start at the top 1 1/2 to 2 inches with the curling iron and curl up leaving the ends loose and out of the curling iron's clasp. Hold for a few seconds (I do 10 second when I have the time and I'm going out).  I like to curl my hair so it curls away from my face on each side, I think it helps minimize the chubiness of my cheeks, and I like that 70's type vibe a lot. Depending on what works best for your hair you can use hairspray before or after each curl. I hold my curling iron barrel vertically, but holding horizontally gives a slightly different look for the curl that also looks really cute.

Then release the clasp and slide down to the middle section of your hair and curl all the way up leaving just the ends loose. Hold a few seconds.



Finally, slide the barrell all the way down to the ends and curl up to the root. Hold a few seconds.


After I have my entire head curled, I spray it with hairspray and wait a few minutes to let the curls "set". Your hair sets not just with heat, but how it cools.

Sidenote: If you hair doesn't hold a curl well or you need the curls to last longer than usual, try curling your hair and the pinning it at the roots. At this point, you will look like curly sue!

Once your hair is ready, rake your fingers through your hair to break up the curls. Then style as desired, I tease my crown (using Velcro rollers helps to get even more height) and the front sides. Hairspray again and you're ready to go!


Here's how it looks with all my own hair:

Here's how it looks with 2-3 tracks of extensions. I use the same method of curling for the extensions, but curl them before putting them in because I find it's easier:

How was this little tutorial? Was I clear on how to do it? Did you find it helpful?

How do you curl your hair? Do you wear your hair curled often?