SUMMER 2011: MAKE UP INSPIRATIONS

Personally, I prefer wearing as little make up (or completely sans make up) as possible during the summer months. When it's scorching hot outside, no one enjoys that disgusting feeling of wearing heavy foundations or powders on your face or bothering with eye makeup that washes off in the water or inevitably slides off during perspiration. For those that can't live without a touch of make up, these videos are inspirational for enhancing your natural beauty a la the 1960s.

source: topshop, nylon tv, bechic (via youtube)

SHEER LIPSTICKS

Sheer and shiny is the new form of lipstick. MAC has came out with Sheen Supreme lipsticks that replaced everyone's favorite Slimshines. They are pigmented to the point where you can somewhat stil see your lips without the full impact of a lipstick. They are like a lipstick and a gloss in one. Also on the sheer lipstick bandwagon are Chanel Rouge Coco Shines. These are similar to the MAC ones, but on three times the price, wide range of colors, and less pigmentation. Both of these lipsticks give off that "sorbet effect" with that see-through your skin finish and are mess/worry free. 

MAC Sheen Supremes

image source

Chanel Rouge Coco Shines

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TOP NAIL POLISH PICKS - OPI - SPRING 2011

Image Source: opi.com

I am obsessed with OPI and when I saw their collaboration with Pirates of the Caribbean, I almost DIED! These pearly colors are perfect for the spring. Also important to note is that they are introducing the SILVER shatter. I'm ready to buy them all!

SUMMER 2011: SAVE OUR SKIN!

I think we can all agree that one of the best parts of summer is being able to show a little skin in our cute floral dresses and skirts or daring denim cut offs. But there's always a dark side. Recent statistics revealed that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Also, did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer? Scary, right?

Therefore, practicing sun and skin safety is absolutely crucial to our health.

Aside from the obvious reapplication and copious amounts of sunscreen  that need to be reapplied every few hours, prevention is clearly the key.

La Roche-Pochay is continuing it's 'Save Our Skin' initiative for it's third consecutive year, advocating for sun safety nationwide. One of the coolest components of the program is that it includes a free iPhone application called MyUVCheck. The application uses location-based services to assess the strength of UVA (aging) rays and UVB  (burning) rays.

 (image source: thefashionspot)

The key is early diagnoses, which results in an 80% cure rate, so schedule a full body check up with your dermatologist who will then, depending on a variety of factors, let you know how often you should get your body checked.

For more info/tips, visit sossaveourskin.com

YOUR FAVORITE MAKE UP: BACKSTAGE

Ever wonder who the creator and founder of your favorite make up brands were? Well here's a little insight to the history of these brands:

Nars

image source: http://lacedivory.onsugar.com

Founded in 1994 by Francois Nars, a make up artist and photographer from France. He first developed this collection made up of 12 lipsticks sold in Barney's New York. From then on, his collection went global.

Too Faced

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. While working behind Sak's counter, Jerrod wanted to develop a line that included creativity and unique colors. Today, Too Faced is recognized world wide.

Benefit Cosmetics

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded by Jean, Jane, Maggie, and Annie, also known as the "Fab Four." They are well known for their whimsical product names and feel-good philosophy.

Smashbox

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1991 by brother Dean and David Factor. This is the most popular brand amongst celebrities, models, and photographers.

QUICK HAIRSTYLE PERFECT FOR FINALS WEEK

It's finals week at UC Davis, which means everyone is decked out in hoodies, sweats, and other comfy clothing. But instead of throwing your hair into a ponytail, why not try this quick and easy hair tutorial? It only takes a minute and you'll look and feel ready to take on all your finals.

Follow These Easy Steps:

Step 1: Find your natural part and divide hair into two sections.

Step 2: Twist first side starting one inch away from the hairline and continue all the way down. Be sure to secure it with a ponytail.

Step 3: Twist other side and bring the two sections together in a messy bun. Et voila, you’re done!

Good luck studying everyone!

Image Source: Courtney Mariano

HAIR TAMER

image source: missjessies.com

Everyone has that one beauty product they can not live without. Usually it's a lip gloss, concealer, etc. For me, it is Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding to tame my mass of curly hair. Without Miss Jessie's I would look like a female version of Buckwheat (crazy and out of control). The inspiration behind Miss Jessie's comes from the owners' (Titi and Miko Branch) grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch, who would concoct mixtures in her kitchen to tame and style her granddaughters wild curls. They not only provide great products, but are also the go-to salon in New York City for curly hair clients. Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding gives my crazy frizz ball a shiny bounce, allowing me to create a manageable style that I can achieve without a stylist. Check them out at missjessies.com

POLISH INFATUATION

I tend to go through phases of wearing nail polish, sometimes because it is just a little too girly for me or even because the upkeep is too much, but recently I have gotten back on the polish trend and I am obsessed with this color...

Essie Lapis of Luxury.

Thanks to my talented friend, my nails got hooked up using this beautiful periwinkle color. It is the perfect color for winter, with hints of blue and purple, adding instant pop to any outfit. I suggest putting on 3 coats for a vibrant color and a ton of top coat in order to add shine and thickness.

I am going to try this look next... tie dye minxed nails

image sources: Pretty Petals blog, Glamour

RAINBOW OF COLORS

I have been experimenting with my hair color since middle school, but have never gone as far to dye my hair an unnatural color. So the other day when I came across some trendy coloring techniques including the ombre effect and rainbow highlights I wondered to myself, would I ever have the guts to dye my hair in such a bold style?

The two toned look

Ombre is the subtle shift in color, from the palest light to the deepest dark, and is a very low maintenance hairstyle. You can allow your roots to grow out making the style look even better. Now what girl doesn't want a low maintenance and trendy dye job?

This rainbow style would be a tough one to pull off but the all the bright colors are just so beautiful and playful.

Or just a hint of color...

image sources: Frisky.com, refinery29.com, Jeremy Scott's 2010 Spring photos